Hugo Chavez

['Lifer]

A name that raises many eyebrows.

He hates our President yet says he's OK with the citizens of the states. He hates our ways but says you and I are ok.

He's turning his country to socialism and mimicking many things his mentor Castro does. He's enjoys buddying up with Iran.

He seems determined to destroy our good name in America.

Loved by the populace in Venezuela and hated by the minority upper class.

The man has tremendous momentum that constantly raises my eyebrows.

[IBC]

A name that raises many eyebrows.

He hates our President yet says he's OK with the citizens of the states. He hates our ways but says you and I are ok.

He's turning his country to socialism and mimicking many things his mentor Castro does. He's enjoys buddying up with Iran.

He seems determined to destroy our good name in America.

Loved by the populace in Venezuela and hated by the minority upper class.

The man has tremendous momentum that constantly raises my eyebrows.

Is this a Haiku?

[LSU]

A name that raises many eyebrows.

He hates our President yet says he's OK with the citizens of the states. He hates our ways but says you and I are ok.

He's turning his country to socialism and mimicking many things his mentor Castro does. He's enjoys buddying up with Iran.

He seems determined to destroy our good name in America.

Loved by the populace in Venezuela and hated by the minority upper class.

The man has tremendous momentum that constantly raises my eyebrows.


I see nothing strange about hating the government, loving the people. Although, if you take Democracy at its word, the government is the people, so there seems a paradox. I really don't think the government is the people...not fully.

But back to him hating the government and loving the people.

Could just be playing to "the peoples'" desires...could just be a nutjob...


Or, he could be right.

I'd like to think that he's not.

But I'm also a bit biased.

[Jiddy78]

A name that raises many eyebrows.

He hates our President yet says he's OK with the citizens of the states. He hates our ways but says you and I are ok.

He's turning his country to socialism and mimicking many things his mentor Castro does. He's enjoys buddying up with Iran.

He seems determined to destroy our good name in America.

Loved by the populace in Venezuela and hated by the minority upper class.

The man has tremendous momentum that constantly raises my eyebrows.

From his perspective, he doesn't want to turn his wealth over to us is my take on it...But really, in our greed based world, he doesn't want to take it away from himself nor lose this nice little thing he has called...Power...

What else is new in the world...It's all shifty, just you decide to take the side that, well, benefits you most...How novel...

['Lifer]

Is this a Haiku?

Yes......how'd I do? I'm taking an on-line course.

[IBC]

I see nothing strange about hating the government, loving the people. Although, if you take Democracy at its word, the government is the people, so there seems a paradox. I really don't think the government is the people...not fully.

But back to him hating the government and loving the people.

Could just be playing to "the peoples'" desires...could just be a nutjob...


Or, he could be right.

I'd like to think that he's not.

But I'm also a bit biased.
He is a bit of a nutjob, that is for sure. I do think there is often a bit of truth in his ramblings though. He is elected in landslides almost every time for a reason, and has done good things for his country.

[IBC]

Yes......how'd I do? I'm taking an on-line course.

Lifer writes Haiku
he is taking online course
He like it a lot

['Lifer]

From his perspective, he doesn't want to turn his wealth over to us is my take on it...But really, in our greed based world, he doesn't want to take it away from himself nor lose this nice little thing he has called...Power...

What else is new in the world...It's all shifty, just you decide to take the side that, well, benefits you most...How novel...

Arrogance is shown in many colors......I simply hate his style with classless verbal shots, military fatigues, his flamboyance, his aggressive transitions and his strict control.

Being married to a Venezuelan, I hear an earful.

[IBC]

From his perspective, he doesn't want to turn his wealth over to us is my take on it...But really, in our greed based world, he doesn't want to take it away from himself nor lose this nice little thing he has called...Power...

What else is new in the world...It's all shifty, just you decide to take the side that, well, benefits you most...How novel...
Well, he wants the oil revenues to stay in Venezuela, which is a perfectly legitimate thing to ask for. Too bad he is crazy as shit. That doesn't help at all.

[IBC]

Arrogance is shown in many colors......I simply hate his style with classless verbal shots, military fatigues, his flamboyance and his strict control.

Being married to a Venezuelan, I hear an earful.
She probably hates him if she moved here.

[LSU]

Arrogance is shown in many colors......I simply hate his style with classless verbal shots, military fatigues, his flamboyance, his aggressive transitions and his strict control.


I agree. Hate the game, not the player.

['Lifer]

He is a bit of a nutjob, that is for sure. I do think there is often a bit of truth in his ramblings though. He is elected in landslides almost every time for a reason, and has done good things for his country.

Probably 70% of the people live in poverty. Of course they love him.....he's taking from the rich and giving it back to the poor. Free this and Free that.

But the rich are having a rude awakeing in a lifestyle change they have been used to for years.

[IBC]

Probably 70% of the people live in poverty. Of course they love him.....he's taking from the rich and giving it back to the poor. Free this and Free that.

But the rich are having a rude awakeing in a lifestyle change they have been used to for years.
Kinda liek what happened with his buddy in Cuba, huh? Castro was wildly popular during the revolution, mostly because he wasn't Batista, but also because of the promise his administration (now dictatorship) had for the poor. For whatever reason that promise has never really been fulfilled.

