Random observations in Venezuela and Colombia

[MatthewVanitas]

Been down here mucking around for a few weeks between school and work. I've noticed a few interesting gun moments to point out, so though I'd share.

Can't get pics, unfortunately. Local authorities are (understandably) concerned about random foreigners photo-documenting their security measures.


Venezuela: at major gov't sites, you see various types of military with folding-stock FALs, but the majority of local cops carry stainless revolvers, a mix of various brands (Smith, Llama, Colt), with extra ammo in cartridge loops on holster or belt.

The cool thing in Venezuela is what you see with the private security guards outside of restaurants and clubs. I noticed quite a few guys carrying some long gunlike object, so went up to one to inquire. The kid pulls out what looks like a single-shot shotgun, pistol grip, 12" nickel barrel, and cracks the action to show me the base of the shell: FIOCCHI 12. I asked if if was some gas or non-lethal round, and the guy shakes his head and digs a couple rounds of buckshot out of his holster loops: "Eso mata a uno." Reminds me of Jeff Cooper's recommending the single-shot for local bodyguards.

Colombia: I was wandering through the historic quarter of Cartagena, which is an incredibly scenic place. Imagine the French Quarter of NOLA, but cleaner, more vividly colored, and more Iberian than Gallic. I was marvelling at how clean and orderly everything was there, and wondering how they did it. Just as I'm wondering, I see a full squad of Colombian Marines come around the corner, two NCOs with MP5s and a crew of non-rates with Galils. It appears they're doing a bangup job keeping the peace.

Just a few random observations. -MV

 

[Beetle Bailey]

Thanks for sharing, as I always enjoy your posts. However, you've got me spoiled a bit so it's too bad you can't take photos. . .

BTW, no offense, since I've never been to Colombia, but from your short description, it sounds a bit like a police state .

 

[LAK]

Actually, "clean and orderly" is usually a cultural manifestation. There are plenty of near or literal police states; take Mexico for example. Very disorderly - and very far from clean.

-------------------------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Colonial Cartagena is a bit anomalous, in that it receives far, far more attention to maintaining order than other parts of the city or area. The local gov't knows that the tourist dollars of wealthy Colombians and foreigners depend on Cartagena being seen as a safe place, thus their frequent patrols, good maintenance, etc.

Other parts of Colombia are cleaner than in many other Latin countries, but Cartagena is a special case.


BB: yeah, lack of photos is annoying, but I'm just not comfy trying to explain to a guy with a Galil that I'm "just curious". But I did get some great photos of the lovely mosque in downtown Caracas that the Saudis built for their bestest OPEC buddies...

 

[Jim K]

Colombia is very far from a police state, but security is tight and was especially on election day (28 May). The FARC is a real problem although I get the impression they are now hurting pretty badly. They have never been strong along the coast (Cartagena, Barranquilla, etc.) but did blow up three busses near Santa Marta.

The people voted against them by re-electing Alvaro Uribe Velez to a second term with 63% of the vote. While willing to talk, he has been pretty tough and FARC support is dwindling, even though they reportedly receive arms and explosives from the Chavez government in Venezuela. The Ecuadoran Army has struck FARC incursions into their territory and has cooperated with the Colombian Army in raiding their camps and stopping those who tried to take refuge in Ecuador.

Hugo Chavez is not well liked in that area at all, even though he seems (for now) to have the support of the Venezuelan people due to his "Yanqui" baiting and promises of big money from nationalized oil facilities.

Jim