When I was in graduate school, one of my labmates was from Venezuela. She was studying Cancer Biology with my wife. Labs are tight knit communities, so I had gotten to know her well. At her thesis defense, I spoke in length with her father about his history. He was a brilliant, accomplished scientist & entrepeneur. He had studied Veterinary Science, and earned a PhD. His specialty was in adapting cattle to specific grasses through an understanding of their complex digestive systems.
He had applied his knowledge to adapt cattle to particular native grasses of Venezuela and Argentina. This benefited the nation of Venezuela as more productive cattleland creates more access to high quality protein (Grass fed beef). He had become a very wealthy landowner and rancher; a reward for his knowledge of science and business. When Hugo Chavez took power in Venezuela, his lands, his herds, and his property in Venezuela were nationalized. Thankfully he and his family escaped, but their home and legacy were seized by Chavez.
Many of the wise and successful of Venezuela were chased from their land or imprisoned at home. Socialists will tell you that they were only seizing back resources from evil American corporations, but the truth is success was criminalized in pursuit of the socialists' agenda. After Maduro's capture, I think of my friend, her family, and I hope they may one day be able to see their home again.
#memestr