[Nixon's Head]

A name that raises many eyebrows.

He hates our President yet says he's OK with the citizens of the states. He hates our ways but says you and I are ok.

He's turning his country to socialism and mimicking many things his mentor Castro does. He's enjoys buddying up with Iran.

He seems determined to destroy our good name in America.

Loved by the populace in Venezuela and hated by the minority upper class.

The man has tremendous momentum that constantly raises my eyebrows.I can relate.

['Lifer]

She probably hates him if she moved here.

She moved here permantly in 1992.....long before the Chavez Rule was felt.

She came mostly from the poor side of the tracks from what you and I know...and most of her remaining family there still does. They are not 'shantytown people' like many below them. The shantytown people love his changes cuz now they have something.

Sure her grandma enjoyed having a CUBAN doctor drop by her house for free but as time has gone on, most of her relatives that were Chaviztas (Pro Chavez) have now lessened their support due to changes that have not helped them. Grocercy stores can still be very low stocked and jobs are not plentiful. Most Venezuelans want a good relationship with America because they love our products. Anytime, relatives come here.....they go nuts shopping or have a big list for things to bring when the wife goes there becuase it's too expensive or unavilable.

His strict and arrogant control rubs many the wrong way.

[Jiddy78]

Probably 70% of the people live in poverty. Of course they love him.....he's taking from the rich and giving it back to the poor. Free this and Free that.

But the rich are having a rude awakeing in a lifestyle change they have been used to for years.

If everybody is rich, nobody cares about...work....The only remedy to that problem is holding a gun up to ensure that somebody else does it for you...Problem for venezuela? They don't got 'em...The "righties" will be more than happy with the results of where this is going for Venezuela...and the chaos that ensues will give them the "opening" they are looking for...Be it for whatever way they want to attack it...Argumentative....Literal...You name it...

[Iron Jaw]

Probably 70% of the people live in poverty. Of course they love him.....he's taking from the rich and giving it back to the poor. Free this and Free that.

But the rich are having a rude awakeing in a lifestyle change they have been used to for years.

I've been in the Border Patrol for 20 years. During that period, we've arrested millions of illegal aliens (about 1.5 million per year) - Mexicans, of course, and also those we refer to as OTM's, meaning, "other than Mexican."

Prior to the past three years, we rarely encountered a Venezuelan crossing the Mexican border or via air illegally. A few visa overstays here and there at our inland checkpoints - a few international fugitives - but not very many.

Over the past few years we have arrested large groups of Venezuelans. The Venezuelans are not of the "rich" aristocratic class (those guys can afford the passports, visas, etc). They are the working men and women who are seeking a new life. Venezuela was always known as a proud state, and for the most part, had a decent economy for the working class (in comparison with their South American counterparts). If this is a trend it's not a good sign. I'll keep you guys posted if the trend continues. We're used to OTM's from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Brazil, China and the former Soviet bloc nations (and Cuba, of course - but thanks to a 1966 anti-Castro Act, non-criminal Cubans who make it to U.S. land are granted political asylum - the criminal types remain in detention camps like Krome, near Miami until the Castro-ites are willing to take them back - some have been in for 25+years.....I mean, you can't exactly send a child rapist or axe murderer into the streets).

['Lifer]

If everybody is rich, nobody cares about...work....The only remedy to that problem is holding a gun up to ensure that somebody else does it for you...Problem for venezuela? They don't got 'em...The "righties" will be more than happy with the results of where this is going for Venezuela...and the chaos that ensues will give them the "opening" they are looking for...Be it for whatever way they want to attack it...Argumentative....Literal...You name it...

Been there to visit twice.....once in 1995 and again in 2000. Beautiful country with paradise beaches and the world's tallest water falls. But so many things are so unorganized, lots of apathy and lots of crooked people.

Unless my wife's granny passes, I have little desire to travel there while Chavez is in the house.

[Iron Jaw]

Been there to visit twice.....once in 1995 and again in 2000. Beautiful country with paradise beaches and the world's tallest water falls. But so many things are so unorganized, lots of apathy and lots of crooked people.

Some of the prettiest women in world too.

['Lifer]

Some of the prettiest women in world too.

Thank you.

['Lifer]

Playing the blame game and pointing fingers continues.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2262
The report, the fifth of its kind released by the US State Department, had negative comments on the human rights situation in both Cuba and Venezuela. Both nations "remain isolated from the democratic norm in the hemisphere," it said.

Venezuela was accused of a "politicization of the judiciary and harassment of the media and of the political opposition," along with an "increasing concentration of power in the executive branch."

"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accelerated his drive to consolidate control in the executive branch and to take aggressive actions to restrict freedom of expression," said the report in the introduction. Other human rights problems listed in the report included unlawful killings, disappearances, torture and abuse of detainees, harsh prison conditions, violence against women and widespread corruption, among others.

[IBC]

Venezuela was accused of a "politicization of the judiciary and harassment of the media and of the political opposition," along with an "increasing concentration of power in the executive branch."

*Chuckling*

[BoredWithNoSB]

*Chuckling*

The irony is lost on very few, I hope.

