Obama to meet with Chavez
posted at 10:37 am on February 2, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Call it the first fruits of Barack Obama’s boast in the July 2007 YouTube debate. Obama will meet one-fifth of that obligation in April, when he will apparently meet with Venezuelan dictator-wannabe Hugo Chavez in Trinidad:
United States President, Barack Obama will have a face-to-face meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez in April in Port of Spain, when the two leaders will be among three dozen heads of government and state at the three day Summit of the Americas.
This information was confirmed by Summit Secretariat Communications Co-ordinator, Felipe Noguera.
Top of the agenda of the Summit will be burning energy issues in which both the United States and Venezuela have a keen interest.
The Trinidad Express reported that Noguera told newsmen that Secretariat Chairman, Ambassador Carlos Luis Alberto Rodriguez indicated that Venezuela and the USA were at loggerheads on energy issues to be highlighted in the Declaration of Port of Spain. The declaration — outlining policy goals in coming years for the 34 countries in the Americas in the fields of energy, education, environment and health — will be signed by the leaders during the April 17-19 summit.
Recall that Obama promised to meet with the leaders of five rogue nations “without preconditions” in the first year of his presidency. The question in the debate specifically mentioned Hugo Chavez, along with Kim Jong-Il, Bashar Assad, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and whichever Castro is still breathing. Later, Obama tried to back away from his pledge, saying that “preparations” would take place rather than “preconditions”, but could not articulate the difference between the two.
Now we stand at the event, and we have to wonder what “preparations” have taken place for this summit meeting. Has Chavez stopped funding FARC terrorists? Has Obama even demanded that publicly in these first two weeks in office? If he has, it’s escaped the attention of the press, and certainly Chavez hasn’t repudiated FARC since the discovery of his funding in the Colombian raid last fall.
I have contacted the White House for confirmation of this meeting and to get an answer as to whether “preparations” include a demand for Chavez to stop supporting terrorism in Latin America. I will keep you updated on their response.
Blowback
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I wonder if Chavez is gonna give an “El Diablo” speech at the UN for Ogabe too……
Or maybe an “El Uno” one instead.
Right-brained on February 2, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Really because in the “fair and balanced” conservative blogosphere that little detail is totally ignored. Certainly didn’t see Rush mention it. I guess people think that his quick and tidy mobilization of FEMA to the effected states is just more “pandering for votes” rather than competency. Thank God “Brownie” is no where near this one.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
¡Pinche cabrón!
Glenn Jericho on February 2, 2009 at 11:22 AM
***
President O’Bummer (aka JIMMY CARTER II) is buddying up with his socialist / marxist / communist tools. They are part of the group of enemies of our country.
***
Hugo Chavez has set up a LATIN AMERICA AXIS OF EVIL–with Russian, Cuban, and Iranian support. Venezuela has bought large quantities of AK-47 rifles and Rocket Propelled Grenades–far more than needed by a peaceful country. They are also building Venezuelan factories to build many more (millions?) of these weapons–ideal for guerrilla war in Latin America.
***
Chavez is working to destabilize and take over Colombia. He is also working with Evo Morales in Bolivia to start the marxist revolution there also–civil war is imminent in Bolivia.
***
The “Messiah” will get a lesson in realpolitik pretty soon. This will probably happen when Israel takes out the Iranian nuclear enrichment and weapons factories. Expect Iran, Venezuela, Russia, and other oil producers to repeat the 1973 oil embargo against the U.S.S.A. We are much more vulnerable to this now than we were then–we import much more oil due to the shutdown of our oil business by the “greenies”.
***
Get ready for gas rationing, much higher fuel costs, and a lot more damage to our employment and business sectors. And get ready for debates on WHO LOST LATIN AMERICA, TAIWAN, SOUTH KOREA, ETC. Watch the “lightworker” talk his way out of this one.
***
John Bibb
***
rocketman on February 2, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Other than ensuring that the amyl nitrate, KY, and kneepads are packed in anticipation of Chavez’ demands (as well as those of his puppets Morales and Correa), I don’t see what “preparations” could possibly take place either.
Kid from Brooklyn on February 2, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Thats change I can believe in.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Really because in the “fair and balanced” conservative blogosphere that little detail is totally ignored.
