freebooter said:
You mean most countries will eventually look something like variations of Iraq, Panama, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Uzbekistan... I hope not but it seems increasingly likely.
As to voting "them" out, good luck, because "their" replacement will in most cases have to follow the same basic scheme--the Big Money Boys call all the important shots. Governments that don't toe the line are soon crushed by economic and/or military means, unless the country is independently wealthy, well run and can defend itself--Venezuela. I wonder what iPods go for in Venezuela?
Venezuela!!!
Are you kidding??? Have you ever been there???
I'm a Venezuelan, currently living in the UK, because the place has become impossible to live in!!!
Well run??? Nope, the levels of corruption are on par or above to previous regimes, that didn't hate the US. Chavez speech is all rethorical BS. He talks and talks, and even reprehends other southamerican states for dealing with the US, but he hasn't stoped supplying them oil for a single second(well, he did, but not by choice, but for a national paralisation, by HIS OPPOSITION)
Defend itself??? Agains who??? Venezuela doens't have any natural enemies, it never has had them. Chavez BS about the US wanting to invade is typical dictator's paranoia, it will never happen, he's not dumb enough to cut the US oil's supply, and that would be the only reason for the US to get involved. Hell, I wish they got involved, but not Irak style, maybe a cia sniper kind of thing, hahahaha, but it won't happen.
Venezuelans are the most relaxed, stress free, and happy living people out there. I don't think I know anyone who would even consider going to war.
Oh, and Ipods in Venezuela, go for at least 30% more than in any other country, because the government has frozen the exchange of currency, and the only way to get US $ is in the black market, for nearly an extra 30% of its value, or unless you are traveling. Also, import dutties are ridiculous, and the to get anything through customs, you'll have to pay(yep, under the table)
Oh, and the minimum wage, is in the order of $100 a month, and this is what most people earn. And before you come a tell me that cost is relative, nope, not in Venezuela, food and drink is nearly 50% cheaper than the UK(so, no cheap at all), if that... And, as mentioned, any imported goods, are at least 30% more expensive than in the US...
So, for those interested in foreign politics, that actually believe Chavez's BS, DON'T!!! do some research, talk to the locals, but don't give him credibility. He is in fact a really dangerous man, but not to the world or the US, but the the Venezuelans and maybe to his South American neighbours. This is a man, who looks for allies in places like Syria, Iran, North Corea, just to name a few, and as everybody knows, in his "Uncle" Fidel Castro!!!
I do apologise for the off topic and very long rant, but it makes my blood boil when people from other countries promote a regime that is making so many people leave the country that they love...