[IBC]

The irony is lost on very few, I hope.
I hope not. We need to do some soul-searching of our own over here too.

[LSU]

"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accelerated his drive to consolidate control in the executive branch and to take aggressive actions to restrict freedom of expression," said the report in the introduction. Other human rights problems listed in the report included unlawful killings, disappearances, torture and abuse of detainees, harsh prison conditions, violence against women and widespread corruption, among others.


These snippets may also be relevant. Except maybe in place of "prison" conditions, insert "VA hospital" conditions.

The freedom of expression one could be debated, I suppose.

['Lifer]

These snippets may also be relevant. Except maybe in place of "prison" conditions, insert "VA hospital" conditions.

The freedom of expression one could be debated, I suppose.

Chavez loves freedom of expression....he can't get enough of himself on his weekly Sunday telecast......ALL stations must air his one to two hours speeches of his greatness.

[LSU]

Chavez loves freedom of expression....he can't get enough of himself on his weekly Sunday telecast......ALL stations must air his one to two hours speeches of his greatness.



Yeah, doesn't our president do that, too? Not weekly, of course...but State of the Union stuff...various speeches here and there on prime time? Couple times a year minimum

[BoredWithNoSB]

Yeah, doesn't our president do that, too? Not weekly, of course...but State of the Union stuff...various speeches here and there on prime time? Couple times a year minimum

He doesn't mandate it, though. Its law down in Hugoville. For some reason the networks actually think the American people want to know what our president is saying. Silly networks don't realize people would rather be watching CSI or American Idol. :mad:

[LSU]

He doesn't mandate it, though. Its law down in Hugoville. For some reason the networks actually think the American people want to know what our president is saying. Silly networks don't realize people would rather be watching CSI or American Idol. :mad:


yeah...true.

['Lifer]

Yeah, doesn't our president do that, too? Not weekly, of course...but State of the Union stuff...various speeches here and there on prime time? Couple times a year minimum

According to wife's relatives.....they tire of the weekly segment forced down their throats, especially when that is the ONLY program viewable on their TVs.

[IBC]

According to wife's relatives.....they tire of the weekly segment forced down their throats, especially when that is the ONLY program viewable on their TVs.
I bet. He is not much to look at either. He has a radio face.

['Lifer]

Just exploring all sides of Chavez.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2012
The Bush administration depicts Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as a leftist troublemaker who wants to follow in Fidel Castro's footsteps.

But some black Americans support the Venezuelan leader, first elected in 1998, for his populist efforts to help his nation's minorities.

Though many Venezuelans accuse Chavez of destroying their nation's economy and curtailing individual rights, influential black intellectuals in the United States instead see a Latin American leader who speaks up for blacks. They give the socialist leader's policies credit for encouraging a growing Afro-Venezuelan movement.

"Whenever anyone has an interest in the plight of blacks, I'm all for it. You could say it's politically motivated, but it seems Chavez wants to find a solution for that plight," said James "Akbar" Watson, owner of the Afro-centric Boynton Beach bookstore Pyramid Books. At his popular store, he promotes a book by leftist thinker Noam Chomsky on imperialism. Chavez endorsed the book during his infamous speech at the United Nations last year in which he likened President Bush to the devil.

Black policy groups such as the Washington, D.C.-based TransAfrica Forum and individual black Americans are visiting Venezuela to encourage partnerships between Afro-centric groups in both countries.

"I admire Chavez for what he's doing even if his rhetoric is harsh and confrontational," said publisher Rovan Locke of Tamarac. He is planning a trip this summer to meet with Jesus "Chucho" Garcia, head of the Afro-Venezuelan Network.

"Blacks here and in the Third World see him as someone who cares about them," said Locke, a Jamaican who publishes the Caribbean-American Commentary newspaper.

[Iron Jaw]

I bet. He is not much to look at either. He has a radio face.

He's not quite as feo as his former counterpart to the north (Manuel Noriega).

Heck, one day, they might become roomies.:eek: :D

[ryr8828]

These snippets may also be relevant. Except maybe in place of "prison" conditions, insert "VA hospital" conditions.

The freedom of expression one could be debated, I suppose.

They'll be relevant and comparable when Pelosi, Reid, Michael Moore, Pat Fitzgerald, and Chuck Schumer are found to be in prison begging for their lives,

and Bush steals millions of dollars of investment by this country's industry.

And to add, the VA Hospital here in my home town is spotless.

['Lifer]

Just another step in the freedoms Chavez is stripping away from the people.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18924700/
CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez defended his decision not to renew the license of a popular opposition-aligned television network on Tuesday and warned he might crack down on another critical TV station, accusing it of trying to incite attempts on his life.

Chavez said his refusal to renew the license of Radio Caracas Television, which went off the air at midnight Sunday, is "a sovereign, legitimate decision in which there is no argument."

He said the remaining opposition-sided channel Globovision had encouraged attempts on his life and warned that if it wants "to continue calling for disobedience, inciting assassination ... I'm going to warn them before the nation... I recommend they take a tranquilizer, that they slow down, because if not, I'm going to slow them down."

Thousands of Venezuelans — both Chavez supporters and opponents — staged separate marches in Caracas on Tuesday. The Chavez opponents chanted "freedom!" while government supporters said they were in the streets to reject an opposition attempt to stir up violence.

