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Originally Posted by Tim
Indeed? Tell me more about this benevolent leader who has done so much for his people...
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Well i never said he was benevolent. But the fact remains that he has improved the lot of the poor, not diminished it. Those are just the facts Tim. Is he perfect? No. Is he altruistic? No. He is a politician like any other with a thirst for power and glory.
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Irrational hatred? Truth hurts, doesn't it? How about some data to back up your description of Chavez. And tell me how productive these community farms are - the ones that have been stolen from their owners.
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Chavez appropriated land that was not being used for food production, it was simply not being used for anything other than the luxury of the very wealthy. The stats are all available through the UN and other organizations - you are a smart guy, im sure you know how to find them. He has improved health, literacy, community, and the availability of food. There is no doubt about that.
So.... at least we can agree this puts him on par with any politician anywhere that knows where his votes are.
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Go right ahead and enjoy his antics. By the way - this was just released on the BBC web site: BBC NEWS | Americas | Chavez vows no ties with Colombia
Apparently it is not only the King of Spain who has reached his limit with Hugo's "harmless" caperings. The president of Colombia, his neighbor, will no longer speak to him either.
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Actually it is Chavez that has refused to talk to the president of Colombia, not the other way around. From what i understand Uribe asked him to help release some hostages being held by FARC. Uribe fired him as mediator when Chavez spoke to the general of the Colombian military without first asking permission from Uribe. Chavez got angry at this interruption to freeing the hostages (and making Chavez appear the hero no doubt) and has recalled his ambassador to Colombia and apparently severed ties. Oh my... the drama of Latin American politics... i really do find it amusing form my perch as observer of world affairs.
I can't really figure out where your seething hatred for Chavez comes from??? Is it only because he calls Bush names? What is it? Are you such a rabid free marketer that you throw tantrums whenever a socialist leader interferes with the ability of mega-corps to exploit the resources of poor brown people?
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It's a good thing our favorite left-wing bully has friends like you to support him. There is no one else left.
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Support? I don't see how that is possible, i have no influence or stake in Venezuelan politics. I'm merely trying to look at the situation from all perspectives - and I'm curious as to where the Chavez reforms will lead. There is active opposition to Chavez in Venezuela, there are free votes, and Chavez has said if the nation does not back his attempt to extend his ability to run for re-election indefinitely (like Canada, the UK, Australia, and many other democratic nations) he will step down at the end of his term.
We should all respect whatever the Venezuelans choose to do, don't you agree?
Andrew