My Weekly Commentary
Regarding the Democratic Charter (OAS), no matter what happens, I will never accept foreign intervention in our country. I truly don’t care about those who choose a different path. I, Miguel Salazar, consider myself one hundred percent Venezuelan. I believe we can resolve our problems without seeking “help” from abroad. Whatever you call it, I would never support foreign interference. Certainly, I feel like a citizen of the world, but above all, my affection is for the land where I was born. This is my homeland, where I laid my roots and to which I wish to return when my lungs exhale a long, heavy sigh, like the whistle of coalmen as they leave their posts. This is my Venezuela. I will not label those who choose a different path as traitors, nor will I call for a court martial or dust off the decree for a war to the death… that’s their choice.
OAS
Now, I must make it clear that I will not sit idly by in the face of foreign intervention. There are those who justly criticize the presence of Cubans in Venezuela, much like those who questioned the actions of the British Legion (19th century) during the War of Independence. It’s because, regardless of the reasons, our Venezuela belongs to Venezuelans and to those who take it as their eternal home. Even if we lack global support, we still have each other. Those who look outside for a hand to escape the crisis are merely nurturing the seed of their own destruction. Undoubtedly, Venezuela is not an inflexible woman, unable to cry for her children. Therefore, all I can do is ask those who think differently to reconsider their intentions; it’s unreasonable for the common desire to change the Government to end in a deadly conflict among brothers. If the classical world embraced jazz and pop styles (once unthinkable), why can’t we confront our differences civilly? For thinking this way, some will continue to see me lost in my dreams. It’s about J. A. Pérez Bonalde’s “Return to the Homeland,” where I find my childhood memories. I’m an optimist, after all.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. Last Sunday, on my show “Las Verdades de Miguel” on Canal i, María Corina Machado officially announced her candidacy for the presidency of the Republic. She will be the first leader to express her intentions to become the opposition’s presidential candidate. Her decision has sparked anxiety within the MUD, where potential rearrangements are anticipated.
EXCLUSIVE. Thirty-nine colonels from the Brigade General Daniel Florencio Oleary promotion (comprising 213 lieutenants) will be promoted to brigadier generals. Here is their strict order list for promotion, as per their graduation rank:
Urbáez Fermín Renier (9th lieutenant aux.)
Murga Baptista, José (189)
Manzano Arredondo, Ricardo (118)
Vásquez Quintero, Jesús (36)
Marcano Tábata, Javier (207)
Acorta Guevara, José (other lieutenant aux.)
Bello Orta, Leonardo (112)
Ibarra Tayupe, ldderf (97)
Moronta Ángel (83)
Urdaneta Tito (157)
Meléndez Eliecer (184)
Pérez Villamizar, Pablo (38)
Arocha Rivas, Enrique (134)
Brito Rodríguez, Pedro (171)
Lapadula Sira, Aquiles (175)
Camargo Rivero, Elvis (104)
Guerrero Víctor Hugo (25)
Tillero Marín, Malvin (32)
Piña Mora, Francisco (13)
Delfino López, Giancarlos (46)
Alayón Rodríguez, Jesús (61)
Torres Silvino, José (98)
Romero Castro, Ángel (89)
Aquino Lamon, Oswaldo (172)
Reyes Guado, Héctor (86)
González Viña, José (41)
Salas González, Vladimir (20)
Rodríguez Leonardo (88)
González Celestino (58)
Núñez Hernández, Humberto (30)
Camchica Pernía, José (35)
Salas Tejera, Marcos (33)
Blanco Marrero, Rafael (59)
Martínez Losada, Giancarlos (27)
Henríquez Manosalva, Reinaldo (34)
Santini Reyes, Ghimi (5th lieutenant aux)
Fernández Pereira, Rafael (major lieutenant)
Celegon Marlon (72)
Cabaña Herrera, Pablo (131).
Interestingly, the first graduate of the promotion (major lieutenant Rafael Fernández Pereira) now occupies rank 37 for this promotion; while lieutenant Murga Baptista José, who graduated in position 189, is now promoted to general, appearing as number two.
DOUBLE STANDARDS. There are situations that highlight double standards. One such instance is found at the Ministry of University Education, Science, and Technology. The elevators there are out of service, but María Carolina Rodríguez (HR director) has access to a private elevator that reaches the 20th floor, while the rest of the employees must climb the stairs. When the issue is raised, the official (known as the godmother of El Gallito, and therefore connected to the minister) warns about the record of merits and sanctions for those who fail to endure the climb. Justice, equality, revolutionary vocation? It’s worth noting that in 2004, the former Torre Unión delivered a pristine building with eight operational elevators; today, none work. The reason? During the first term of the late commander’s son-in-law, a Korean company was contracted to replace them, but due to non-payment, the Asians left the work unfinished; today, there’s no one to repair the elevators in the country. Workers ask, how is it possible to launch satellites into space but not fix elevators? Meanwhile, Minister Arreaza ordered a floor to be set up for himself in a nearby building affiliated with an agency, showing that there the elevators are working, and his office looks immaculate, surrounded by gardens like in Babylon. In the ministry’s hallways, amid whispers, his subordinates refer to him as Octavio V, recalling the son of the king of the Medes.
Jorge Arreaza
HIDDEN. Counterintelligence has information about the repeated attempts to recruit officers loyal to Nicolás Maduro, aimed at undermining that support base for the government. Meanwhile, there is growing discontent within the Navy, specifically at the Naval Base in Puerto Cabello. Progress towards a potential uprising is hindered by the Army (greater firepower), which is loyal to the government. At the same time, it’s likely that a military trial is being prepared against those considered “raiders of the barracks.”
CONDE. The proposed law granting civil rights to the LGBT community (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender individuals) has its opponents in the PSUV, including Elías Jaua. This has caused deep annoyance in the first transgender deputy from Voluntad Popular; however, she is backed by an influential media figure known as the Conde de Aragua, who is said to be favored by the sultan of that state, and he also has a penchant for sweet oranges from Nirgua gifted by a young red deputy; another in the same group is an executive from the Aragua Legislative Council (questioned for alleged corruption cases).
SCANDALS. If it rains like this, it won’t escamp. The recall referendum suits the CNE perfectly; they have just hired the foreign firm HL SOFG Panama, which in turn subcontracted the local HL Administración de Servicios, all to verify and validate signatures for the referendum. There are a total of 250 verifiers earning fees of 75 thousand bolivars monthly (how much was the contract?)… they turn everything into a business.
BAIT. At kilometer 88, in El Dorado (Bolívar), one of the largest collection centers for essential products is located. Buyers from across the country and even from Brazil come to this “market,” all under the watchful eye of the government.
ELECTIONS. In the elections to be held on 7/6, to elect the new board of the TSJ Savings Bank, Fernando Montilla (Block 5) is shaping up as the new treasurer.
OBITUARY. After a long illness, our steadfast friend María Digna Dugarte passed away last Monday. Our condolences to her children Rubén Darío and María Medina Dugarte (journalist).
BLACK MARKET. Among the banking agencies and merchants, they have clandestinely agreed to “bachaquear” with the point-of-sale systems; thus, after allowing users to withdraw small amounts through ATMs, they go to the merchant, who swipes their debit card to cover the deficit, but not before keeping 10% of the requested amount.
PROGRAM. This Sunday at 10:00 am on Canal I, in “Las Verdades de Miguel” I will be speaking with Claudio Fermín.