Classic call to meddle in convulsing dysfunction where best to do nothing

The New York Times Editorial Board's "Standing Up for Democracy in Venezuela" is the classic call to meddle in a convulsing dysfunctional state where there is nothing to do but watch.  Currently there is no lever in our economic, diplomatic or military mechanism to affect any change and its a reality even our most meddlesome types realize. So what is this stirring of the pot, a precursor to a call for action?