A message from the Hancock Country Democrats:
Background: President Trump is pulling out all the stops to distract us from his disastrous administrative blunders, revenge efforts, failing health, and downright grift. One of the most recent is a “wag the dog” (1) threat to Venezuela, accompanied by extra-judicial killings of people in small boats, without presenting proof that they were doing anything threatening to the U.S. This sort of provocative posturing can lead to years of armed conflict and death. It’s an old distraction gambit, but when being posed by an increasingly erratic person with the nuclear codes at his command, it’s truly alarming.
Another reason for persecuting Venezuela besides Trump’s distraction effort, is his claim that Venezuela stole something from the United States. The claim refers to Venezuela’s nationalization of its oil industry, which involved the taking of assets from foreign companies, including U.S.-based oil companies, not the US government. THAT HAPPENED IN 2007, almost 20 years ago. (2) Those oil companies are still among the richest corporations on the planet. Apparently, their greed never ends. Didn’t we see enough blood for oil in Iraq? Do we really have to repeat the mistake?
Several legislative bills and resolutions were recently introduced in the U.S. Congress to prevent unauthorized war or military action with Venezuela, but they have so far failed to pass. (3) They included
Senate Joint Resolution 90, introduced in October. Failed Nov. 6
“No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act”, (actually two separate continuing resolutions) introduced November 21, rejected December 17
THERE IS NO current legislation in the works to prevent the President from continuing military actions in the region without congressional approval.
Action: Ask our delegation to take the lead in introducing legislation blocking war with Venezuela. Stop the efforts at regime change! We have no more business telling Venezuela to topple its government, than Russia had, perhaps still has, fomenting discord here.
Contact:
Senator Angus King
DC: (202) 224-5344
Augusta: (207) 622-8292
Senator Susan Collins
DC: (202) 224-2523
Augusta: (207) 622-8414
Bangor: (207) 945-0417
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
DC: (202) 225-6116
Portland: (207) 774-5019
Waterville: (207) 873-5713
Congressman Jared Golden
DC: (202) 225-6306
Bangor: (207) 249-7400
Caribou: (207) 492-6009
Lewiston: (207) 241-6767
Urgency: The situation is ongoing. Apply pressure now.
Extra Credit:
(1)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wag_the_Dog#:~:text=Wag%20the%20Dog%20is%20a,and%20directed%20by%20Barry%20Levinson%2C
(2)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_U.S._involvement_in_Venezuela%27s_petroleum_industry
(3) https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-12-17/house-rejects-limits-military-action-venezuela-20127592
