Guests - James Bradley, Thomas Trask
U.S. Military Action in Venezuela: A Historic Raid and Lingering Questions
Three days after U.S. forces executed a daring raid on Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the nation grapples with the implications. The operation, conducted on January 3, 2026, involved strikes on military targets and a swift extraction, transporting Maduro to New York to face federal drug and weapons charges.
Author James Bradley, known for Flags of Our Fathers and his latest novel Precious Freedom, drew stark parallels to America's past military entanglements. Bradley, whose father fought on Iwo Jima and whose brother served in Vietnam, argued that the action risks becoming "Venezuela is Spanish for Vietnam."
"America's record of regime change has been a disaster," Bradley said, quoting former President Donald Trump. "We have to rebuild our country... We have to stop this regime change and nation-building nonsense."
Bradley emphasized that the U.S. military has not achieved a successful regime change in 80 years, citing failures in Iraq, Libya, and Vietnam. He warned of a potential quagmire in a country three times the size of Vietnam, where local resistance could mirror the determined defense mounted by Vietnamese farmers and ranchers.
"The American military has not won a war in 80 years," Bradley noted. "We have not had a successful regime change in 80 years."
While acknowledging Maduro's indictment and allegations of narco-terrorism, Bradley questioned the sudden shift from Trump's campaign rhetoric against nation-building. He compared the action to historical missteps, where initial public support eroded into prolonged conflict.
Host Kathleen Winn defended the operation as enforcement of a legal order, rooted in intelligence linking Venezuela to drug trafficking harming Americans. She stressed respect for sovereignty but argued that sources fueling organized crime and cartels demanded action.
"This country was killing America," Winn said, highlighting the threats from narco-terrorism.
Bradley countered by pointing to inconsistencies in targeting "bad guys," referencing Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and reiterated Trump's past criticisms of interventions under Obama and Clinton.
The discussion extended to broader geopolitical risks. Bradley raised the precedent set for other powers:
"President Xi can take Taiwan if we can take Venezuela. Why can't President Xi just kidnap the president of Taiwan?"
Winn rejected equating the situations, affirming opposition to Chinese control over Taiwan due to ideological differences and U.S. alliances.
Bradley, a staunch supporter of the military with deep family ties to the Marines and Navy, framed his critique as pro-military: avoiding untenable situations where political leaders place troops in unwinnable positions. He shared insights from Precious Freedom, drawn from 10 years in Vietnam interviewing fighters on both sides.
"I'm the first and only author who went to Vietnam and asked them how they won," Bradley revealed.
One striking anecdote involved helicopters, symbols of U.S. power in Vietnam narratives, which Vietnamese viewed as evidence of American weakness—revealing landing zones and enabling ambushes.
Bradley described the Vietnamese perspective on forgiveness and unity, noting their affection for Americans despite the war's horrors. He urged learning from failures to prevent repeating them in places like Venezuela.
Winn expressed appreciation for Bradley's perspective, committing to read Precious Freedom and inviting him back as the Venezuela situation evolves. She hoped for a positive outcome enriching Venezuelans without descending into prolonged conflict.
Concerns Over Pima JTED's Proposed Bond and Local CTE Priorities
Shifting to education, Tanque Verde Unified School District board member Thomas Trask addressed growing tensions with the Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED). Thirteen of 14 member districts are signing a memo urging JTED to reconsider a potential $300 million bond, amid concerns over centralization and funding shifts.
Trask clarified strong support for career and technical education (CTE) programs, which Tanque Verde excels in with offerings like agricultural science, precision manufacturing, welding, radio/TV production, and computer certifications. However, he criticized JTED's direction since its 2006 establishment as a decentralized pass-through for state funding.
Originally designed with a 70-30 split—70% to local districts, 30% to JTED for administration and specialized central programs—the model has shifted to 66-34 without consultation, costing Tanque Verde roughly $200,000 annually.
"JTED has spent a lot of time and money building some centralized programs," Trask said.
Of approximately 30,000 JTED students, over 90% participate in local district programs, with only about 8% attending central campuses like The Bridges. Yet proposed bond funds would primarily expand central facilities, competing with local needs.
Trask highlighted Tanque Verde's successes: maxed-out programs with waiting lists, nine state championships in ag science and precision manufacturing over three years, and high demand driving a 100-student open enrollment waitlist for the high school.
"We've got kids on waiting lists, which is a problem," Trask noted.
The memo calls for transparency—JTED budgets are hard to access—and a return to prioritizing decentralized programs. Trask warned the bond could hinder local districts' ability to seek voter approval for their own improvements, like tracks or auditoriums at Tanque Verde High.
Member districts span Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz counties, including Tucson Unified, Vail, Marana, and Nogales. Unified opposition signals deep frustration, with some discussing alternatives to JTED.
Trask praised Tanque Verde's leadership and community engagement, noting open enrollment deadlines and recent accomplishments like state titles in sports and academics.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring taxpayer dollars best serve students locally, maximizing access without unnecessary centralization.