Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

Beyond all the back-and-forth we have read and heard this week after the encouraging words Lorenzo Mendoza spoke to his employees, all I have left to say is this:

• Those who leave and those who stay are fellow Venezuelans, bound at the root by the same land, the same history, the same beaches, the same mountains, the same customs and traditions… And we must never forget that!

• Those who leave and those who stay (apart from the well-connected) are disillusioned with this government, fed up with the lies, disgusted by the corruption, ashamed of those who have let themselves be bought without caring at all about their country’s future, and astonished at so much incompetence…

• Those who leave and those who stay dream of raising their children with values, so that they become an honest new generation that changes the country’s course, and so that they also contribute something good to the other country they have chosen in place of their homeland. And so hold the name of Venezuela high!

• Those who leave and those who stay all dream of a better country and a better world. Some of us have decided to stay here, with all the risk that involves, because we want to fight here with all the strength of our hearts, without fear!, whatever happens and whatever they do. Those who leave will fight over there, with the risk and great sacrifice that also involves, and will give their best to the new country that welcomes them.

• Those who leave and those who stay must always! understand both those who leave and those of us who stay. That is why there is no place for calling those who stay irresponsible, or those who leave comfortable.

• Those who leave and those who stay must never! forget that our roots, our families and our ancestors are here… So from here or from there we will work and/or pray for everyone.

• Those who leave and those who stay must be very clear that the problem we are going through is not caused by the country or by most Venezuelans. It is caused by a totalitarian and corrupt government. That is why we do not speak badly of Venezuela or of Venezuelans!

• Those who leave and those who stay need hope in order to live. That is why we must give hope to all! of us who decided to stay, and also to those who decided to leave and are still keeping a close eye on us. And those who leave must give us hope and carry hope to those first-world countries where hope is needed too.

• Those who leave and those who stay must be very clear that our final homeland is Heaven, and that we will get there if we knew how to give all the Love we could to our country and our people, from here or from there.

• Those who leave and those who stay must understand that this struggle is anything but easy; that we are fighting against Evil in its fullest expression, and that only God and the Virgin will help us keep going. And that with our struggle and total dedication, without fear!, we will rebuild our country with honesty, hard work, competence and decency… So that one day all! of us can live in a Venezuela where Truth, Justice, Freedom and Peace shine for all, absolutely all! Venezuelans.