['Lifer]

Scary.......

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2060
Led by the country’s socialist president, Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan revolution is sending shockwaves through the corporate elite both within Venezuela and internationally. The Venezuelan people are waging a struggle to gain sovereignty over the country’s natural resources in order to rebuild the nation along pro-people lines.

Chavez followed his re-election with the insistence that “now we build socialism”. He has announced a series of moves, including plans to renationalise previously privatised companies, an “explosion of communal power”, and the construction of a new, mass, revolutionary socialist party that would unite all militants across the country to help lead the construction of “socialism of the 21st century”.

[Vegas]

Scary.......

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2060
Led by the country’s socialist president, Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan revolution is sending shockwaves through the corporate elite both within Venezuela and internationally. The Venezuelan people are waging a struggle to gain sovereignty over the country’s natural resources in order to rebuild the nation along pro-people lines.

Chavez followed his re-election with the insistence that “now we build socialism”. He has announced a series of moves, including plans to renationalise previously privatised companies, an “explosion of communal power”, and the construction of a new, mass, revolutionary socialist party that would unite all militants across the country to help lead the construction of “socialism of the 21st century”.

This is pretty sad. He's ruining that country.

['Lifer]

This is pretty sad. He's ruining that country.

I find it hard to believe there have not been some serious efforts to take him out with a sniper hit.

[Ed Who?]

Loved by the populace in Venezuela and hated by the minority upper class.


I've read mixed reports about this. From what I understand, he has a way of making sure that the polls go his way.

If the populace likes him, give it 10 years. They'll be begging for food.

['Lifer]

I've read mixed reports about this. From what I understand, he has a way of making sure that the polls go his way.

If the populace likes him, give it 10 years. They'll be begging for food.

Like threats of their lives?

According to recent news accounts...."supporters" were required to wear red Chavez shirts during a recent Pro-march or lose their gov't jobs.


My wife has family living there and is considered poor by our standards......they first liked his promises in the beginning but can't stand his actions now.

[Vegas]

I've read mixed reports about this. From what I understand, he has a way of making sure that the polls go his way.

If the populace likes him, give it 10 years. They'll be begging for food.

But his friend Jimmy Carter said the elections were perfectly fair.

[Vegas]

My wife has family living there and is considered poor by our standards......they first liked his promises in the beginning but can't stand his actions now.

I had some college buddies that were from Venezuela. I have lost contact with them over the years but would be very curious to know how they're coping with what's going on down there.

['Lifer]

Poaching support with medicine.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2072
Eye patient 'poaching'?

But not everyone is so enthusiastic. Mirtha Noguera, president of the Venezuelan Ophthalmology Society, suspects that one of the main goals of the "Miracle Mission" is to infuse patients with Chavez's ideology.

In turn, some governments that oppose the Venezuelan's politics and anti-American rhetoric seem irritated by the prospect of Chavez riding to the rescue of the poor. Last year, when the Caracas government began flying Mexican Indians here for eye surgery, then-Health Minister Julio Frenk criticized the program, saying it was unnecessary because the Mexican government has its own health service.

At the Pan American Congress of Ophthalmologists in Cancun last month, doctors complained that Venezuela was "invading" their nations to poach eye patients.

But Magaly Hernandez de Belisario, a physician who heads Venezuela's Blindness Prevention Group, said many countries do not provide decent eye care for the poor and that they gladly accept visits by volunteer eye doctors on trips financed by religious organizations and civic clubs.

Partly in response to Chavez - who paid an unannounced visit to a convalescing Castro in Havana last week but denies following the model of communist Cuba - the Bush administration has engaged in its own doctor diplomacy. It has dispatched the USNS Comfort, a naval hospital ship, to Latin American ports where American military medics provide free care for the poor.

Hernandez said many doctors at the Cancun gathering were elite establishment types who rarely do anything for the poor. She said their objections to free, life-changing eye surgery were ludicrous.

"It's a political problem because Chavez is viewed as a communist," Hernandez said. "The correct thing would be for each country to have universal health coverage. But that's not the way it is."

['Lifer]

I must say.......he is quite determined.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2343
"The Soviet Union, we say with a lot of respect, unfortunately fell. But Russia did not disappear, nor did the people that make it up," said Chavez in a speech yesterday at the inauguration of a Latin American Cultural Center in Moscow. "There is a rebirth in Russia that has lifted her up again as a new center of power. And we, the people of the world, need Russia, and China, to get stronger and stronger," he assured.

Chavez warned that the greatest threat to the world is "North American imperialism" and assured that the economic and military agreements with Russia were not his only priorities. The Venezuela leader also considers Russia important for curtailing U.S. influence and constructing a multi-polar world.

"We either break North American imperialism or North American imperialism will destroy the world," Chavez said. "The empire must understand that it cannot dominate the world," he declared congratulating Putin's efforts to resist the U.S. in its plans to install a missile shield in Eastern Europe.

['Lifer]

Interesting interview.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2092
By: Amir Mahdi Kazemi - Press TV, Tehran

In an interview with Iran's newly launched Press TV, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has commented on a number of issues particularly the South American nation's foreign policy.

