Venezuela Is Out of Food: Here’s What an Economic Collapse Really Looks Like

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Venezuela is out of food.

After several years of long lines, rationing, and shortages, the socialist country does not have enough food to feed its population, and the opposition government has declared a “nutritional emergency.” This is just the most recent nail in the beleaguered country’s slow, painful economic collapse.

Many people expect an economic collapse to be shocking, instant, and dramatic, but really, it’s far more gradual than that. It looks like empty shelves, long lines, desperate government officials trying to cover their tushes, and hungry people. For the past two years, I’ve been following the situation in Venezuela as each shocking event has unfolded. Americans who feel that our country would be better served by a socialist government would be wise to take note of this timeline of the collapse.

A quick review: Why Venezuela Is Out of Food

In 2013, many began to suspect that the outlook for Venezuela was grim when prepping became illegal.  The Attorney General of Venezuela, Luisa Ortega Díaz, called on prosecutors to target people who are “hoarding” basic staples with serious sanctions.

Shortly thereafter, grocery stores instituted a fingerprint registry to purchase food and supplies. Families had to register and were allotted a certain amount of supplies to prevent “hoarding.”

Then, just over a year ago, it became even more apparent that the country was falling. when long lines for basic necessities such as laundry soap, diapers, and food became the norm rather than the exception. Thousands of people were standing in line for 5-6 hours in the hopes that they would be able to purchase a few much-needed items.

Shortly after the story broke to the rest of the world, the propaganda machine shifted into high gear.  As the government began to ration electricity, it was announced that this was not due to economic reasons at all, but instead was a measure of their great concern for the environment.

As the situation continued to devolve, farmers in Venezuela were forced to hand over their crops last summer. They assumed control of essential goods like food, and began putting retail outlets out of business. Then, once they had control of the sales outlets, they began forcing farmers and food manufacturers to sell anywhere from 30-100% of their products to the state at the price the state opted to pay, as opposed to stores and supermarkets.

But that wasn’t enough to keep the population fed. (Isn’t it astonishing how much less motivated people are to produce food and supplies when they are no longer allowed to benefit from their hard work? Historically, collectivism and farming have never gone successfully hand in hand.) This January, the government told citizens that they would need to produce their own food. The Ministry of Urban Farming was created to oversee this. While self-reliance sounds great, it isn’t so great in Venezuela. Just so the urban farmers don’t get too self-reliant, a registry of the crops and livestock will be required. (And obviously, they’ve already proven that they have no issue forcing farmers to hand over what they’ve produced.)

Now, it looks like all of the socialist measures and forced food production haven’t been enough to keep the people of Venezuela fed. The country is in so much trouble now that it isn’t possible to cover it up with propaganda.

According to Breitbart.com, lawmakers have learned nothing.

Socialist legislators are hoping to manipulate the initiative in the other direction, and use it to expand government control of private food enterprises. Legislator Héctor Rodríguez has insisted that the economic emergency “does absolutely nothing,” and the government should impose itself on private enterprises. Another socialist legislator, Ricardo Molina, is calling for the government to expropriate Polar, Venezuela’s largest private food corporation: “we have to intervene on private sector enterprises.”

Venezuela previously forced a Polar food distribution center in Caracas to shut down in July, putting 12,000 tons of food, six million liters of soft drinks, and 2,000 jobs at risk.

And now, the announcement of the “nutritional emergency” makes it official. Venezuela is out of food, and it’s only a matter of time before Venezuelans are quite literally starving due to a long series of terrible decisions by their leaders.

Prep before it happens

It’s essential to note as this all plays out that there is little people can do now to rectify their situations. If they aren’t already quietly prepared, they are completely at the mercy of their socialist government.  It is absolutely vital to put back supplies well before the general public is aware that a crisis is pending.

As well, consider the fact that many folks here believe that a socialist government is exactly what our country needs. They eagerly lap up the promises of “free education” and “free healthcare.” They warmly embrace a presidential candidate who is an unabashed socialist. It absolutely astonishes me. They’d be well-advised to pay attention to how well the freebies have worked out in Venezuela. Socialism is not a sustainable economic model, something that has been proven time and time again, much to the detriment of the victims of the misguided notions.

