We had a man who has been in Australia for over a decade from Venezuela in our TaiChi class. He loves Australia compared to his old life. He loves the beautiful harbour and blue skies. My trainer though is very political and thinks the overthrow of Maduro by the US is worse for Venezuela. I briefly said that I am happy in Australia as well but I have friends who are in business who struggle in the current climate. Also I added I go to the city everyday and see the homeless and know the gap between rich and poor is even bigger than ever before. I said I don’t think it is fair.

For him and his family the US invasion has been positive. Also he said in his youth politics was the main topic around the home. My trainer though was saying that in the long run Venezuela would have been better off overthrowing Maduro themselves. The US is known for Western corporate colonialism which is its soft power in play. You end up with corporate interests not paying tax and unchecked land holding. All of this stuff is what is driving up prices in Australia and around the world.

It may not affect the wealthy but it creates a difficult environment for small businesses to survive. If you hold a corporate job you won’t feel the pressure and the sky will keep looking blue and wonderful. I would say I am quite happy and mostly I am in a good position but I do have empathy for people who are struggling. I can’t help feeling sorry for those ‘doing it tough’. But I am also aware that you have to be realistic about your prospects. Which means take some of the onus off yourself and try to make things work for you.