The following is the text of the interview with the President:

Reporter: In his comments on website Globovision, the former Venezuelan ambassador to South Korea, Julio Cesar Pineda criticized you for developing relations with Russia, Belarus and Iran. He has urged you to develop relations with the US and EU. What's your opinion about that?

Chavez: What you are referring to is our dealing with imperialism. Close relations with the West was part of Venezuela's foreign policy before the Revolution. In the past, Venezuela didn't have control over its own foreign policy, its policies were dictated by Washington. We were a US colony. Today we are independent and have developed a completely independent policy, total sovereignty. We regard our relations with Russia, Belarus and Iran as fundamental and important.

Reporter: What kind of impact do you think Venezuela's relations with Iran could have on other independent countries?

Chavez: It is an example for other countries. In this year we have signed 164 cooperation agreements in energy, industry, politics, culture, science, education, health, etc. All these agreements are aimed at solidarity, spirituality and cooperation. In that sense, the results that we get from these relations will have a powerful impact on other countries, for example in Latin America, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Iranian technology and industries are now being used in Venezuela, Venezuelan technicians are trained in Iran and Iranian experts are training them in Venezuela. We were poor people, mostly illiterate. Now we are progressing. The ties with Iran are by far different from relations we had with the capitalists. Our revolutionary economy is at the service of human beings. Right now, Iran and Bolivia are talking over having the same relations with Bolivia. The same happened in the case of Nicaragua. The relations have had powerful moral, political and economic impacts on other countries. The relations between Iran and Venezuela have its impact on the whole world. That's why imperialists are so concerned about that.

Reporter: Mr. President. I've heard the license of the private TV channel RCTV, which belongs to the Venezuelan opposition, has been canceled by your government. Don't you consider this as a violation of the freedom of speech in your country?

Chavez: The private sector is the West's capitalism. Through the channel, they broadcast the poison that comes from the viewers' eyes to the soul of all human beings and leaves very bad effects on the individuals and the whole population. The alienation, the loss of human values, the individualism, selfishness; everything is against the human nature. The capitalists developed the TV channel in order to distort the nature of the masses. In the West, you see how they portray the Middle East, Arab and Muslim countries as vicious people. The people in the West believe everything they are told. They think of the US and Europe as the criteria for modernization and civilization, the media there portray Iran and the Middle East as the worst terrorists.

We know that the world's most ancient civilizations were started in the region, when no US existed.

If one seeks deep spirituality, he should come to Persia, but some TV channels try to paint a barbarian picture of the people of the region.

The barbarian region is Bush's land. The barbarian imperialism is in the US which never stops intimidating Iran. Today the US is destroying Iraq and dividing Palestine as part of its imperialistic plots. The Iran-Iraq imposed war was also planned and orchestrated in Washington.

The operations against Palestine are also managed by Washington and atrocities against the Palestinian people are rooted in the Washington policies.

The US is also threatening Cuba and Venezuela and so it is apparent that the US is really barbarous.

North American imperialism has developed a media dictatorship but thanks to the newly lunched Social TV, Venezuela has survived it.

Last night, I was watching the football match between the Venezuelan and Peruvian teams on Social TV but the weather was bad and the signal was not good. At the end, I saw the match on an Iranian TV channel that was broadcasting it.

Reporter: A few days ago, you were speaking about the idea of a global revolution. I'd like you to elaborate on the issue.

Chavez: I have always said that we are in a transition period. Two days ago, I was discussing the fact with a group of congressmen. A new international order is being shaped and the Islamic Revolution and the Venezuelan Revolution are playing key roles in this process.

Iran enjoys a very strategic geopolitical situation and Venezuela is considered as the most important nation in the Latin America. We can say that the two revolutions could contribute to a great dynamic transition.

I believe new players will join the movement for a global revolution which are expected to rise from among the Arab, Latin American, Caribbean, European and even the North American nations.

I think that the movement would save the world from the threat that comes from North American imperialism.

Reporter: And Mr. President, why did you choose to speak in Russia, as you know Russia has its own interactions with the US, especially in the view that both countries are G8 members?

Chavez: I didn't choose Russia. The foreign policy of Venezuela is growing in all directions and we respect international policies of all countries.

Yesterday Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has relations with the US, but the US has to respect Russia's friendly relations with Venezuela.

Russia is considered as a world power. Not only President Putin, but also other Russian officials such as the Mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov talk strongly against the US imperialism. We also had a meeting with Mr. Primakov, now chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. I also heard his speech against imperialism. This is very positive.

Reporter: Why the US and Europe are trying to stop Iran from developing its peaceful nuclear program and is Venezuela interested in nuclear cooperation with Iran?

Chavez: That is a pretext which the North American imperialism is using in order to put Iran under pressure. We have the right to develop nuclear energy since oil recourses will be consumed soon. Venezuela could work in the future. At this moment, it seems to be early for us. I am honored that this interview is conducted simultaneous with the inauguration of Press TV.

Reporter: Thank you very much your Excellency.

[Ed Who?]

Reporter: Why the US and Europe are trying to stop Iran from developing its peaceful nuclear program and is Venezuela interested in nuclear cooperation with Iran?

