Fox News Finds Venezuela’s Oil “Common Sense” for US, Discovers Geopolitical Gravity
Watters argues that because the US 'looted Japan for gold in WW2,' taking Venezuela’s oil is a logical extension of past practices (The Independent). This novel legal framework conveniently omits the fact that 'looting' is, well, looting. It's a remarkably blunt endorsement of resource nationalism—for the United States, that is. This echoes a long, uncomfortable history where 'common sense' for
powerful nations often translated into destabilizing resource-rich countries or backing coups for economic gain, from Chile to Iraq. One might wonder if Venezuelan oil producers view this as 'common sense,' or perhaps a more antiquated term like 'piracy.' The media's framing of such statements as merely controversial, rather than a clear endorsement of international lawlessness, exposes a
selective amnesia regarding global power dynamics. When 'securing interests' turns into openly advocating for resource seizure on national television, the line between commentary and propaganda blurs into non-existence. How many sovereign nations must be plundered before 'imperialism' stops being a 'concern' and starts being Tuesday?