To the editor:

If the United States is seriously concerned about food and medicine shortages in Venezuela, it should ease the economic sanctions against the country. Venezuela has products, oil and minerals, and there is demand for them. To wall off these products from the U.S. and its allies will create paths for exchange that circumvent the sanctions. The opening of a dialogue that allows a free market exchange of Venezuelan products for dollars and services and the assurance of monitored democratic elections would add to a foundation that’s needed for ensuring stability and well-being for the Venezuelan people.

A military intervention at this point is not supported. The policy of increasing sanctions and hoping that the support for the current government will cease to exist has only increased intolerance, fear and a distrust of the United States.

Tom Guba,

Lawrence