Chavez: That is a pretext which the North American imperialism is using in order to put Iran under pressure. We have the right to develop nuclear energy since oil recourses will be consumed soon. Venezuela could work in the future. At this moment, it seems to be early for us. I am honored that this interview is conducted simultaneous with the inauguration of Press TV.


Distorting the truth and misleading innocent people...the true makings of a Communist peabrain. Funny how imperialism only applies when we aren't talking about the Communist occupation of half of Europe.

[Jiddy78]

Distorting the truth and misleading innocent people...the true makings of a Communist peabrain. Funny how imperialism only applies when we aren't talking about the Communist occupation of half of Europe.

Is Iran a communist country?

Is Venezuela looking to occupy other countries?

I honestly don't know the answers to these questions...I don't really have to...We will blow them up long before they pose any realistic threat...No doubt in my mind...But it would be interesting to know since you go there with your statement.

['Lifer]

Is Iran a communist country?

Is Venezuela looking to occupy other countries?

I honestly don't know the answers to these questions...I don't really have to...We will blow them up long before they pose any realistic threat...No doubt in my mind...But it would be interesting to know since you go there with your statement.

No.......just destroy imperialism as a longterm goal. He wants to convice the world that imperialism is evil.

[Jiddy78]

No.......just destroy imperialism as a longterm goal. He wants to convice the world that imperialism is evil.

Would you feel the same way if you weren't a citizen of the imperial country?

Just sounds like more of that "They've got it and I want it" palabra to me...

Occam's Razor?

['Lifer]

Would you feel the same way if you weren't a citizen of the imperial country?

Just sounds like more of that "They've got it and I want it" palabra to me...

Occam's Razor?

I'm sure I would feel differently. I want to be on top of the totem pole.

I've often wondered what my thoughts would be of the USA if I was on the outside looking in.

[Ed Who?]

Would you feel the same way if you weren't a citizen of the imperial country?

Just sounds like more of that "They've got it and I want it" palabra to me...

Occam's Razor?

Interesting that the guy who has silenced his opposition and ramrodded them out of the government has a problem with a country who tries to silence their opposition and ramrod them out of world government.

['Lifer]

This is too funny......

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2096
Canada could potentially learn something from Venezuela’s oil politics, too. Since Chavez has been in power, he has been steadily increasing sovereign control of oil revenues and has chipped away at foreign oil companies’ profits in order to fuel all that aforementioned social spending. Canada, in contrast, has imposed precious few conditions on tar sands investors and seems only too willing to ensure the US government that this source of energy will be theirs for the wasting, no strings attached. Chavez has been attaching huge strings to the more than 1 million barrels of oil that Venezuela provides to the US everyday, for instance threatening to cut off the entire supply indefinitely should he be assassinated by a disciple of Pat Robertson or anyone else.

[Jiddy78]

Interesting that the guy who has silenced his opposition and ramrodded them out of the government has a problem with a country who tries to silence their opposition and ramrod them out of world government.


I'm going to be honest...I have no idea who you are talking about here....

['Lifer]

I'm going to be honest...I have no idea who you are talking about here....

Chavez vs his domestic non-supporters and Bush vs radical militants.

That's what I read.

['Lifer]

Gringo de malo

(Bad Gringos)

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2360
Mérida, July 23, 2007 (venezuelanalysis.com)— President Hugo Chavez made several new announcements during the inauguration of the first "socialist city" near Caracas during his Sunday TV program Aló Presidente, including a proposed constitutional reform that would allow for indefinite reelection of the president, as well as the regulation of the high salaries of some state employees.

"We are fighting against capitalist ideology with the liberating ideology of Bolivarian socialism," declared Chavez on national television. Accused of imposing his ideology on the military and schools, Chavez responded saying that "without a doubt" his government is fighting the "perverse capitalist ideology" that has been imposed on the nation.

"We are fighting against the imperialist ideology that they have sold to us, to our military, and that they bombed us with for 100 years, to make us think like the gringos, and to admire the gringos," said Chavez.

[ryr8828]

Gringo de malo

(Bad Gringos)

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2360
Mérida, July 23, 2007 (venezuelanalysis.com)— President Hugo Chavez made several new announcements during the inauguration of the first "socialist city" near Caracas during his Sunday TV program Aló Presidente, including a proposed constitutional reform that would allow for indefinite reelection of the president, as well as the regulation of the high salaries of some state employees.

"We are fighting against capitalist ideology with the liberating ideology of Bolivarian socialism," declared Chavez on national television. Accused of imposing his ideology on the military and schools, Chavez responded saying that "without a doubt" his government is fighting the "perverse capitalist ideology" that has been imposed on the nation.

"We are fighting against the imperialist ideology that they have sold to us, to our military, and that they bombed us with for 100 years, to make us think like the gringos, and to admire the gringos," said Chavez.

He has no problem with the capitalist equipment and petroleum infrastructure that he has stolen.

['Lifer]

He has no problem with the capitalist equipment and petroleum infrastructure that he has stolen.

Good point. And he forgot to thank us and the others for our expertise in the field.

[swordfish]

He is doing the exact same thing that Mossadegh did in Iran. See the problems we face now were started over there by helping the Shah. I guess after we covertly overthrow Chavez well have a fucking war to deal with down there in 40 years.

