Yeah.  It wasn't like this even one year ago.  The country seems to have taken a giant leap toward Soviet-style autocracy.  I saw some graffiti today (on the side of a bank) that read "Socialismo o Muerte."  Not much in-between ground there.  Just underneath that was the Jewish Star of David = (Nazi swastika).  Seems they've swallowed the Iranian propaganda whole as well.  The opposition is trailing in the polls by 20 some points, but they apparently have a not-too-shabby 30% or so support.  This seems to scare the current regime a bit since I don't think they need to do any of what I discussed above to win the current election.  If anything, they are driving people away. 

Socially, people are the same as ever.  Very accomodating and pleasant.  This could be a great country with little more personal responsibility and less autocratic/more accountable government. 

Poverty statistics here vary wildly depending on the source (government or opposition).  What seems to be clear is that basic food supplies are indeed easier for the poorest people to get.  On the other hand, unemployment (and useless government make-work) are way, way up.  Imports are being heavily restricted and scrutinized, but this is killing the local businesses that have an integrated supply chain. 

Foreign investment is still present in some sectors.  Crowne Plaza just bought the 2nd best hotel in town, and there are several new "international" chain restaurants augmenting the already-good group of local establishments.  Caracas, on the other hand, seems to be an absolute disaster with the city getting dirtier and more lawless by the day.  Kidnappings are up dramatically again this year. 

I think the current leadership means well, but they still haven't learned the lesson that by trying to level the playing field by eliminating the competition faced by the poor, they are really just dragging the average standard of living down for everyone.  The poor are not rising in any demonstrable way, and the middle and wealthy classes have less and less incentive to try to make things work. 

I have gotten some good-natured ribbing about bringing "sulfurous odors" with me.  I said, "No, that's just a rather stout methane, but thanks for noticing."