Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar 1/11/26: Did Trump’s Venezuela Attack BLOW UP The Horseshoe?
12 snips
Jan 11, 2026 
Christian Parenti, a journalist and author known for his profound insights on political economy and conflict, joins the discussion. He dives into the implications of Trump's actions in Venezuela, calling them criminal and discussing the insanity of a potential U.S. occupation. Parenti sheds light on local politics, the intertwining of sanctions and oil, and critiques legacy media while celebrating independent platforms. He also touches on the challenges of deinstitutionalization in mental health and higher education bureaucracy, offering a nuanced perspective on these critical issues.
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From Hitchhiking To Community Radio
- Christian Parenti recounts hitchhiking to California at 19 and learning journalism through KPFA community radio training.
- That early radio work launched his reporting career and led to Flashpoints and later freelance journalism.
The Gang Truce Sabotaged
- Parenti tells the story of Dwayne Holmes organizing a gang truce in Los Angeles that predated the riots by months.
- He describes FBI and LAPD sabotage, including Holmes' wrongful conviction and imprisonment.
Venezuela Options: Collapse Or Compromise
- Parenti argues the Trump administration's Venezuela action is bellicose and criminal but unlikely to involve a full occupation.
- He warns Venezuela could fracture into civil war, negotiated settlement, or internal coup depending on elite splits.