['Lifer]

He is doing the exact same thing that Mossadegh did in Iran. See the problems we face now were started over there by helping the Shah. I guess after we covertly overthrow Chavez well have a fucking war to deal with down there in 40 years.

Given a choice.....hordes of Venezuelans would love to move to the states.

[Jiddy78]

Good point. And he forgot to thank us and the others for our expertise in the field.

We forgot to thank the germans for their rocket scientists too.

['Lifer]

We forgot to thank the germans for their rocket scientists too.


Funny how that happens when you wear out your welcome.

[BoredWithNoSB]

Given a choice.....hordes of Venezuelans would love to move to the states.

I hear they have hot chicks. So, that may not be so bad. Please proceed with this plan. Selective Visa policies may be necessary. I think I read about some folks in Ukraine doing that a couple years ago.

['Lifer]

I hear they have hot chicks. So, that may not be so bad. Please proceed with this plan. Selective Visa policies may be necessary. I think I read about some folks in Ukraine doing that a couple years ago.

Si amigo. Indeed they do.

['Lifer]

Poor Chavez. Just another victim of bad press and finger pointing.


http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2113
Send by email

Hugo Chávez Editorial
By: Ignacio Ramonet - Le Monde Diplomatique

Few governments in the world have been victims of devastating campaigns full of hatred. The Venezuelan government, led by President Hugo Chávez, is one of those victims. His enemies have tried everything: Coup d’État, oil strike, flow of capital, plots… After the attack against Fidel Castro, a similar situation has not ever happened in Latin America.

The most miserable lies have been said about Chávez, all of them orchestrated by the new propaganda office called -National Endowment for Democracy, Freedom House, financed by Bush Administration. With unlimited financial resources, this lying machine manipulates important media and organizations for the defense of Human Rights which are at the service of sinister plans.

Likewise, part of the social-democrat left-branched party surrender before these groups of liars.

Why so much hate? Nowadays, the social-democracy in Europe is experiencing a crisis of identity. The historic circumstances seem indicating that Chávez has the responsibility of assuming the international leadership of the left’s recognition.

While in the old continent the European construction has made impossible any alternative to neo-liberalism, in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador, inspired in the Venezuelan model, some experiences keep alive the emancipation hope of poor people.

In this regard, Chávez’s sense of balance is outstanding. This is the reason why he has become into a reference in many poor countries.
Has not Venezuela been refounded on a new base, legitimated by a new constitution that guarantees people’s participation in the social changes, always within the most painstaking respect of democracy and liberties? (1)

Has the government not given back the dignity to five million poor people?

Has it not recovered for the public the state owned oil company PDVSA?

Has it not de-privatized and given back the main telecommunication company to people, as well as the electric company of Caracas?

Has it not nationalized the Orinoco oil fields?

Finally, has it not assigned part of its oil income to obtain autonomy before the international financial institutions and to finance social programs?

• More than three million hectares of land have been distributed among peasants.
• Millions of children and adults have been taught to read and write.
• Thousands of medical centers have been settled in the popular suborns.
• Thousands low-income people with eye diseases have been operated for free.
• Basic food products have been subsidized and offered to poor people at a low price, 42% less than in the market.
• The weekly working hours have been reduced from 44 to 36 and the minimum wage was about 204 euros per month (the highest in Latin America after Costa Rica).

The result of all these measures is that between 1999 and 2005 poverty dropped from 42.8% to 33.9% (2). The population that works in the informal economy decreased from 53% to 40%. This decrease of poverty allows the maintaining of economic growth, which - in the last three years – reached 12% (one of the highest in the world), supported by a consumption rate that has increased up to 18% during a year. (3).

Given these results, without mentioning the achievements reached in the international policy, is it not surprising that President Chávez has become a target for where the owners of the world and their agents want to shoot?

Notes:
(1) The lies concerning RCTV have just been denied since this channel has resumed its programs by cable and satellite from July 16.
(2) Poverty Rates in Venezuela. Getting the Numbers Right, Center for Economic and Policy Research, Washington DC, May 2006.
(3) Read the repport "Chávez, not so bad for business", Business Week, New York, June 21, 2007.

[Vegas]

Hugo Chavez to make himself president for life

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/17/wchavez117.xml

The Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez has anointed himself president for life by proposing sweeping changes to the country's constitution.

Setting out his plans for completing his socialist revolution in the oil-rich Latin American nation, he proposing radical constitutional reform which has at its centre indefinite re-election for himself.
In a rambling televised speech reminiscent of his close ally and friend Fidel Castro, Mr Chavez told the national assembly of 33 changes he plans to make to the constitution he introduced in 1999 which will cement his grip on power.

"We have broken the chains of the old, exploitative capitalist system," said Mr Chavez. "The state now has the obligation to build the model of a socialist economy."

The proposals will be debated by the 167-seat assembly, which is unlikely to be particularly heated or drawn out as it is 100 per cent "Chavista" after the opposition boycotted the 2005 elections. Once the assembly has rubber stamped the proposals, they will be put to a referendum.

Mr Chavez is unlikely to struggle in is bid to win the referendum as he has spent millions of dollars in oil revenue in enlarging his power base by bolstering the ranks of state employees and introducing cheap imported goods into shops.