The game pieces here are already lined up to control the American people should our economic situation continue to worsen. For example, there are already laws in place to “prevent hoarding.” Remember a few years ago when President Obama signed an executive order that gives the federal government authority over every resource and infrastructure element in the United States?

There are a lot of uncomfortable parallels that can be drawn between America’s financial situation and the disaster in Venezuela, and one thing is clear: self-sufficiency is the only way to protect your family. Even if you haven’t really begun to prepare, there’s still time to become more self-reliant. Here are some steps you should consider:

It is vital to practice OPSEC (Operational Security) by keeping your preparedness related activities on the down low.  Preparedness and self-sufficiency author Tess Pennington warns that in a crisis situation, things you said months or years ago could come back to haunt you.

A person should think twice about telling others about any prepping investments they have made.  If a SHTF scenario occurred, anything said previously can be used against that prepper.  For example, if you tell your neighbor you have silver coins stashed away, if times were desperate enough, that neighbor could turn on you.  Keeping quiet about what one does is second nature to some.  But for others that are new to the idea of prepping, they do not see the whole SHTF picture.  If one person tells another about their preps, one person could tell another person about what preps their neighbor has.  Then, the word spreads throughout; especially when a severe situation occurs.  People will remember what you have told them, and come to you for help (if they are unprepared).  Helping a neighbor or family member in need is a noble deed.  However, those preparedness items are an investment for you and your family; and therefore, no one outside of the family should know what you have (unless you want that person to know). (source)

As people become more desperate, they behave far differently than they would in normal circumstances. You have to be prepared for the day when you might have to defend your home, family and supplies. When an economic disaster strikes, the one thing you can count on from the government is that they will not be prioritizing you and your family. In a situation like the one in Venezuela, you will be completely on your own at best. At worst, your supplies will be targeted “for the greater good.”   Maintain your freedom by becoming quietly self-sufficient.

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Daisy Luther

Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging, globe-trotting blogger. She is the founder and publisher of three websites.  1) The Organic Prepper, which is about current events, preparedness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of liberty on her website, 2)  The Frugalite, a website with thrifty tips and solutions to help people get a handle on their personal finances without feeling deprived, and 3) PreppersDailyNews.com, an aggregate site where you can find links to all the most important news for those who wish to be prepared. She is widely republished across alternative media and  Daisy is the best-selling author of 5 traditionally published books and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides, printables, and courses. You can find her on FacebookPinterest, Gab, MeWe, Parler, Instagram, and Twitter.

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  • Socialism is wonderful. It allows a country sitting almost right on the equator, with a year round growing season to starve. This is what many Americans want—Feel The Bern!!!

    Socialism appeals to:
    A) Slackers who think they’ll get something for nothing.
    B) Psychopaths who think they’ll be running the show.
    C) Lazy people, mostly young, who have never lived under a socialist system.

    • You’re an idiot.

      Like Cuba, Venezuela might have been just fine if it weren’t for the efforts of “American interests”.

      Plenty of socialist countries thrive and have happy, healthy, well fed citizens.

      • Hey Francis, name a few thriving socialist countries. Then be prepared to explain away the problems they are having. Socialist Europe has “thrived” due to the U.S. defending them. And don’t look now, but they are on the brink as well. Look twice before throwing names around. You resemble that remark.

    • BS. Total BS. To say that “socialism” is just slackers, lazy people, and psychopaths, ignores the terrible destruction that the rampant capitalist 1%ers have wrought on America.

      They are the true enemy. Bernie Sanders is a democratic socialist, which means that the base is capitalism but that checks and balances are in place, such as regulations on wages and pensions, to prevent ordinary workers from having their legitimate contributions to wealth being stolen by the very rich. Which is what is happening now. Taxes on the wealthy, via high income taxes and investment taxes are how you do this.

      Do you really think that “socialists” have precipitated the massive loss of jobs overseas? Do you really think that “socialists” have precipitated the continuous attack on public schools, programs that benefit ordinary Americans, and social security? No, it is wealthy Republicans. And they have sucked you in to supporting them at the expense of your own interests.

    • Not need to compere, first because here is and imperialist and capitalistic system, and your oil reserves are going down and your country need a new country with a lot natural resources to invade. Plus, all presidents at the USA are just peon that move under the orders of corporations, and war industry.

