Here we go again…
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered the National Guard to take control of the rice-processing companies.
“Some companies are refusing to follow the government’s rules,” Chavez said. “I’ve ordered the intervention in those industries to protect the people, not the bourgeoisie.”
Sure makes him sound like a really nice guy doesn’t it? Fighting for the people! I am sure the timing is just a coincidence; the decreases in oil sales have been having a significant affect on his income (Venezuela is the largest oil producer in the western hemisphere).
Not that it matters…but…
You can either throw billions of dollars at companies or you can physically take them over; either ends in socialism.
Fine, I suppose this is where you look for some witty insights to my mind. A "bio" of sorts. Here is the deal... I ride motorcycles, smoke cigars, golf, kayak, fly, race my car through the mountains, write (a lot), and travel extensively. I am almost old enough not to care what other people think about me...almost. ~Godfadr
WHAT?!?!?!? You mean to tell me that you, a GODFATHER, has a problem with a guy using a little muscle to make sure the guys running the shops on your turf do things your way???
Sounds mighty hypocritical to me….or maybe its just that you didnt personally think of the idea yourself? LMAO
Yeah well, not to defend the guy, but Chavez is already well out of the closet when it comes to Soclalism. So what’s your problem?
If you’re suggesting that Socialism doesn’t work (which I agree), just how capitalist is the US these days? Your Fed and Treasury are refusing to take back TARP “bailout” funds. Gee….could it be that control of banks is too addictive a rush to give up?
And if you’re whining that somehow US interests are jeopardized, just how many times does the US put a stranglehold on other countries interests in ITS interests – regardless of the legality or morality thereof?
It’s pathetic how so many Americans routinely point fingers at others and seek to hold them accountable. Chavez is acting in his country’s interests. So flipping what?
If the shoe fits…………….
So, just to clarify SA,
First off, I don’t feel what Chavez does jeopardizes US interest. He appears to be fairly indiscriminate as to what countries assets he goes after (including his own).
You feel Chavez is “acting in the country’s interests” by taking over domestic and foreign companies within his borders? Interesting. Not sure how well it plays into a long-term strategy (or how much of the money actually makes it back to the people).
I suppose to other countries it may appear that the US has one voice. Trust me, it does not and oftentimes the “majority” is not really represented. The current economic crisis (not only being global) is unprecedented in scope and depth (the Great Depression is a completely different scenario). The US is certainly not alone in economic mistakes made.
I think all the leaders are doing the best they can given the situation. Although I do wonder if anyone will actually learn from it or we will be in the same situation 15 years from now.