NationStates Jolt Archive

So, it would appear that Lukashenko, ruthless dictator of Belarus has decided to cozy up with Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela. Mr. Chavez continues to grow his really awesome group of friends to not only include Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Castro, but also good ol' Mr. Ortega. Isn't it great when the "Bolivarian Liberator" signs up with bloodthirsty tyrants?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/25/belarus.chavez.reut/index.html

He's not looking to make a dictatorial alliance for the hell of it. He's doing essentially the same thing the US did during the Cold War - the enemy of my enemy is my friend, crazy dictator or not. In this case, however, Chavez's enemy is the United States.

I don't approve of such realpolitik, but I do understand it.

Well, it shows that he doesn't give a damn about freedom or liberation, just markets for his oil and gas. At least he's honest about it now...but then again, Venezuelan oil production is taking a nosedive and is only deteriorating faster with each passing month so I doubt he'll be able to meet such commitments very easily. They already had to buy oil off of Russia to meet their OPEC quota, so it's just going to get worse.

Here's another fun fact: Belarus is losing the ultracheap gas and oil that Russia used to give it back during the Cold War and the 90's; Chavez is probably trying to muscle his way in to that market in order to turn Belarus in to an opponent of Russia (after all, Iranian sanctions hurt one of his allies, and Russia is becoming somewhat supportive of them, and Belarus is one of Russia's closest allies) and to try and create a European market for Venezuelan oil and gas as an alternative to Russian oil and gas.

Quite the player in realpolitik, but I'm afraid economic reality will dash Chavez's plan in fairly short order.

Wow, I was starting ot get worried. We haven't seen a Chavez thread in weeks!

I'll interject my part...

"Bitch, piss, moan, Chavez. Bitch, piss, moan, commie. Bitch, piss, moan, Hugo. Bitch, piss, moan. Bitch, piss, moan. Bitch, piss, moan."

:)

So, it would appear that Lukashenko, ruthless dictator of Belarus has decided to cozy up with Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela. Mr. Chavez continues to grow his really awesome group of friends to not only include Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Castro, but also good ol' Mr. Ortega. Isn't it great when the "Bolivarian Liberator" signs up with bloodthirsty tyrants?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/25/belarus.chavez.reut/index.html

If you dont like Chavez, stop to buy his oil. It´s easy. Without money they can do nothing.

American position agaist Chavez is hipocrisy. USA don´t like Chavez but enjoy his oil. :rolleyes:

snip

Chavez is probably trying to muscle his way in to that market in order to turn Belarus in to an opponent of Russia (after all, Iranian sanctions hurt one of his allies, and Russia is becoming somewhat supportive of them, and Belarus is one of Russia's closest allies) and to try and create a European market for Venezuelan oil and gas as an alternative to Russian oil and gas.

snip


Excuse me but no.

Chavez does not have any reason to be against Russia therefore Russia is the only country where he can buy modern weapons.

Heheh, guys, there is no use pretending. :D

You're buying his oil. Lots of it. As much as you can get your hands on, and you're wishing it could be even more, because the ME Gulf is considered even less stable. And when you've bought it, you burn it in SUVs that give 1/3 the fuel economy of a European car.

The truth is plain to see. One visit to the EIA website is all it takes. ;)

Heheh, guys, there is no use pretending. :D

You're buying his oil. Lots of it. As much as you can get your hands on, and you're wishing it could be even more, because the ME Gulf is considered even less stable. And when you've bought it, you burn it in SUVs that give 1/3 the fuel economy of a European car.

The truth is plain to see. One visit to the EIA website is all it takes. ;)

If we were using fission nuclear plants on a large scale instead and trying to overcome any safety engineering problems, we would be less dependent.

Rechargable electric cars (whether battery or hydrogen fuel cell) and an all nuclear grid would go a long way to reducing dependence on foreign oil.

So, the US, the hero of liberation and freedom, can make friends with Pinochet, Papadopoulos and attempted military coups in Venezuela and all over the Americas. Venezuela can't with Lukashenko and others. I see.

