Venezuela Blockade and No-Fly Zone

America is the last remaining superpower but rarely do we act as such. It could be argued we are timid when it comes to flexing our economic and military might even though we typically flex it for the benefit of others.

Today things are a bit different. This week Russia landed approximately 100 troops in Venezuela and is clearly testing American influence in the region. The Monroe Doctrine, penned in 1823, is as valid today as ever and if South America is to remain peaceful, Russians (as well as Cubans) need to pack up and leave.

Since 1959 the United States, along with our South American friends, has conducted a maritime exercise called UNITAS for these situations. The United States should mobilize South America's Maritime defense in accordance with UNITAS training and blockade Venezuela. This blockade should extend to the air space above Venezuela. Venezuela should essentially become a no-fly zone.

At the same time the US, in coordination with the United Nations, should establish refugee camps along the boarders of Columbia, Brazil and Guyana.

The Venezuelan Constitution is very clear and the national Assembly has voted to declare the office of the President vacant. With the declaration of vacancy the leader of the national Assembly becomes interim president and this has been recognized by virtually every country in free world.

There are times it becomes important to go into harms way for the benefit of others and the stability of an entire region. This is one of those times. There are significant risks associated with action but the long term impact of no action must be weighed and Russia needs to understand Venezuela will not become another Crimea.