The way I see it, all countries are shady.

I live in Venezuela, a country that has ‘freed’ itself from the American Empire, and frankly the state-run socialist government I’ve experienced for the past 23 years is just as bad as the rampant capitalism of the US, maybe even worse.

Remember that scene in The Mandalorian where Werner Herzog’s character questions whether the Rebellion’s toppling of the Empire has actually accomplished anything? That’s pretty much how I feel right now, as this government has trampled on my every dream and aspiration. I sincerely hope sooner rather than later I can finally leave this country and never return nor hear about it ever again.

You can say I have grown past the common trope in works of fiction about the ‘Evil Empire’ that must be taken down, as my life experiences have taught me that the reality is a lot more complicated.