Heyo folks. Today, I'd like to talk about a situation that very deeply concerns me.

Over the last year, since the Anti-Maduro opposition took over the Venezuelan National Assembly, tensions between Maduro and the Opposition have come to a head in the last week.The National Assembly voted to declare that Maduro "couped" the government, and attempted to have a petition for a referendum vote. However, The Venezuelan CNE(Consejo Nacional Electoral - National Election Commission) and the Venezuelan Supreme Court declared that the petitions being used by the Opposition were fraudulent, which has led to massive opposition protests in Caracas calling for Maduro to step down.

Maduro, and his government, have fought back against the claims with both force and words, and while claiming to want open dialogue with the opposition, stating that the protests were a part of an attempted coup with the help the United States and compliant foreign media. The #2 of the Socialist Party has said that any companies joining the protests would be promptly seized by workers and the military.

At this point in time, the opposition are holding a political trial for Maduro in the National Assembly, and have most recently called for a 12 hour strike. This puts supporters in a difficult situation, as food prices have spiked since Maduro took over in the wake of Hugo Chavez's death, leaving them with the choice of either feeding their families or staking it out against Maduro. Regardless, the opposition has also promised to march on the presidential palace next week.

Personally, I hope the Opposition wins it out by peaceful means. Maduro and his kind should've been gone a long time ago, there is no question there, but the day-to-day situation for your average Venezuelan is difficult enough as it is, and I'd hate to imagine what would happen if this escalated to a civil war. I think this can end bloodlessly, and I would like to see Venezuela make a return to democracy.

Sources:

"Venezuelan assembly declares "coup" by Maduro govt"

https://www.yahoo.com/news/venezuelan-co...10709.html

"Chavistas burst into Venezuelan parliament debate over recall of Maduro"

http://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/cha...62-3076141

"Venezuela crisis enters dangerous phase as Maduro foes go militant"

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezu...SKCN12R2J8

"Venezuelan opposition strike patchy amid government threats"

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezu...SKCN12S1QD