Chavez to US: “Go to hell, gringos!”
Monday, January 22nd, 2007 12:00 pm by NealVenezuelan thug Hugo Chavez sure is a thin-skinned, insecure little dictator considering the complete consolidation of power that he has managed. During his first appearance in five months on his weekly radio and television show, Chavez told American officials to “Go to hell, gringos!”
President Hugo Chavez told U.S. officials to “Go to hell, gringos!” and called U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice “missy” on his weekly radio and TV show, lashing out at Washington for what he called unacceptable meddling in Venezuelan affairs.
Sunday’s comments by the fiery leftist were in response to Washington’s criticism of a measure to grant Chavez broad lawmaking powers. The National Assembly, which is controlled by the president’s allies, is expected to give final approval this week to an “enabling law” that gives Chavez the authority to pass laws by decree for an 18-month period.
…“What does the empire want? Condoleezza said it. How are you? You’ve forgotten me, missy … Condoleezza said it clearly, it’s about creating a new geopolitical” map in the Middle East, Chavez said.
In typical style, Chavez spoke for hours Sunday during his first appearance on the weekly program in five months. He extolled the ideals of socialist thinker Karl Marx, sent his best wishes to the ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, his close ally and friend who has been sidelined since intestinal surgery last summer.
Yawn.
Chavez continues to consolidate power and nationalize private sectors of the economy as he scuttles Venezuela into the dark, cold waters of Marxism. His first weekly speech in five months is an omen to the subjects of Venezuela: prepare for the day when the delivery of Chavez’s nationalized services make his speaking schedule look punctual.
Chavez, who was re-elected by a wide margin last month, has said he will enact sweeping reforms to remake Venezuela into a socialist state. Among his plans are nationalizing the main telecommunications company, CANTV, and the electricity and natural gas sectors.
He said Sunday his government will not pay the market value for CA Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela, or CANTV, but rather will take into account debts to workers, pensions and other obligations, including a “technological debt” to the state.
“I’ll pay when the law dictates and in the form the government decides. I’m going to tell them that CANTV was given away, and that they shouldn’t come here saying it must be paid for at the international price,” he said. CANTV, partially owned by U.S.-based Verizon Communications Inc., was privatized in 1991. [Chavez financial management 101: “I’ll pay when the law, which I control, dictates.” — ed]
…Criticizing excessive consumption and self-indulgence, Chavez also announced plans in his broadcast to raise domestic gasoline prices and approve a new tax on luxury goods such as private yachts, second homes and extravagant automobiles.
He did not give details on the gas price hike, which he said would not affect bus drivers who provide public transportation, or the luxury tax. He said revenue from the new measures would be put toward government social programs.
Well, there you go: Chavez is already criticizing “excessive consumption and self-indulgence” as he preps his ill patient for the anti-capitalist surgery to remove the last organs of self-sufficiency and independence. Not surprisingly, this surgery usually results in starvation.
***
Previous:
Eating Venezuela
Bye bye, Venezuela