BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermonters expressed mixed reactions Saturday to news of an overnight operation in Venezuela, with many voicing concerns about congressional oversight while others supported the mission’s objectives.
Richard Sheir of Montpelier said his wife told him about the development Saturday morning.
“Holy Noriega,” Sheir said was his initial reaction.
Nadia Dubose of Burlington wasn’t happy with the news.
“It’s destabilizing, it’s not necessarily the best thing for the people,” Dubose said.
Ann Culkin of Essex Junction said she was shocked.
“Horrified I was absolutely horrified, I was embarrassed, I find myself feeling that way a lot as an American these days,” Culkin said.
Several residents questioned whether proper congressional approval was obtained for the operation.
“I think it’s completely unconstitutional first of all,” said Kate Lagatta, a visitor from Boston.
Dubose expressed broader concerns about governmental processes.
“We have a government that supposed to function in a particular way and we have been seeing the systematic dismantling of that, and the reconstruction of what our government is going to be is very alarming,” Dubose said.
Ty Monteverde, visiting from Tarpon Springs, Florida, said he supported the mission.
“I don’t really have an issue with them capturing someone that’s evil and likes to bring drugs into this country for profit of his own,” Monteverde said.
Monteverde said secrecy was necessary for such missions and believed the outcome will benefit Venezuela.
“In all the videos everyone’s cheering they’re cutting down his propaganda and stuff and you know I think it’s important that they can elect their own official and become more democratic and hopefully prosper as a country,” Monteverde said.
Dubose acknowledged the situation in Venezuela but disagreed with the approach taken.
“It sort of continues to perpetuate the narrative that black and brown communities and countries don’t have what’s needed to govern themselves and they need white supremacy to do so and I’m not down for that,” Dubose said.
Despite the uneasiness of the strikes, residents expressed relief that no deaths occurred during the operation.
“I’m glad it was successful and I’m glad nobody got injured on the American side and I’m glad Maduro’s alive and can be held accountable for the crimes he’s committed,” Monteverde said.
However, concerns remain about future implications.
“I’m concerned for the world, this goes beyond America,” Sheir said.
