Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today, addressing the ongoing situation in Venezuela.

"As the Maduro regime continues its attempt to steal an election, the people of Venezuela are standing up – forcefully – against the predations of a hellish, socialist dictatorship," McConnell stated.

McConnell highlighted that Venezuelans across the country are actively protesting. "They’ve torn down a statue of Maduro’s socialist predecessor, Hugo Chavez. And in at least one instance, security forces have removed their uniforms and refused to use force against the demonstrators."

He praised the resistance shown by Venezuelans but expressed concern about their struggle against an authoritarian regime. "Unfortunately, they’re up against an authoritarian who will stop at nothing to retain his grip on power. After all, Maduro has learned from the worst—Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, Damascus, and Havana."

McConnell criticized those he described as "useful idiots and fifth columns" supporting Maduro. He pointed out certain social media factions defending controversial figures and accused them of blaming external forces for Venezuela's unrest. "Some of the same corners of social media that defended Bashar Assad, spun conspiracies about Ukraine, and demonized Israel are now laughably accusing the CIA of masterminding Venezuela’s unrest."

Furthermore, McConnell took aim at mainstream media in America for allegedly misrepresenting Venezuela's issues. "According to the New York Times," he said sarcastically, "Venezuela’s problem isn’t the abject failure of socialism but the incursion of a supposed ‘brutal capitalism’. George Orwell would like a word."

Concluding his remarks, McConnell called for clarity in recognizing and confronting what he termed as evil. "Mr. President," he urged, "the free world ought to have the courage to look evil in the face and call it what it is."

###