We'll Beat the Freedom Into Them

BAD ATTITUDES: Democracy Spelled with a Dubya links to two articles in the New York Times about Venezuela.

In the first article, we see the evil inherent in using a country's wealth for the good of the populace, instead of having it line the pocket of some rich investor (written with sarcasm intended).

Excerpt:

All across this oil-rich and poverty-riddled country, the state oil giant, Petróleos de Venezuela, the country's economic engine, is embarking on a radical and wide-ranging social spending program that includes building homes, running literacy programs and developing agriculture. In all, the company, known worldwide as Pdvsa (pronounced peh-deh-VEH-sah), is increasing its social spending from less than $40 million in previous years to $1.7 billion this year, according to the company's 2004 budget: $616 million on various programs, $600 million on agricultural development and $500 million on low-income housing.

The new spending measures are transforming a state company long run like a private concern into President Hugo Chávez's primary vehicle for social change in the world's fifth-largest oil exporter.

The second article tells us what the United States' response is:

Under United States pressure to allow a recall referendum against his rule, President Hugo Chávez has in recent days counterattacked, charging that the Bush administration is trying to oust him by aiding his adversaries, including those who briefly overthrew him in a 2002 coup.

The Times was at least kind enough to include the information that the Venezueala Solidarity Committee has compiled an extensive number of documents that support Chavez's assertions. Of course, they didn't include a link, but Google is free.

Full disclosure: I speak and write Spanish at about the same level: that of a child. Most of the documents are in Spanish, so my grasp is quite limited; however, I have access to translators who hopefully will assist me in taking a look. Meanwhile, I'll rely on the information from the Times article, even though there's no love lost between myself and the Gray Lady.

I don't doubt Bush is itching for military action in Venezuela. Iraq is a disaster, the war on terror is such a joke that I wonder if those supporting either the creation of a police state or archaic military action even know what they're talking about, and the Administration has nothing to show for the outlay of billions of dollars except for more terror. Oh--and the economy sucks, in case no one's noticed.