DeathToMediaHacks
So we should give Ogabe a medal for doing that which is minimally expected?
SKYFOX on February 2, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Smell that change!
It smells like parrot $hit.
Badger40 on February 2, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I see nothing unusual with one Marxist meeting another. I’m sure they have many, many things in common. No doubt one being the best way to nationalize major industries.
darwin on February 2, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Classic pre 9-11 mentallity… This guy (see quote) will not stop until we get hit again just as we did on 9-11. Even then he will take a stance of “Gee, why don’t they like us, Don’t they know I am the One we’ve been waiting for?”
Kuffar on February 2, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I was responding to the guy who said that Obama should deploy FEMA rather than meet with Chavez. It suggests that being in the conservative media bubble is no different than only getting your info from Huffpost as the person was totally ignorant of Obama’s competent handling of the disaster. And he didn’t even have to do a flyover.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Chavez has demonstrated goodwill towards Americans, if not towards the Bush Administration. He’s more popular here than people think and is one of the few leaders who makes sure his oil wealth is distributed to the people who live on the land (I’m looking at you Nigeria). It’s very Palin like when you think about it. And he won in Democratic elections, the people are big fans. What’s the problem again?
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Things are going to hell in a handbasket real quick. Guess we will start sending them money now. Ugh this sucks.
Brat4life on February 2, 2009 at 11:42 AM
You voted for Palin?
the_nile on February 2, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Thanks McCain.
faraway on February 2, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Change that smells like sulfur.
BrianA on February 2, 2009 at 11:48 AM
No, but I love her oil wealth redistribution policies in Alaska. What most scares me about Palin isn’t her, it’s the people who support her. Considering some of the scary things people are starting to say about “protecting their women” a 2012 Obama v. Palin matchup could make being a black man in certain regions of the country a risky thing to be, y’all know what I mean. But that’s off topic.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 11:48 AM
If they’ll both be attending a three-day “summit,” it seems Obama would have to pointedly snub Chavez in order to avoid having a face-to-face meeting with him. I guess I’m outrageously outraged, or something.
Kralizec on February 2, 2009 at 11:50 AM
What a disgrace. The Venezuelan people are suffering under harsh restrictions on free speech, funding terrorists like FARC and Islamic Nazis, and the jerk president is going to legitimize him.
Should it surprise anyone? Socialists love to hang out together.
jencab on February 2, 2009 at 11:50 AM
How about we start with him funding the FARC in Columbia, heh?
BrianA on February 2, 2009 at 11:51 AM
The ‘conservative blogosphere’ didn’t say he didn’t call in FEMA. They said that FEMA is not doing a good job and that it’s taking a long time to get to people who need help.
Phoenician on February 2, 2009 at 11:51 AM
More interested with crazy enemies than with democratic friends…
He is doing to the world what McCain does to conservatives…claims he is one of us but does anything he can to thumb us in the eye…
We know how this story ends…
joepub on February 2, 2009 at 11:54 AM
whatcha mean “wannabe”?
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Being as they’re both Marxist-Socialists, they should have plenty to talk about. Maybe they can compare notes on redistribution of wealth. Chavez does it by nationalizing private companies while Obama calls it a “stimulous” package.
Wyznowski on February 2, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Show me a difference between the people behind the American revolution and FARC and I guess you’ll have a point. The land oligarchy in Colombia couldn’t expect serfdom to continue forever didn’t they. Aren’t conservatives AGAINST serfdom, isn’t this the kind of thing we used to fund ourselves?
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Who hired you to write stupid sh1t like that on HotAir? Or whose talking points are you cutting and pasting? That’s quite a thin disguise you have there, media hack.
Kralizec on February 2, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Fuel meet fire. Fire, fuel.
YYZ on February 2, 2009 at 11:59 AM
moral relativism, historical revisionism and full blown idiocy above. Clean up please
jp on February 2, 2009 at 12:00 PM
We’re FARCed.
Bruce in NH on February 2, 2009 at 12:02 PM
His “Democratic” (cough-cough) elections were rubber stamped by Jimmy Hamas Carter. That’s a problem right there.
fogw on February 2, 2009 at 12:03 PM
“because in the “fair and balanced” conservative blogosphere that little detail is totally ignored. Certainly didn’t see Rush mention it.”
