The US hates Venezuela's independence

John Pilger writes that The US hates Venezuela's independence.

The remarkable change in fortunes for millions of people in Latin America is at the heart of U.S. hostility. The U.S. has been the undeclared enemy of social progress in Latin America for two centuries. It doesn't matter who has been in the White House: Barack Obama or Teddy Roosevelt; the U.S. will not tolerate countries with governments and cultures that put the needs of their own people first and refuse to promote or succumb to U.S. demands and pressures.

A reformist social democracy with a capitalist base — such as Venezuela — is not excused by the rulers of the world. What is inexcusable is Venezuela's political independence; only complete deference is acceptable. The 'survival' of Chavista Venezuela is a testament to the support of ordinary Venezuelans for their elected government — that was clear to me when I was last there.

Venezuela's weakness is that the political 'opposition' — those I would call the 'East Caracas Mob' — represent powerful interests who have been allowed to retain critical economic power. Only when that power is diminished will Venezuela shake off the constant menace of foreign-backed, often criminal subversion. No society should have to deal with that, year in, year out.

Emphasis Mine

This is the core problem of dual power. Until the Venezuelan people take control of the economy, the threat of a counter-revolution is always present.