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Dawna Stromsoe's avatar

Whoa. Jonathan, thanks so much for detailing the truth behind the deplorable, unacceptable arbitrary round up of humans by unethical, unqualified and corrupt thugs. So many lives have been disrupted and I fear, destroyed by the Mump Oligarchy. I appreciate your work, your voice immensely.

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Jonathan Larsen's avatar

Thank you, Dawna.

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Lisa Gearen's avatar

This reporting reminds me of Mother Jones Magazine, and yes, I’m that old

Really appreciate the clarity and discipline in avoiding assertion of opinion

Get the F out of your brand name, and I might start paying for the privilege of reading your work

Just saying

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Jonathan Larsen's avatar

Thanks, Lisa. That's one reason I have two separate Substacks. This one for family-friendly original reporting and commentary, and the rude, terrible, NSFW one for me to vent. Folks are encouraged to support whichever of the two floats their metaphorical boat(s). Thanks for the kind words and the feedback!

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Lisa Gearen's avatar

Good to hear

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Liz Burton's avatar

As an addendum, the Maduro government has stated repeatedly that not only is Tren de Aragua not funded by that government but is considered an operation of the anti-Maduro right that is known to have been funded by the CIA. Think Juan Guaidó et al. In addition to creating mayhem in Venezuela to ensure continued chaos, the Maduro government alleges the right-wingers there use TdA as coyotes, collecting money from people desperate to escape the effects of US sanctions and get into the US.

Note that something like 10,000 of that bunch were granted immediate asylum some years back, so there's a body of anti-Maduro activists with likely ties to the CIA eager to throw Maduro out. So, as always the operative question here is: Qui bono?

Out of the nearly 300 Venezuelans returned home, less than 10% had any criminal record at all, and those who did were for nonviolent crimes. The Maduro government has a program in place specifically to reintegrate deportees back into the country, and yet Trump and his merry band insist Maduro is rejecting them. There was no legitimate reason to send a single Venezuelan to El Salvador.

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Van Garmon 3's avatar

Why not invade/liberate Venezuela from Maduro before Venezuela joins BRICS?

I'll let Jonathan sort that one.

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Rebel Nun's avatar

I’m convinced that’s exactly the plan.

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Ghost Of WU's avatar

My parents were part of the John Birch Society in 70’s and my dad had books growing up talking of ending the IRS. The republicans are finally getting their wish or almost. Trump voters used by propagandists and buying the lies. All in the name of Jesus. I’m sorry but no more.. we are too smart for that…this our future. They won’t be around for the destruction they leave in their wake. We will fight to get Justice for all and the truth will be told. Thank you for the article, very revealing.

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Jonathan Larsen's avatar

Thanks for the inspirational words.

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Lynne Cheney's avatar

This so called prison is a place of torture and death and innocent people were sent there. T rump meets with the president of El Salvador Monday. Beyond despicable.

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Celeste Mulcrone's avatar

Wow, this is sone magnificent writing! So happy I splurged and upgraded! Kudos.

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