Is the United States turning into a banana republic?
By: Claude Carranza
Edited: Anthony Carranza
Opinion Article
A commentary “fictitious” analysis offering a contrast between some historic similarities or differences between the South American nation of Venezuela and the United States (U.S).
My good friend Ronald is a nice person. He was named after the guy who doubled the US federal debt between 1980 and 1988. His old man is still in great shape and is also convinced that Mr. Reagan will have his good looking head on Mount Rushmore

President Chavez illustrates the Venezuelan Constitution during the speech.
Characters debating
- GR: George Ronald
- AC: Anthony Carranza
George Ronald was ecstatic some 6 months ago, at the beginning of the GOP primaries.
He sent 50 $ to Sarah Palin, then 40$ to Michelle Bachman.
GR:These gals do have what it takes to get the job done, my friend. Newt is just a rhino, and Mitt a closet liberal. Let´s get taxes down. Stop big government.

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AC: You make about twice the minimum wage, George, and you pay an almost 5% income tax. Mitt´s percentage is 14%, which is more than he can take, poor sweet thing, sure … But if your party gives him one more rebate then a lot of guys like you are going to have to make a little effort to make up to compensate the diminished Romney contribution to the budget.
GR:Don´t be sarcastic, man. Taxes are killing us.
AC: I see. Not unemployment. Not the lack of health care. I think I get your idea. You don´t have medical insurance because you don´t need it.
The former governor of Alaska, who became an expert on foreign affairs by looking hard on the coastline of Siberia, did not enter the contest. Ms. Bachman … mmm … did she enter the primaries race or not? I forgot. George sent 30 bucks to that great Texas fellow Mr. Perry.

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AC: Seems your guy is dropping it, George. Stating that the US lost its way 100 years ago, this was a sincere statement from him; but not a smart one. Do you think he really meant to say women should not vote and African-Americans must be kept far from a polling place?
GR: Ron Paul is the real thing, pal.
AC: Did you get any refunds from your $50, $40 and 30 $ donations?
GR: Don´t get cute on me, you old European skeptic.
George R. recently sent 20$ to Rick Santorum. Undying faith! … Diminishing in gradual amounts over time though.
AC: I have a hunch this is your last donation, George.
GR: I don´t see why. There is going to be a presidential election this fall, in case you forgot.
AC: Yes, sure but not with Ricky on the presidential ticket. He´d rather have Obama than Romney, he said…
GR: I am an optimist. The good fight goes on.
AC: Well, yeah, sure. Everything is possible. The Supreme Court may even decide to choose the President, once more.

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GR: What´s that you said?
Some days I just can´t help my accumulated and distasteful memories and I get an upset stomach. I let go of my sense of humor for a couple of lines…
AC :A “coup d’état” took place in this country back in 2000. Things are complicated. Keep it simple, George Ron. Stick with the Tea party.
GR: You Europeans have twisted minds, definitely. You think you have been around, that you have seen it all until the present time.
AC: Nay! You Americans always manage to surprise this old skeptic who thinks nothing can baffle him: “Let´s send ten thousand US citizens to the moon then claim our natural satellite as 51st state”. Now … Wouldn´t it be kind of big government?
GR: I don´t get your point. I didn´t send any money to Newton Gingrich.

AC: One of Hugo Chavez main weapons used to stab democracy in my country was the Venezuela Supreme Court. Together Chavez with a majority in control of congress, journalists on Chavez’s payroll, and corrupt politicians … And a 1 percent wealthiest pulling the strings and making billions. Sounds familiar?
GR: Not at all of course, nothing to do with this great country of ours, land of the free … You are sour, angry or upset, and this nation is not a banana republic.
AC: Thanks, George, for taking my advice. You always manage to make it simple.