Excuse me but no.

Chavez does not have any reason to be against Russia therefore Russia is the only country where he can buy modern weapons.

Russia is his biggest non-OPEC competitor, and Russia is rapidly moving towards a monopoly on European natural gas and is pushing in to the Asian and North American markets, both of which which threaten Venezuela's expansion as well as its current market share. Hugo can get his weapons from China, Europe, or any number of sources; the only reason why he is buying Russian weapons is to show defiance against the US, not because of close ties between the two.

With my 8,000th post, I curse Zoidberg.

You're buying his oil. Lots of it. As much as you can get your hands on, and you're wishing it could be even more, because the ME Gulf is considered even less stable. And when you've bought it, you burn it in SUVs that give 1/3 the fuel economy of a European car.

Yeah, and we're going to have to court Russia to supply us with natural gas in a few years...

I really hope we start building nuclear plants and renewables because that's the only way we will avoid being caught up in the struggle for fossil fuels; ironically, we should be taking lessons from China on how to develop alternative energy since they're making the biggest investment in the world to build it.

The car is going to have to change big time if we really want to get rid of any meaningful amount of our oil dependence; honestly, I see no reason why we can't double the fuel economy of our fleet in the next decade and gradually replace the remaining gas/diesel with a combination of biofuels, hybrids, fuel cells, and once the grid can handle it, plug-in electric cars.

The truth is plain to see. One visit to the EIA website is all it takes. ;)

And at the same time, Venezuela's production is falling; it will be very interesting to see what happens when PDVSA actually comes out and tells the truth about their production.

Meh... you made him do it.

Although, I do miss the old innocent Chavez... every day he gets closer and closer to being responsible for mass graves (not because he's a Socialist, but because he is human and corruptable), and if that happens I'm going to have to put my disillusioned face on...

And at the same time, Venezuela's production is falling; it will be very interesting to see what happens when PDVSA actually comes out and tells the truth about their production.

Venezuela lies about its estimated reserves in order to borrow money. What makes you think they will tell the truth about their production?

Venezuela lies about its estimated reserves in order to borrow money. What makes you think they will tell the truth about their production?

It won't be an official statement; it'll come from the multinationals who still operate in Venezuela that will force PDVSA to disclose its information.

It won't be an official statement; it'll come from the multinationals who still operate in Venezuela that will force PDVSA to disclose its information.

Can't wait until the banks find that out.

Can't wait until the banks find that out.

Can't wait until Exxon and BP find that out...they'll be pissed that their stolen fields have been ruined because Chavez prefers to place ideologically loyal cronies as managers and engineers rather than the qualified ones he fired back in 2002/2003.

Russia is his biggest non-OPEC competitor, and Russia is rapidly moving towards a monopoly on European natural gas and is pushing in to the Asian and North American markets, both of which which threaten Venezuela's expansion as well as its current market share. Hugo can get his weapons from China, Europe, or any number of sources; the only reason why he is buying Russian weapons is to show defiance against the US, not because of close ties between the two.

With my 8,000th post, I curse Zoidberg.

Yes, but Venezuela cannot put oil or gas in better prices than Russia in Europe. It´s impossible. And Venezuela dont have much gas. There, the gas is also associated with oil.

The biggest markets for his oil are: USA wich buy more than half the production and China (Europe in a minor presence). Chavez is changing the position to increase sales for China and India and, in the future, by means of a pipeline crossing Colombia to Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, for the gas, Chavez is trying to make an association with Brazil, Uruguay and Argentine to build a gas pipe from the Caribean sea to the Plata River, crossing Brazil. He is also making associations to build refineries for his oil. Venezuela´s oil is a heavy oil so they need a special build refinery to refine it. PDVSA and Petrobras (Brazilian state oil company) will built together a refinery for 500.000 b/d in Pernambuco-BZ.

