>SNIP
>>>
>>>But Chavez and Venezuela are less than a flea compared to the U.S. So what is there to be scared about?
>>
>>Virus' are small also.
>>
>>The people of Venezuela should be very worried about this march towards 'socialism'. The oil revenue which is fueling this 'dream' will not remain this high forever. Investors around the world are pulling their assets out of Venezuela. Chavez is consolidating power to 'the state'. Utilities, oil, mining, media and phone companies are all in process or have been put on notice that the state will be taking over. We have seen this many times before Jim, and it doesn't end well.
>
>Frankly, you guys (Americans) have a well-drilled-in phobia against the words "socialized" or "socialism". You must be very upset about the Scandanivian countries and lots other of Europe.

Watching the failures of socialism throughout history has been very enlightening. It's not that we fear socialism, but we recognize that it's an inferior system when compared to free-market capitalism. Why should we lower our standards?

No comment about the siezures? Do you see the pattern and just choose to ignore it because he's attacking President Bush?

>>In addition, the association with Iran and N. Korea is not a simple repudiation of the US and President Bush. This is a disturbing alliance with countries actively developing nuclear weapons, with the frequently stated goal of using them against the US and her allies. Chavez is playing a dangerous game with very damgerous friends.
>
>More like with a dangerous elephant.

I'll take that as no comment.