Comments by "Spectacles" (@spectacles-dm) on "Wendover Productions" channel.

  1. We were just working on a script for this story... sad stuff, but good video, though I think you missed one VERY important thing. Gangs in El Salvador operated mainly as protection rackets (as opposed to drug and human trafficking operations), meaning they controlled territory and extorted money for "protection" which really meant paying someone with the power to kill you, not to do that. This is important because Bukele's policies, while effective, have enabled the development of new protection racketeers: the police. So far, things aren't terrible. Police abuse is increasingly common, as they're empowered to detain or simply stop in the street and beat anyone they wish. However, as checks by the people are eroded, as peace sets in and people begin to want more than benevolent dictatorship, as Bukele's approval may eventually slide, the people will have no power to check the power of these new "protectors." I think your analysis of the tradeoffs and international criticism was good, but the potential for protection racketeering and powerlessness of the people hasn't gone away - it's merely changed hands.
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  2. Having produced our own video on this same topic some months ago, well done! But be warned, this topic can draw out some really disgusting sentiments in the comments.
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