And for the weapons. China dont have modern weapons for sale, like jet fights, modern ships and other. China buy then from Russia. Europe have the problem with the USA prohibition when american´s devices are used. For example: Chavez are trying to buy coastal patrol ships from Spain but USA are denying authorization. The same with Brazil; Embraer cannot sell AMX and Tucanos because they use american eletronic devices. The same with Israel but I dont remember for what. So, Chavez are moving to buy more and more weapons from Russia, not only to defiance against the USA but because he only can buy then from Russia.

Yes, but Venezuela cannot put oil or gas in better prices than Russia in Europe. It´s impossible. And Venezuela dont have much gas. There, the gas is also associated with oil.

The biggest markets for his oil are: USA wich buy more than half the production and China (Europe in a minor presence). Chavez is changing the position to increase sales for China and India and, in the future, by means of a pipeline crossing Colombia to Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, for the gas, Chavez is trying to make an association with Brazil, Uruguay and Argentine to build a gas pipe from the Caribean sea to the Plata River, crossing Brazil. He is also making associations to build refineries for his oil. Venezuela´s oil is a heavy oil so they need a special build refinery to refine it. PDVSA and Petrobras (Brazilian state oil company) will built together a refinery for 500.000 b/d in Pernambuco-BZ.

And for the weapons. China dont have modern weapons for sale, like jet fights, modern ships and other. China buy then from Russia. Europe have the problem with the USA prohibition when american´s devices are used. For example: Chavez are trying to buy coastal patrol ships from Spain but USA are denying authorization. The same with Brazil; Embraer cannot sell AMX and Tucanos because they use american eletronic devices. The same with Israel but I dont remember for what. So, Chavez are moving to buy more and more weapons from Russia, not only to defiance against the USA but because he only can buy then from Russia.


One might wonder whom Chavez is planning to invade.

Hugo Chavez is an evil man. His casto like control of Venezuala and hatred of America appeals to many far leftists in our country who try to find legitimate reasons for his actions.
In Venezuela corruption and crime are rampant
there is failing infrastructure and public hospitals that do not meet any standard of medicine
Chávez is not fulfilling his major campaign pledges with respect to labor and land reform
He committed mass voter fraud to get elected
The entire GDP of his country is only $153 Billion....less than 1/3 of our defense department budget....
gdp per capita is $6100..compared to $35,000 in American...and he talks about what a bad job our government does in handling economic issues
The unemployment rate is 12% ours is 4.6%.

He is a currupt and bad leader who makes questionable decisions. It is not surprising that he hangs out with other evil dictators.

Venezuela lies about its estimated reserves in order to borrow money. What makes you think they will tell the truth about their production?

About the estimated reserves no lies.

About the actual prodution yes. It´s failling.

But Venezuela dont need money from the banks. With this prices for oil Chavez have all the money he need.

About the estimated reserves no lies.

About the actual prodution yes. It´s failling.

But Venezuela dont need money from the banks. With this prices for oil Chavez have all the money he need.


false. The nation has a pitiful $153 Billion dollar gdp, a government that spends 135% of its revenues, and a 12% unemployment rate. If thats all the money he needs he must be doing an even worse job than I thought.

One might wonder whom Chavez is planning to invade.

Well. Chavez said that it´s for self defence against a planed USA invasion.

But here, in Brazil, the military intelligence becomes more and more worried about these purchases of weapons he is planning. So, the Brazilian position can change about Chavez in a few time. If Chavez buy all he plan to buy, he will have the most powerful force in South America and Brazil will not agree with it.

Well. Chavez said that it´s for self defence against a planed USA invasion.

But here, in Brazil, the military intelligence becomes more and more worried about these purchases of weapons he is planning. So, the Brazilian position can change about Chavez in a few time. If Chavez buy all he plan to buy, he will have the most powerful force in South America and Brazil will not agree with it.

Iraq had the fourth most powerful army in the world when the US attacked in 1991. It didn't do him any good to have the latest in non-US equipment. In fact, it appears to have been a massive waste of money, because the US could destroy whatever they chose with impunity.

