By Ren Pluta, World BEYOND War, March 4, 2026

World Beyond War (WBW) Latin America Organizer Gabriel Aguirre and WBW member Ren Pluta marched in the city of Mérida, Venezuela (pop ~ 200,000) Wednesday, March 4 in solidarity with between 2000 – 3000 local protesters supporting the national call to return President Maduro and First Combatant Flores to their home after their illegal kidnapping and transportation to a u.s. prison.

The gathering was an excellent example of the efficacy of community networks that started the call to the street only the night before the march. There was no violence, and speakers included the mayor and the governor.

Despite suffering over 1000 reported u.s. sanctions against Venezuela last year, Venezuelans managed to produce over 90% of their own food, and continue to provide healthcare and free education for their population.

There were more than a few conversations where Venezuelan citizens openly and  strongly stated that they believe that most people in the u.s. are very different than the face that Donald presents. While a number of citizens rightly hold us responsible for reconstructing our fascist-leaning government, they also mentioned they are well aware that Donald made the decision to kill people in Venezuela and kidnap the President and First Combatant without consulting Congress or the u.s. population.

Contrary to Donald’s exaggerated claims of narco-terrorism and flooding the u.s. with fentanyl and cocaine, both the UN Office on Drugs and Crime AND u.s. counter narcotics organizations report that Venezuela isn’t a producer or exporter of fentanyl and that it plays a relatively minor role in the cocaine trade.

These types of bombastic headlines created by Donald’s “let’s keep the u.s. population scared” minions in the media smell of the same lies that were tied to our nose rings to lead us into other wars. Remember the “surprise” incoming attack on Pearl Harbor that was picked up visually beforehand but not reported? The fake boat attack that led us into Vietnam? The non-existent weapons of mass destruction that damaged yet another generation of veterans in Iraq?

The distinct Venezuelan, heartwarming receptions experienced from government officials, residents of a barrio, a fishing community, members of successful communes, academics, wait staff in restaurants, artists, hospital personnel, and scientists is, in my opinion, a much truer representation of Venezuelans than the false accusations being delivered by Donald and Co.

Note: The purposeful use of the diminutive form u.s. in this article is of the author’s choice, intended to reflect their personal belief that the office of the President is not currently filled by anyone representing the majority of the u.s. population

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