People seem to be stuck in a 1960's-1970's realpolitik predictive mindset. Sure, if Nixon were if office, we'd have seen a hundred thousand or so American army dudes storm in over the beaches by now. Along with a bit of firebombing to disperse the "Pinko! Commie! Terrorist!" refugee camps for good measure. I.T.T. would be all over rebuilding the infrastructure, Larry Hagman would be shanghaied as the on-the-spot smiling friendly front-man for the American oil industry, and every company with a million dollars or more in sales would be scrambling to open an office down there.

Today, too many benefit from the Venezuelan situation.

1. Venezuela's share of global oil output is decreasing. Bad for them but ...

2. Too many countries were relying on higher oil prices and can't pump more fast enough to make up their budget shortfalls. Cutting competition is a godsend for almost all.

3. The Chinese gained a semi-reliable source of oil. But, only the small part they care to invest in, and maintain control over. The greater remainder of the Venezuelan oil industry can go to hell for all they care.

4. The American fracking industry benefits. They got nothing but room to expand. Sky's the limit if only oil prices would rise a bit.

5. American foreign policy benefits as they can point to how the Chinese do business. The Chinese ship in their own people to run things and steer output only to themselves. Colonialism ain't dead amigos! Just this time it ain't the northern gringos.

6. Trump can point to all the refugee camps in neighboring countries and laugh at the OAS. "Border crisis, guys? Can't contain it? Yeah, tell me all about it. Wall it to me!"

7. Russia gets to thumb their noses at the Monroe doctrine. "Ukraine motherfuckers! How do you like it?" Russia would also benefit from higher oil prices.