Is Chavez just stupid?

false. The nation has a pitiful $153 Billion dollar gdp, a government that spends 135% of its revenues, and a 12% unemployment rate. If thats all the money he needs he must be doing an even worse job than I thought.

Chavez can survive with no more debt money, if he need. No problem there.

And only the people from Venezuela can say if he is making a bad or a good job there. Not the Brazilians nor the Americans can say this. :rolleyes:

He's not looking to make a dictatorial alliance for the hell of it. He's doing essentially the same thing the US did during the Cold War - the enemy of my enemy is my friend, crazy dictator or not. In this case, however, Chavez's enemy is the United States.

I don't approve of such realpolitik, but I do understand it.


Well he decides for his own political reasons to declare himself as an " enemy " of the US...he feels it boosts his standing among his " electorate"..or at least those he allows to vote.

The US responding to his crazyness acts accordingly ...and then promply ignores him..like a flea on an elephants ass.

So I guess his new adventure in building up a Dr. Evil type empire along with his own mini me ...is not so suprising considering .

I think South and Central America might end up going for an Evo Morales/Lula style of socialism if (when) Venezuela fails hard.

Iraq had the fourth most powerful army in the world when the US attacked in 1991. It didn't do him any good to have the latest in non-US equipment. In fact, it appears to have been a massive waste of money, because the US could destroy whatever they chose with impunity.

Is Chavez just stupid?

In my opinion ... yes, he is. He can make better if he had (or can make people think the he had) a nuclear device to avoid any invasion. Like North Korea or Iran are making.

But, if the invasion cames, he will try to make impossible for the USA to keep the country. Like Iraq.

In my opinion ... yes, he is. He can make better if he had (or can make people think the he had) a nuclear device to avoid any invasion. Like North Korea or Iran are making.

But, if the invasion cames, he will try to make impossible for the USA to keep the country. Like Iraq.

Something tells me we're not invading Venezuela any time soon, even if he only had a few stones to throw.

In my opinion ... yes, he is. He can make better if he had (or can make people think the he had) a nuclear device to avoid any invasion. Like North Korea or Iran are making.

But, if the invasion cames, he will try to make impossible for the USA to keep the country. Like Iraq.

Come now. Chavez flatters himself. We have more important nations to invade. Venezuela's far down the list.

its funny how many countries the US is going to invade...I feel like I should use the darkside and contact Darth vader ..:rolleyes:

I think South and Central America might end up going for an Evo Morales/Lula style of socialism if (when) Venezuela fails hard.

Lula is not a problem for the USA or for the world. He´s a problem for us, Brazilians, because he is the worst president we had in the last 40 years. And he is the worst president not because he is a leftist. He is the worst president because he is an idiot.

Lula is not a problem for the USA or for the world. He´s a problem for us, Brazilians, because he is the worst president we had in the last 40 years. And he is the worst president not because he is a leftist. He is the worst president because he is an idiot.

Aren't most electoral systems designed to elect idiots?

After all, all they have to be good at is getting elected.

Come now. Chavez flatters himself. We have more important nations to invade. Venezuela's far down the list.

I think no. Venezuela is close USA and have very large amounts of oil. Makes sense. It´s more easy than Iran and I think Venezuela have much more oil too. And USA can use Colombia to start.

I think no. Venezuela is close USA and have very large amounts of oil. Makes sense. It´s more easy than Iran and I think Venezuela have much more oil too. And USA can use Colombia to start.

I think yes. The US has some pretty large reserves, and is the 2nd leading producer of oil in the world. Combine that with the Iraqi reserves, and we're pretty much set for the next few years.

I think no. Venezuela is close USA and have very large amounts of oil. Makes sense. It´s more easy than Iran and I think Venezuela have much more oil too. And USA can use Colombia to start.

Venezuela's oil has a very high sulfur content compared to other crude oil.

Libya has the lowest sulfur content. We're suddenly good friends with Libya, and he's glad to have our oil companies there.

So we don't really need Venezuela right now. Why invade when someone invites you in for better oil than Venezuela could ever pump out of the ground?