Hussein is no less a Marxist, Racist Anti American piece of crap than he was 30 seconds before telling someone else to mobilize FEMA. There is no reason to applaud this buffon and many reasons to loathe him.
dogsoldier on February 2, 2009 at 12:03 PM
I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for a response from the White House. When they want you to know something, they’ll tell you. Otherwise, quit distracting them with details.
GarandFan on February 2, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Sounds like FARC might have a grievance, but America has always loved oppressive oligarchies, just look at out relationship with Saudi Arabia.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Civilian hostages. Marxism. Cocaine trafficking. There’s three to get the ball rolling.
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Oh please do. I have a very hefty bet on one four-term only.
sherry on February 2, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Um the Tories didn’t have the most fun time during the American Revolution
Do we even have to talk about our founding father’s relationship to hemp and marijuana?
The Revolutionaries main grievance was that the aristocracy claimed a disproportionate amount of the land and wealth produced by the colonists. The grievances are pretty much the same.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:09 PM
The problem you have is that you will make an excellent point, but he will ignore it.
Even he should be ashamed at comparing political strife from 200 years ago, to now…even he should know that the world, and the way countries are formed is different…but he won’t understand, or he will ignore it.
Such is the mind of a liberal…when faced with facts, hide.
right2bright on February 2, 2009 at 12:10 PM
“The way countries are formed is different” LOL. OK. So we’re in favor of the way our nation was formed and we’re definitely in favor of nation building through violent struggle in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. But when you resist oppression with violence against American allies then you’re a terrorist and doing things in a way totally different from the way everyone else (including us) has done and still does them. Got it. Clear as day.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:12 PM
…”Obama tried to back away from his pledge, saying that “preparations” would take place rather than “preconditions”, but could not articulate the difference between the two.”
Clintonese is the language of the new administration.
Thanks for asking the question, Ed; I will be very surprised if they answer it coherently.
Christine on February 2, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Did the US hold them hostage by the thousands for ransom? No. Does FARC? Yes.
Was it an illegal? No. Did the US sell it in large quantities to fund “revolutionary” activities? No.
Marxism
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 12:13 PM
That can’t be a serious retort…cocaine traffic in 2009 compared to hemp in the 1700′s? You are saying our founding fathers traffic cocaine? That they were drug dealers? That drugs were a major part of the founders economy? My God, you are much more stupid then I ever thought a liberal could be…
Marxism and England? Huh??? Monarchy is different, and Monarchy in 1700′s is much different then Marxism in the year 2000…but at least you answered, I was wrong about that.
right2bright on February 2, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Looks like D2MH got over the rendition and torture of her fellow America-haters pretty quick. Probably because of her X’s-&-O’s for Chavez (and every other America-hater Obama pals around with).
Whatever hurts more bourgeoisie capitalist American swine, eh comrade D2MH?
TMK on February 2, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Why is anyone surprised by this?
Why are you surprised by obamas and the liberals treachery?
I was reading my bible this morning (yes i admit i actually read it each day)..
And God revealed something very interesting to me..
I was reading and found through a different refferene
jeremiah 7:28
And thou shalt say unto them, This is the nation that hath not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah their God, nor received instruction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth
God is FLAT out telling the USA
that you havent obeyed his word
you have destroyed the poor
you have looted the widow of her home (through wall street)
you have destroyed the future of the fatherless
So truth is perished from your leaders and all whom you elected.
So why are you so surpised obama is teaming up with a tin pot dictator..?
You deserve it..
jcila on February 2, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Saying, “[I]sn’t this the kind of thing we used to fund ourselves?,” you make it a rhetorical question, as if your conscience is too weak to allow you just to tell the lie outright. An American conservative with even sophomoric understanding can tell you that “the people behind the American revolution” were fighting for what we now call a classical liberal regime, while FARC are fighting for a communist regime, that is, fighting to force the Columbians into serfdom under Raul Reyes.
Kralizec on February 2, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Death, being as fond of Marxism (”progressivism”) as you are, I recommend you spend some time in a “progressive” country like North Korea or Cuba. Alternatively, you could spend some time in a formerly “progressive” country like the one I live in and talk to people how much they want to get back to “progress”.
