By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The author critiques the notion that Donald Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela constitute a “freedom agenda,” arguing that Trump’s primary focus is on securing Venezuela’s oil resources for American companies, not on promoting democracy or human rights. Trump has dismissed the legitimate democratic opposition and instead is working with Maduro’s Marxist vice president and has threatened violence. The author points out that Trump’s actions are driven by a desire for plunder and bullying, contrasting this with historical US interventions aimed at promoting freedom and democracy. Trump’s behavior is compared to the actions of an outlaw nation and the author’s final statement is, “This. Is. Not. True.”
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We’re the Bad Guys Now. This sentiment, surfacing in the collective consciousness, feels less like a sudden revelation and more like the unveiling of a truth that’s been simmering for a long time. It’s a phrase that encapsulates the feeling of many, a shared realization that the United States, once perceived as a beacon of hope and freedom, has morphed into something… different. The shock, the disbelief, the anger – all are present, but the core of the matter is the acknowledgement. The world, it seems, has been whispering this for decades, and now, finally, many within the U.S. are beginning to hear it too.
It’s tempting to pinpoint a singular moment, a specific event that triggered this shift. Some might point to the rise of a particular political figure, the erosion of democratic norms, or the blatant disregard for international law. But the truth is more complex. The cracks in the facade have been forming for a long time, starting with events such as the events of 2001 and the responses to them. These responses, the decisions made, the leaders elected, the conflicts permitted to take root, contributed to internal division, mistrust, and societal polarization. The long game, it seems, has been lost, as the U.S. has been the aggressor for a long time. The pursuit of power, the exploitation of resources, the disregard for human life in the name of political and economic gain – these actions have created the context in which we now find ourselves.
The reality, as many point out, is that the perception of the U.S. as a global force of good has been a carefully constructed narrative, often at odds with the lived experiences of those who have borne the brunt of its actions. To understand this, one needs only to look at the history of the United States. We invaded nations and destroyed countless lives. We toppled governments. We have been the bad guys for centuries, if you consider the effects of slavery, the displacement and near genocide of Native Americans, the exploitation of resources, and the support of dictatorships that have systematically harmed people around the globe. Those who have seen these actions firsthand have never had any doubt about where the U.S. stood.
It’s not just about the actions themselves; it’s about the mindset that enabled them. The deep-seated belief in American exceptionalism, the notion that the U.S. is somehow divinely chosen, destined to lead the world, has blinded many to the consequences of its choices. This over-the-top patriotism, combined with extreme inequality and obsession with guns has led the country down a dark path. The internal decay has become visible. The actions of the past, as well as the actions of the present, have become increasingly obvious and naked.
And here’s the kicker – we, as a nation, have collectively voted for this, even if, on a personal level, many of us didn’t support it. The country, a plurality, even, of the people have made this happen. Complacency, ignorance, and a failure to hold leaders accountable have all played a part. The country failed to build a decent society. Now, we are reaping the consequences. The “now” isn’t a starting point, it’s a culmination.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, this recognition of our own complicity, our own contribution to the current state of affairs. But perhaps, within this hard truth, lies the possibility of change. Maybe, by acknowledging our failings, we can begin to chart a new course, one that prioritizes compassion, justice, and genuine global cooperation. Maybe, just maybe, by admitting we are the “bad guys” can we start to find a way to be the good guys again.