> I get the concern about forever wars some are raising, but this clearly isn't going to be a forever war for the reasons you state. Plus if the US secures some oil

Why would the US be entitled to any oil here? And how would that be a good outcome for the people of Venezuela?

> and the Venezuela people get to live better lives, that's ultimately a great outcome for everyone.

That's a big if. Ask the Iraqis how well it went when their dictator was gone. And that was with boots on the ground not just leaving a power vacuum like this.

> It's controversial to say these days, but I think this is exactly how the West should be using it's military force – to promote democracy and freedom around the world.

Wait a few decades till China does this to you and we'll see how you feel.