While the president was talking about "the death of capitalism" in Venezuela, the opposition were lamenting what they called the death of democracy.

"The president just tells lies," said Manuel Rosales, the opposition leader defeated in last year's presidential elections. "All he wants to do is turn himself into president for life."
In the new constitution Mr Chavez, 54, scraps the maximum presidential incumbency of two six-year terms, to instead permit seven-year terms with indefinite re-election.

"There are many lies circulating in the world, about a dictatorship in Venezuela, about a concentration of power in Venezuela," the president said, insisting that the new constitution realised "a transfer of power to the people".

Part of the "transfer of power" will divide Venezuela into federal districts, with power lying in the hands of "communal councils" allied with "worker co-operatives".

The opposition believes that mayors and governors will become impotent as central government will channel funding only to its appointed loyalists in federal positions.

A key strut of the new constitution will be a six-hour working day, which will hit Venezuela's already wobbly private sector, battered by expropriations, nationalisations, price fixing and currency controls - which have already affected British investment in the country.

The changes will make Venezuela yet more dependent on its oil sector, which thanks to high oil prices and some of the largest reserves outside the Middle East, ensures Mr Chavez is awash with "petrodollars".

The armed forces, which have already adopted the salute "Fatherland, socialism or death", will have their mission enshrined as being "patriotic and anti-imperialist" in their defence of Venezuela against the United States, which considers Mr Chavez a threat to its influence in the region.

As Mr Chavez's speech drew to a close he said: "I doubt there is any country on this planet with a democracy more alive than the one we enjoy in Venezuela today."

[Vegas]

Country to change time zone by 30 minutes

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2328980320070824?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&rpc=22&sp=true

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has changed his country's name, redesigned its flag and rejigged its coat of arms in his drive for a socialist state.

Now the leftist reformer, highly popular for redistributing oil income, is seeking to move the country's time zone to offer a more equitable distribution of sunlight.

Venezuela in September will turn clocks back by 30 minutes as it switches time zones to boost the amount of natural light to residents, a government official said on Thursday.

Next month Venezuelan clocks will be set at Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) minus 4-1/2 hours, compared to the previous GMT minus four hours, Science and Technology Minister Hector Navarro told reporters at a news conference.

He said the measure sought "a more fair distribution of the sunrise," which would particularly help poor children who wake up before dawn to go to school.

"Very rigorous scientific studies have determined that ... the metabolic activity of living beings is synchronized with the sun's light," he said.

Navarro said the government is planning to announce additional measures to "make more effective use of time."

Venezuela, which under Chavez was officially changed to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, adopted its current time zone in the 1960s.

[Vegas]

Thousands rally against President

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article2789065.ece

CARACAS Venezuelans have protested against a change in the Constitution that would permit President Chávez to run for re-election indefinitely.

Water cannons and teargas were used to disperse tens of thousands of protesters. Led by students, they chanted “Freedom! Freedom!” and said that the 69 amendments proposed would violate civil rights and stifle democracy. “This is a dictatorship masked as democracy,” Jorge Rivas, 18, said. “Chávez wants our country to be like Cuba, and we’re not going to allow that to occur.”

Police broke up the protest outside the headquarters of the country’s electoral council, reporting no arrests or serious injuries. But the local Globovision television network broadcast footage of police beating unarmed demonstrators.

The constitutional amendments would permit authorities to detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency and abolish presidential term limits, allowing Mr Chávez to run again in 2012.

[ryr8828]

Tens of thousands will mysteriously disappear tonight.

[Vegas]

Tens of thousands will mysteriously disappear tonight.

Most likely.

['Lifer]

Thousands rally against President

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article2789065.ece

CARACAS Venezuelans have protested against a change in the Constitution that would permit President Chávez to run for re-election indefinitely.

Water cannons and teargas were used to disperse tens of thousands of protesters. Led by students, they chanted “Freedom! Freedom!” and said that the 69 amendments proposed would violate civil rights and stifle democracy. “This is a dictatorship masked as democracy,” Jorge Rivas, 18, said. “Chávez wants our country to be like Cuba, and we’re not going to allow that to occur.”

Police broke up the protest outside the headquarters of the country’s electoral council, reporting no arrests or serious injuries. But the local Globovision television network broadcast footage of police beating unarmed demonstrators.

The constitutional amendments would permit authorities to detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency and abolish presidential term limits, allowing Mr Chávez to run again in 2012.

It's happening right before our eyes. Good for some, bad for others.

[Vegas]

It's happening right before our eyes. Good for some, bad for others.

Very bad for most.

['Lifer]

Very bad for most.

Indeed.....but one will never convince the dirt poor citizens of that.

[BoredWithNoSB]

Imagine Cuba with unlimitled wealth, though. That's what $100/barrell brings to the table.

[Vegas]

Imagine Cuba with unlimitled wealth, though. That's what $100/barrell brings to the table.

How much of that wealth is making it to the masses in Venezuela?

[BoredWithNoSB]

How much of that wealth is making it to the masses in Venezuela?

From what I told they are spending like drunken sailors of social welfare. Maybe not efficiently, but spending.