I think yes. The US has some pretty large reserves, and is the 2nd leading producer of oil in the world. Combine that with the Iraqi reserves, and we're pretty much set for the next few years.

I know that the USA have one of the biggest reserves of oil. The problem is the consumption.

And actualy USA are the biggest buyer of the Venezuela´s oil. More than half of Venezuela´s production go to USA.

And how much oil is Iraq production just now? I Think it´s bellow the production before invasion. And will remain bellow for a long time.

So, USA needs to buy oil from Venezuela (and for a lot of other countries too).

Venezuela's oil has a very high sulfur content compared to other crude oil.

Libya has the lowest sulfur content. We're suddenly good friends with Libya, and he's glad to have our oil companies there.

So we don't really need Venezuela right now. Why invade when someone invites you in for better oil than Venezuela could ever pump out of the ground?

I agree with you. So, like I said before, stop to buy oil there.

If you don´t like Chavez and consider he how an enemy, stop to give money to him.

I agree with you. So, like I said before, stop to buy oil there.

If you don´t like Chavez and consider he how an enemy, stop to give money to him.

We don't consider Chavez an enemy.

Oddly, he somehow has the idea that we think he's the enemy.

We just want to buy oil, not be a prop for his political antics.

He uses the US as a strawman just to keep the Venezuelan people distracted from the real problems in Venezuela.

After a while, they'll wake up and realize he is lying to them.

We don't consider Chavez an enemy.

Oddly, he somehow has the idea that we think he's the enemy.

We just want to buy oil, not be a prop for his political antics.

He uses the US as a strawman just to keep the Venezuelan people distracted from the real problems in Venezuela.

After a while, they'll wake up and realize he is lying to them.

Yes. For the USA he is an "enemy". USA tried to put all the other countries in South America against Chavez. USA tried to put him out of the power. And so on.

Well, if you have a "friend" that all the way said that you are a bad guy and try to put all your other friends against you all the times, will you think that this guy is your "friend"?

If USA like to (or need to) buy his oil, no problem. Buy and stop to talk against Chavez. Let Chavez alone and he will not have any "excuse" to talk against USA. And no more "excuses" to talk to the people of Venezuela that USA are the evil.

Yes, and the USA make sure Chavez can do this, all the time. Let Chavez alone and he will loose his speech. And so, the people of Venezuela will not more be distracted by this speech.

Any legal change in Venezuela must be made by the people there. Dont forget that more than half of the people put Chavez in the power there. Only then can put his out. Dont make the same mistake made for Castro, in Cuba. More USA beat Castro more strong he was. If USA let Castro alone, in the past years, Cuban people saw that no progress or better life become. And the people, by thenselves, placed Castro out.

We don't consider Chavez an enemy.

Oddly, he somehow has the idea that we think he's the enemy.

.

someont forgot to tell the CIA that and they went ahead and organised a coup anyway

If you dont like Chavez, stop to buy his oil. It´s easy. Without money they can do nothing.

American position agaist Chavez is hipocrisy. USA don´t like Chavez but enjoy his oil. :rolleyes:
I don't buy his oil, in fact, I don't buy any oil. I've no automobile, no motorcycle, nothing. I've got a pair of 2005 Nikes.

I don't buy his oil, in fact, I don't buy any oil. I've no automobile, no motorcycle, nothing. I've got a pair of 2005 Nikes.

Really very good position. If more people make how you made the world will be better. And no more money will go to people like Chavez and others. :cool:

Come now. Chavez flatters himself. We have more important nations to invade. Venezuela's far down the list.
Hell, Venezuela is probably below Zimbabwe. Probably on par with Russia. And not because of the reason Russia is so low on the list either. Russia's so low because of it's nuclear arsenal. Venezuela's down there just because it really doesn't matter.

Well I wonder when should we place Belarus on the axis of evil list. Hope they aint backed by the russians...

I don't buy his oil, in fact, I don't buy any oil. I've no automobile, no motorcycle, nothing. I've got a pair of 2005 Nikes.

