Comment: "Let's hope that the international community, or whoever, doesn't just focus on politics and the president's future, but starts with first thing first, relief for a people in real despair."

Agreed, but the chances are low. International finance, corporate petrobosses like Tillerson and hardline right-wingers are intent on regime change, no matter how much damage they cause in the process. That's why the U.S. has squeezed the economy, as it did in Chile before the 1973 coup.

Inside Venezuela, the oligarchs desperate to get all their privileges back are willing to sacrifice any number of poor people. That's why, in addition to blocking commercial roads and attacking government offices, the 'peaceful' opposition firebombs food depots (and then complains about food shortages).