[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves]
One other thing one must accept is that the American ideal, however often flouted, is to support democracy in other countries. Even if we don’t like the leaders those democratic processes select, ya know?
[/QUOTE]
Do you not believe that allowing Chavez these powers is a step away from democracy? Had the Republican Congress voted Bush such power, what would be your reaction? Do you see any comparison between this and the voting to Hitler of such power by a democratically elected Reichstag?
Shit, I’m a leftist, and in some ways a socialist, but I’m also, and even more so, a believer in democratic and/or republican government. The actions of the Venezuelan government should be appalling to those who prize the latter.
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton]
:dubious: Who’s “we,” Paleface? 'Cause it ain’t gonna be the U.S.
[/QUOTE]
And now I’ll take the side that portrays Chavez as a victim. El Cid is certainly correct that Chavez will only be allowed to run Venezuela as long as a steady and market priced flow of oil proceeds from the country. The oil companies certainly have enough money to finance a revolution, and depending on who is running the U.S. at the time, I have no problem visualizing U.S. assistance in far more emphatic form than the recent coup attempt.
[QUOTE=Ravenman]
So you agree that the Chinese people started having their living conditions improve when the Chinese government began to abandon socialism, but you simply can’t bring yourself to say the words?
Coward.
[/QUOTE]
No I didn’t say that. The last time I saw, China was still is a totalitarian state that has complete state control of the economy. Is that not true? Did living conditions not improve before less restrictions were enforced? Would you consider China less socialistic than Sweden?
[QUOTE=Frank]
And now I’ll take the side that portrays Chavez as a victim. El Cid is certainly correct that Chavez will only be allowed to run Venezuela as long as a steady and market priced flow of oil proceeds from the country. The oil companies certainly have enough money to finance a revolution, and depending on who is running the U.S. at the time, I have no problem visualizing U.S. assistance in far more emphatic form than the recent coup attempt.
[/QUOTE]
Standard Oil and British Petroleum screamed and threatened when México nationalized oil in 1938. And that was when Britian still had her empire. The oil will still flow. The markets, manipulated as they be, will determine the price. Big oil will still get crude for their refineries. A gringo invasion will alienate all of Latin America and a few other countries too.
At least with Chávez, the average Venezuelan may reap some benefit from the revenues instead of the Venezuelan elite. And I know many of them. My daughter’s university here in Guadalajara is filled ith their kids.
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton]
:dubious: Who’s “we,” Paleface? 'Cause it ain’t gonna be the U.S.
[/QUOTE]
As for that paleface shit I get the Zorro reference and remain unconvinced.
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton]
:rolleyes: Zorro != the Lone Ranger. You dumbass pop-cultural illiterate.
[/QUOTE]
Wow, you’re even dumber than I imagined. Did you think the Lone Ranger is a unique concept? Even your pop culture is stolen.
[QUOTE=El Cid Viscoso]
Don’t be so angry.
[/quote]
One can not be angry in front of one talking nonsense. It is kinda fun actually because one does not need to search much for a reply, just some memory is needed, no need to research for an answer, why be angry at that?
As I said already that I’m not approving of his latest move, I think you have some reading comprehension problems too.
I think that is what I said, you numbnuts. Being able to make the oil flow saved him, but only because Chevron is happy so far.
I do think the embargo is the item that helped keep Castro up in power by giving him an excuse for his mismanagement.
[QUOTE=CBEscapee]
The oil will still flow. The markets, manipulated as they be, will determine the price. Big oil will still get crude for their refineries.
[/QUOTE]
That was my point, I believe. Chevron, or whatever companies are involved there couldn’t care less what Chavez does, as long as the oil flows.
Please demonstate any time since the founding of the U.S. when we have shown that we give a shit. Seriously. That sentence was a bit harsh, but (as said) depending on who is running the country, when choosing between alienating Latin America or securing our (possibly synonymous) national or business interests, our attitude has always been: “How many divisions has the Pope?”
[QUOTE=CBEscapee]
So where the fuck is he from then, pendejo?
[/QUOTE]
He was from Venezuela, douchebag. He was an awesome tennis player and man, could he drop some nasty, toilet-clogging Chávez. (I should know, I was the House Manager.)
[QUOTE=El Cid Viscoso]
He was from Venezuela, douchebag. He was an awesome tennis player and man, could he drop some nasty, toilet-clogging Chávez. (I should know, I was the House Manager.)
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=El Cid Viscoso]
Wow, you’re even dumber than I imagined. Did you think the Lone Ranger is a unique concept? Even your pop culture is stolen.
[/QUOTE]
Listen Tonto, Zorro’s idea was stolen from Robin Hood and the The Scarlet Pimpernel, heroes who helped the people against tyranny. The Lone Ranger was a crime fighter, and IIRC the Shadow was the first.