Really very good position. If more people make how you made the world will be better. And no more money will go to people like Chavez and others. :cool:

So is giving money to those who operate sweatshops is a good thing, or just the lesser of two evils?

Chavez is sooo 2005.

Chavez is sooo 2005.

Yeah, but 2005 is so 1950's, and retro-chic is in again this season.

Yeah, but 2005 is so 1950's, and retro-chic is in again this season.
Like, yah, totally.

So is giving money to those who operate sweatshops is a good thing, or just the lesser of two evils?
It's a good thing. Eventually the economy will naturally outgrow the sweatshop phase if the workers are able to accumulate enough money and technical experience to attract higher wage jobs.

Yeah, but 2005 is so 1950's, and retro-chic is in again this season.
Dammit. I was planning on super-modern for my warddrobe.

So is giving money to those who operate sweatshops is a good thing, or just the lesser of two evils?

Yes, I must agree with you. Is just the lesser of two evils. :fluffle:

Hugo Chavez is an evil man. His casto like control of Venezuala and hatred of America appeals to many far leftists in our country who try to find legitimate reasons for his actions.
In Venezuela corruption and crime are rampant
there is failing infrastructure and public hospitals that do not meet any standard of medicine
Chávez is not fulfilling his major campaign pledges with respect to labor and land reform
He committed mass voter fraud to get elected
The entire GDP of his country is only $153 Billion....less than 1/3 of our defense department budget....
gdp per capita is $6100..compared to $35,000 in American...and he talks about what a bad job our government does in handling economic issues
The unemployment rate is 12% ours is 4.6%.

He is a currupt and bad leader who makes questionable decisions. It is not surprising that he hangs out with other evil dictators.Your country - whatever it is- Needs to invest more on education.

450 billion expent on weapons? that is so ugly.

Your country - whatever it is- Needs to invest more in education.

450 billion expent on weapons? that is so ugly.

But Nuk-lear weapons are so shiny...

But Nuk-lear weapons are so shiny...
And cheap. Our nuclear arsenal is relatively inexspensive to maintain, which is part of the reason why Eisenhower chose nukes over conventional forces back in the fifties. More "bang for your buck." Tragically enough they're also so destructive.

And cheap. Our nuclear arsenal is relatively inexspensive to maintain, which is part of the reason why Eisenhower chose nukes over conventional forces back in the fifties. More "bang for your buck." Tragically enough they're also so destructive.

But shinyness is a deciding factor.

And cheap. Our nuclear arsenal is relatively inexspensive to maintain, which is part of the reason why Eisenhower chose nukes over conventional forces back in the fifties. More "bang for your buck." Tragically enough they're also so destructive.North Korea and Iran do agree with Eisenhower..

specially North Korea.. they badly need to save the money.. to feed starving peasants..

North Korea and Iran do agree with Eisenhower..

specially North Korea.. they badly need to save the money.. to feed starving peasants..

They shall be fed by the Shinyness of the DPRKs new weapons.

But shinyness is a deciding factor.I cannot deny that :D

Hogu chavez is evil, and desrves to be sent to an mental istitution.

It's a good thing. Eventually the economy will naturally outgrow the sweatshop phase if the workers are able to accumulate enough money and technical experience to attract higher wage jobs.

Don't be daft... a sweatshop is place where you earn barely enough to live, work all hours of the day, sometimes without even toilet breaks, let alone holidays or time off for further education.

Eventually the sweatshop *owners* might outgrow their sweatshop owning phase and move on to ...I dunno, arms dealing, vote fixing or something.

Wow, I was starting ot get worried. We haven't seen a Chavez thread in weeks!

I'll interject my part...

"Bitch, piss, moan, Chavez. Bitch, piss, moan, commie. Bitch, piss, moan, Hugo. Bitch, piss, moan. Bitch, piss, moan. Bitch, piss, moan."

Don't you think that this particular complaint against Chavez is legitimate?

Though I do agree that it's annoying how every thread about him turns into a capitalism vs socialism debate.