  • when government takes over control and ownership of industry it’s called communism, not socialism.
    Socialist countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Canada, have repeatedly been some of the best, and safest countries in the world to live in.

    corruption is not particular, it is a pathogen to all forms of governance.

    • RE: “Socialist countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Canada, have repeatedly been some of the best, and safest countries in the world to live in.”

      The ‘best’ part in subjective, however; do you suppose the ‘safest’ part has more to do with the culture being homogeneous more than anything else? Like say, Capitalist Japan. That, and the Socialist countries haven’t run out of other people’s money, yet?

      Anyway, I reminded of this bit from Walter E. Williams:

      “What goes unappreciated is that socialists and communists have produced the greatest evil in mankind’s history. […] Those horrors were simply the end result of long evolution of ideas leading to consolidation of power in central government in the quest for “social justice.” […]

      While America’s leftists, socialists and communists condemn Hitler, they give the world’s most horrible murderers a pass. First, they make a false distinction between fascism, communism and socialism but more importantly, they sympathize with the socioeconomic goals of communism and socialism. The primary goal of communism and socialism is government ownership or control over the means of production. In the U.S., only a few people call for outright government ownership of the means of production. They might have learned that government ownership would mess things up. Instead, they’ve increasingly called for quasi-ownership through various forms of government regulation, oversight, taxation and subsidies. After all, if someone has the power to tell you how you may use your property, it’s tantamount to his owing it.

      I believe most Americans find the ideals and principles of socialism, communism and progressivism repugnant, but by our sanctioning greater government centralization and its control over our lives, we become their dupes or, as Lenin said, “useful idiots.”

      • And Capitalist countries have such a fantastic record with dictators, death, and destruction.

        Bottom line: there is good and bad almost everywhere. Every belief and organization systems have benefits and liabilities, it’s generally the personalities involved that determine how it is used.

        • “the personalities involved”???

          Nope, it’s The Policy.

          The personalities can change, but the policy remains.
          It’s why elections haven’t been outlawed yet.

          In ‘The Vampire Economy’ of a Socialist country, there can be plenty of happy, healthy, well fed citizens.

          See also: Cheerleader for Hitler’s Economics – By Gary North

      • Canada is one of the most diverse nations in the world. VAncouver has over half its population speaking non-English, and over 200 languages are spoken in Canada, which is not only more socialist, but also has a freer economy (Index of Free Economies) and where the average person is wealthier than in the US.

        Sweden is also very diverse, with 15% foreign born, most beyond the borders of the EU. Germany is the second most popular migration destination in the world, after the United States, with over 20% having immigrant backgrounds.

        Canada, Sweden, Germany and other nations with high immigrant populations are not “running out of other people’s money.” Canadian citizens just overtook the wealth per capita of US citizens. Sweden has one of the highest income levels in the world, as well as universal education thru college and healthcare.

        What the anti-socialists cannot stand is that the most successful economies int he world are social democracies. But it’s an indisputable fact. The dogma that socialism leads to serfdom is refuted by the fact that such nations also have the highest civil rights rankings in the world.

        The greatest enemy of the Social Democrats was Hitler, who sent them to Dachau, along with liberals and other socialists. Today, this hatred continues, tho the success of the social democratic natoins is an irrefutable fact. Facts don’t matter when you are basing your thinking on hatred and dogma. And that is where fascism arises……………

        • Dale, I can’t understand how one can look at every instance where socialism has been tried and see the utter devastation it does to the country and then say “yes, I want that!” I just don’t get it.

          “Canada, which is not only more socialist, but also has a freer economy (Index of Free Economies) and where the average person is wealthier than in the US.”

          Your statement is simply not true. Canada is 14th on the list.
          http://www.statista.com/statistics/203941/countries-with-the-highest-wealth-per-adult/

          You also stated: “The greatest enemy of the Social Democrats was Hitler, who sent them to Dachau, along with liberals and other socialists.”

          WHERE IN THE HELL DID YOU LEARN THAT!? Do you know that the NAZI party was based on socialism?

          Why with all of the other socialist countries you want to convert the US? Why can’t you simply move to another country if you don’t like the foundation this was built on? Can’t we have one capitalist country?

  • Hi Daisy! Always a pleasure to read your posts.

