Refugee who escaped socialism cautions that Mamdani’s policies resemble the downfall of Venezuela

Venezuelan Refugees Warn Against Socialist Policies in NYC

Venezuelan refugees, escaping political oppression, caution that the socialist proposals from New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani could lead to similar difficulties in the U.S.

“I think things are different this time, especially for young people supporting socialist ideas,” said 27-year-old Franklin Camargo. “People don’t want government control over their lives. They should be able to chase their goals and happiness without interference. So, I mean, I wouldn’t really trust those ideas.”

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who won the Democratic nomination for NYC Mayor in June, has campaigned on creating a more affordable city for residents. His platform features frozen rent, investment in public housing, city-operated grocery stores, “free” childcare, and increased taxes on businesses and wealthy individuals. He argues for fostering equality within the city and beyond, stating there should not be billionaires.

However, Camargo, who escaped the regime of dictator Nicolas Maduro, contends that the issues faced by New Yorkers stem from government intervention rather than individualism or capitalism. He believes Mamdani’s policies are “anti-American” and have wreaked havoc in countries like Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union, and North Korea.

Camargo, who was just a year old when Hugo Chavez rose to power in Venezuela, recalls his family once being proud of their nation’s status as having the fourth-largest GDP. Sadly, he witnessed Venezuela’s decline due to aggressive socialist measures, including rent control, nationalization of industries, and censorship. “It became impossible for everyday people to survive without government aid,” he reflected.

He fondly remembers visiting the U.S. as a child and being struck by its organization, technology, and even the diversity of products in grocery stores. “I was wowed by the Oreo choices and just how everything was set up,” he noted.

Although initially unaware of politics or economics, Camargo developed a strong interest over time, studying thinkers like Milton Friedman and Adam Smith. He became a vocal supporter of capitalism, giving speeches and participating in media discussions. Yet, his activism came at a high cost; while pursuing medicine, he faced exile and labeling as a “terrorist” for opposing socialist ideology. His cousin suffered imprisonment and torture for similar reasons. Ultimately, Camargo fled to the U.S. in 2019 and now serves as a political commentator.

He worries that cities with progressive leadership, like New York, might embrace failed socialist principles. “Mamdani resembles socialists from Venezuela and the Soviet Union. He’s advocating for nationalizing production,” Camargo asserted. He recalled Chavez’s approach, which aimed to eliminate the wealthy, believing it would create equality.

Camargo encourages Americans to uphold the unique values that made the nation what it is today. “America became great through its foundational values,” he expressed. “In 1776, there was nothing here that could match that. The government exists to protect individual rights—not to make you happy or provide free food and housing. As the saying goes, a government big enough to give everything is big enough to take everything away.”

He cautioned young Americans who seem enthusiastic about socialism, suggesting they might one day regret it. “Every attempt at socialism has failed—this time won’t be different,” Camargo warned.