Let's talk about Trump’s blockade...

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Belle of the Ranch 3 min 1 speaker 5 chapters transcribed 1 month ago

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What did Trump announce about a naval blockade of Venezuela?

Belle of the Ranch 0:01

Well, howdy there, internet people it spell again. So today, we're going to talk about Trump's blockade. Trump announced a naval blockade of Venezuela through a rambling social media post that in relevant part says quote Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America. It will only get bigger, and the shop to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before. Until such time as they return to the United States of America all the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us. In context, he appears to be talking about oil production facilities in Venezuela that are nationalized. He then added, quote

Is a naval blockade considered an act of war under international law?

Belle of the Ranch 0:54

Therefore today I am ordering a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela. It's unclear at time of recording how many oil tankers are actually going to be impacted by this. Almost immediately, we got questions about whether a blockade is an act of war. Most questions about the laws of war like this have a pretty nuanced answer. This one? Not so much. A naval blockade is pretty much always considered an act of war. This is a big deal, if Trump actually means the word he used.

Will Trump actually enforce a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers?

Belle of the Ranch 1:37

Another common one is, how are the various embargoes legal? But a blockade is an act of war. That's easy too. Military force, or at least the threat of it, is used in a blockade. The next question is Is Trump really going to blockade Venezuela? Look, it's Trump. We have to entertain the possibility that he literally doesn't understand what he just said. His exact words were A total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers.

How are Congress and House members responding to the proposed blockade?

Belle of the Ranch 2:11

In Trump world, that might mean nabbing sanctioned tankers and not actually setting up a blockade. That being said, it seems clear Trump wants regime change in Venezuela. And the rest of the post talking about oil and land takes this into a bizarre new level. It certainly seems like he's trying to set the stage for war. Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas posted to social media saying quote A naval blockade is unquestionably an act of war. A war that Congress never authorized, and the American people do not want. On Thursday, the House will vote on Representative McGovern, Representative Thomas Massey, and my resolution directing the president to end hostilities with Venezuela.

What are the potential consequences of a U.S. regime‑change war in Venezuela?

Belle of the Ranch 3:06

Every member of the House of Representatives will have the opportunity to decide if they support sending Americans into yet another regime change war. Massey posted on social media saying quote Two years ago I voted to withdraw our forces from Syria. This week I will vote to keep our forces out of Venezuela. Regime change abroad isn't America first, and it won't make America great again. I hope the vote currently scheduled for Thursday isn't too late to allow Congress to weigh in on the situation that has undertaken a massive escalation. Anyway, It's just a thought. Y'all have a good day.

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