    I’m amazed at how far Venezuala has fallen. Plenty of oil, great farmland and culture that is so dis functional due to their effed up government which is coming to a venue near you here in the USA. Grow your own food, shop at local farmer’s markets and buy your meat from local butchers. Be reliant upon yourself even it is growing tomatoes or herbs on your balcony. Have plenty of cloth diapers for your little ones that you can reuse after a good cleaning. Have some chickens for eggs and meat. Learn what herbs and mushrooms you can safely harvest for your use. All these ideas are not new……our grandparents and ancestors lived a good and robust life that led to our easy peasy existence.

    Best!

    Snake Plisken

    • RE: “Why would you want to reveal your plans online ????”

      Good question.

      There’s all these prepper blogs out there (Are they the p.i.g.s.?) asking people, “What did you do to prep this week?”

      No one should say anything, but they do. I’ve done it myself.
      The strings are very encouraging and motivating to read. (Which is good.) Decent people can’t help but be swept up by it and want to contribute, in order to help, and be a part of a group working towards something better.

      However; overall, those threads seem kind of… bad. In the long run. At the same time, it’s fun. It’s too easy to forget the NoSuchAgency isn’t recording it all for later use and most people I imagine Just Don’t Care, either way.

      Life in a police state is funny that way. …It hasn’t gotten real serious here in the unitedstate yet like it was in the old GDR, a lot of people think it’s all fun and games now. …Hopefully it won’t ever get that bad and the empire will simply run out of money before then.

      Yeesh, unless they start WWIII or outlaw cash and therefore liberty. We’re surrounded by Monsters.

  • Daisy,

    Thank you for another thought provoking topic! I’m so saddened by the turn our country seems to taking. With the control of our media so that the steeples don’t see what is going on in the world, we have lost the current civic events our lives should have. We have a younger generation who doesn’t understand world events and how it will affect all of our lives.

    I applaud those who plan and prep, and I also have to say this kindly to those who go online and pour out their plans on where they will purchase things, how they will prepare their property and measures they plan step by step. Please do not share every little detail online, verbally with neighbors, or acquaintances. In a true SHTF scenerio, these people will know where to get what. You lose your stores, and potential bargaining powers if you are relieved of your preps. Think safety, please.

    We all share ideas, dreams and goals, just don’t spill it all and give location. Remember we do live in the age of big brother and do you really think that you are anonymous by using alias or multiple emails? They all come from the same IP address, your home. This safety show be part of your preps.

    Please take your privacy and safety seriously! Don’t be a hermit, just use common sense!

    Lisa

  • Venezuela is floating on oil reserves, but rationing electricity. It’s Bush’s fault. That, and rich people hoarding electrons.

    • When are you people going to quit blaming Bush? Venezuela is run by a socialist dictator !! How’s that for feeling “the bern” !!

  • Daisy,
    Please remove my comment. I cannot seem to be able to do it myself nor contact you other than to comment.
    Thank you,
    Pam

  • What should those who live in apartment settings or renting should do? What should military families do since we move around a lot?

  • To blame it on socialism is cheap and pathetic. You really shouldn’t read Breitbart. The problem in Venezuela is that most of their economy depends on OIL, and since the Saudis have been causing a big cut in price of oil because of overproduction, their economy is failing. It is Saudi Arabia that is working to drive other oil producers out of business and are causing economic problems for Russia and other oil producing countries.

    Other ‘socialist” countries are doing great as posted above.

  • Woaaaaaaaaoooooooooo!!!! You not serious about this? This is completely BS, I am from Venezuela and here we are fighting the right national and international movement, the same that overthought Allende in Chile, and the corporations power that wants to take over the oil industry. And by the way compere B Sanders who is a politician that represent imperialism, with just a little of his thought on the people of this imperialist and private country, is not healthy.
    The president of USA is not more than a manipulative peon, representing health insurance corporations, privet education, over incarceration #1 in the planet, war companies that support homicides in many countries that are not agree with the way is implanted here, importing crime and delinquency, invading countries in central and south America in the name of freedom… To be honest your article is full of lies, only thoughts without educated support.

    My suggestion is first read, and investigate before you write, find support to your arguments by citing the sources (good sources not your own bologna) of your thinking, or even better move to the country and see by yourself, write about what you see and your experience. I do certify that all this INFORMATION IS NOT REAL.

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