Venezuela, its economy, and its structure as a petro-state are the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. As Venezuela slips into recession and shortages of consumer goods become more acute, criticism of the government of President Nicolas Maduro is increasing. The program looks at the patterns of how oil prices have often dictated the popularity of presidents and the shape of politics in Venezuela. The news segment of the program covers the meeting this week between U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and how protests broke out in the United States due to the visit.