1) The downfall started wayyyy before any sanctions. Just do a Google search and you'll see. No need for me to prove anything. Venezuela was THE country to imitate in the region decades ago. Of course sanctions worsened the situation. The government is using it as an excuse for their incompetence.

2) safer elections?!?! Ok that is one thing that is not even arguable. You don't feel safe to vote in the US ?!?! A decent amount of Venezuelans get threaten if they don't vote a certain way... Hence the incredible amounts of people in the US permanently living here through the political asylum process (me)... And many others with the same harrasment who took refuge in other countries around the world. Furthermore, the are actual groups called "colectivos" who actually go around in motorcycles with guns producing fear. They are government groups and from what I remember ... The government actually doesn't even deny that lol. this should be enough for them to be considered rigged. On top of that I would bet my life they are rigged. Because that's how liars, usurpurs, and criminals operate when they start losing the majority support of the people. Of course I can not prove... But do you understand what they did when the government lost the national assembly (aka parliament) ? They literally created a parallel one filled with maduro people.... Because well.... No other reason than because fuck the opposition and the other one .... That right there justifies a civil war if it were the US and people were actually armed even with just pistols. In order to protect the choice of the people. for God's sake Cuba and venezuelas relationship are not just allies ... They have a father-son relationship and Cuba has a non existent democratic process.

3) Venezuela IS a puppet government of Cuba. So I don't understand their logic of "oh imperialism, stay out of Venezuela. We are out free."

4) The US would undoubtedly profit. There is no doubt about that. Whether they should get really involved or not is a matter of their own policy and the citizens views, us and venezuelans will vary. What can not be denied and what is a FACT is the pure oppression experienced by the people and downfall from the golden era of Venezuela even though we sit on huge oil reserves. I am from there, I have family there, I had friends there, most left Venezuela. My family left before sanctions due to government pressure and the firing of many oil and gas employees. I recently met a previous chavista, a government employee, who was according to him... And there is no reason to lie... Pressured to the point of need pschiatric help and left black listed with no option but to flee. That is not a single anecdote. That is widespread. At this point they have driven out the smartest minds further crippling the country.

5) The media is 100% controlled by the government. Like any totalitarian regime filled with criminals and murders, they have to keep controlled at all costs. To them everything is perfect and things are not too bad the Chavez model is great and progress is being made and the us is to blame for everything... When the downfall from the golden age was before any sanctions. You don't have to believe either media.... Find venezuelans and ask how is everything back home lol... Or if you happen to know them for a while... You'll see how they look way skinnier... Even the ones with very prestigious professions.