Last week, Jim Carrey ( better knows as Ace Ventura) said, “We have to say yes to socialism–to the word and everything. We have to stop apologizing.”
Columnist Laureano Márquez wrote a response to Ace’s comments in the Venezuelan periodical Runrunes. Márquez argued that socialism is the root cause of the Venezuela’s current state of crisis:
“Dear Jim, I admire you a lot, but sometimes it seems that the inability of Hollywood stars to understand politics is directly proportional to their talent. Perhaps for you, as for all humanity, the word ‘socialism’ sounds beautiful.” He went on to explain that many define socialism as “the antithesis of selfishness, synonym of concern for others; support for the weakest and their needs; and, of seeking health and education for all.” However, Marquez said that socialism today has “deep threats.”
“In Venezuela, what we find is that our regime is not – for God’s sake – the antithesis of selfishness. In Venezuela, dear Jim, from what I have just told you, there is no equitable distribution of wealth. Wealth is concentrated, as rarely before in our history, in very few hands.” Marquez explained that people in Venezuela are “at God’s mercy” and are fleeing the country “however way they can” as they do not have access to medication, food or other basic needs.
“This is a tragedy that is compounded by the denial of a regime that claims that the population has never been better.”
Under socialism, Ace wouldn’t be a rich Hollywood celebrity with an automatic platform for spouting off about politics. As socialism in history has always taught us, he probably wouldn’t even have enough food for his family. Try living in Venezuela, Ace.