Hogu chavez is evil, and desrves to be sent to an mental istitution.
This is hilarious.

So is giving money to those who operate sweatshops is a good thing, or just the lesser of two evils?
Lesser o' two evils i would say.

At least the shoe-making industry does cause the toppling of governments, and chaos in international politics.

It's a good thing. Eventually the economy will naturally outgrow the sweatshop phase if the workers are able to accumulate enough money and technical experience to attract higher wage jobs.
Or rather, if employment reaches a stage when the workers are secure enough to unionise and take what is theirs by right.

More "bang for your buck." Tragically enough they're also so destructive.
And useless. Nobody ever dares use nuclear weapons.

And that's a good thing.

So, it would appear that Lukashenko, ruthless dictator of Belarus has decided to cozy up with Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela. Mr. Chavez continues to grow his really awesome group of friends to not only include Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Castro, but also good ol' Mr. Ortega. Isn't it great when the "Bolivarian Liberator" signs up with bloodthirsty tyrants?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/25/belarus.chavez.reut/index.html

Yes. Isn't it a shame when any, supposed, leader of a Democracy (http://www.slate.com/id/2117535/) signs up with despotic human rights abusers (http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/). It's enough to make you believe that no politician has any principles. (http://www.examiner.com/images/ap/small/small_7bac9d60-f592-4c7b-88c0-3910ef259c1b.jpg)

Hugo Chavez should be ashamed of himself.

Yes. Isn't it a shame when any, supposed, leader of a Democracy (http://www.slate.com/id/2117535/) signs up with despotic human rights abusers (http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/). It's enough to make you believe that no politician has any principles. (http://www.examiner.com/images/ap/small/small_7bac9d60-f592-4c7b-88c0-3910ef259c1b.jpg)

Hugo Chavez should be ashamed of himself.

Who said Hugo Chávez is the leader of a democracy, I wonder?

Oh, well, unless you buy his goverment's propaganda.

Who said Hugo Chávez is the leader of a democracy, I wonder?

Oh, well, unless you buy his goverment's propaganda.
:rolleyes:

Here we go.

Don't you think that this particular complaint against Chavez is legitimate?
Very. Doesn't do him any favours in Europe, probably not with Socialist groups either.

Normally aligning oneself with a repressive dictator doesn't result in good future international relations.

:rolleyes:

Here we go.

With what exactly "here we go"?

In the end the terrorist and people like Crackhead I mean Chavez will die out....Soon....But not for awhile. Give time a chance

Who said Hugo Chávez is the leader of a democracy, I wonder?

Oh, well, unless you buy his goverment's propaganda.

And the fact that he became president as the result of winning an election.

Oh, that's right. Winning an election doesn't make you leader in a democracy these days.

And the fact that he became president as the result of winning an election.

Oh, that's right. Winning an election doesn't make you leader in a democracy these days.

Chávez was elected for the period of 1998-2003. Well, he changed the constitution so it could be 1999-2004. Care to know which is the current year? 2006.

Democracy allows you to be elected president for a determined period of time.

That's it, I think.

You should also check his intentions on running as a president for life, as he informed. That's surely pretty democratic. I guess that if he says that presidential power will go to his daughter after he dies, that is democratic too.

Chávez was elected for the period of 1998-2003. Well, he changed the constitution so it could be 1999-2004. Care to know which is the current year? 2006.

Democracy allows you to be elected president for a determined period of time.

That's it, I think.

You should also check his intentions on running as a president for life, as he informed. That's surely pretty democratic. I guess that if he says that presidential power will go to his daughter after he dies, that is democratic too.
...and we're off.

If we were using fission nuclear plants on a large scale instead and trying to overcome any safety engineering problems, we would be less dependent.

Rechargable electric cars (whether battery or hydrogen fuel cell) and an all nuclear grid would go a long way to reducing dependence on foreign oil.

If you just drove cars that were no bigger than what you actually need, you would be less dependent, and you wouldn't need to take the risk of a meltdown.