“Progressives” sent my wife off to work on a farm for a few years instead of going to university. She’s got lots of fond memories.
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I’m a dude.
You mean did the colonists? And no, as you said we’re dealing with different moments in history. In their context, though colonists did all they could to demonize tories and loyalists, including acts of violence. FARC also releases hostages on a semi-regular basis. Colombia is our ally, but to claim they are a lot less democratic than Venezuela is. I don’t think FARC is anything to be excited about, but I also don’t think they are anymore “terrorist” than any group which seeks to overthrow an oppressive system through violence. If that’s terrorist than so are people in the past we’ve supported. So were the folks against Apartheid in South Africa (in fact we used to call them terrorists, remember). Hypocrasy is annoying.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:23 PM
No, like most liberals, you don’t and won’t.
See when we defeated Japan, did we occupy? When we defeated Germany did we occupy? Iraq is moving towards complete freedom, and we won’t be an occupier of that country either.
No, we let them be “free”, a concept foreign to liberals…liberals resist freedom.
Now you have a problem with America imposing freedom, you feel that Marxism is a fine process and along with that is the death and murdering of resistors…of course you feel we are the terrorists…such is the liberal mind set.
right2bright on February 2, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I’d love to live in Western Europe, model of successful progressive governance and lifestyle. Certainly would be easier to avoid high fructose corn syrup and other crappy processed foods.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I didn’t mention occupatin, I mentioned forcing revolution through violence, and yes we have been more than happy to do that. When we decide its in our economic interest we call it freedom fighting, when not, we call it terrorism. That is the only thing that distinguishes how we talk about these matters. It’s really plain as day.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:26 PM
No. You wouldn’t. You won’t. You don’t have the courage. You’re a liar.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 12:27 PM
What’s stopping you? (They have Burger King in Europe if you get homesick)
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Chavez and FARC’s goal is oppression and Serfdom/Slavery, and we have absolutely no ‘realpolitik’ and pragmatic reason to lower ourselves to Chavez level and at same time rise Chavez on the world stage and give him legitmacy. He has no choice but to sell his oil for one thing, as is already mentioned.
The founding fathers goal was Liberty, not Serfdom, and to put them on the same Moral Playing ground as a thug like Chavez and FARC is absolutely Idiotic, Naive and Immoral in itself.
“Relativism will certainly damn our souls and End our Species” -C.S. Lewis
jp on February 2, 2009 at 12:29 PM
better hurry up then, they are on the edge of collapsing thanks to their Huge Nanny-State(err Progessive/Fascistic State) along with their Secular Humanist Culture. Which is bearing the Fruits of NO CHILDREN.
How are you going to keep paying for the Nanny-State Ponzi Scheme in a culture that Loathes Childrean and Women are only having about 1 baby each, halving population????
Oh, Immigrants from Baby Boom Muslim Countries. Good luck with that, might want to bone up on Sharia Law, little different brand of Submission and Serfdom for you.
jp on February 2, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Such simplistic reasoning – we support our own revolution therefore we must support every revolution. That’s moronic.
It is true that we use the label “terrorism” to identify our enemies. So what? They are barbarians, so the label is not incorrect, and they are fighting for things we find abhorrent.
No. The thing that distinguishes how we talk about these matters is what people are fighting FOR (as was told to you before on this thread) and what they are fighting against. There are always more poor people than rich. Big deal.
Your argument runs along the lines, “We like government A. North Korea has a government. Therfore we should like North Korea’s government, or else we are just playing word games.” That’s just relativist stupidity.
progressoverpeace on February 2, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I’d love to know if there is any commitment to meet with Alvaro Uribe. Thus far, Obama has avoided sharing the stage with him so as not to infuriate the lunatic Left.
Golden Boy on February 2, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Um, more like I have a relationship, a life a job (and a partner with a job) here that can’t just be up and transplanted to southern Italy (mmmmm, southern Italy). It’s not that serious man.
Hasn’t your side been predicting the collapse of Europe for like 20 years now? And frankly are we ones to talk about an economic system teetering on the brink of collapse? This has to be what’s so heartbreaking about being a conservative right now. You got your way. No nationalized healthcare, a de-unionized workforce, massive upwards distributions of wealth at the expense of a growing national debt. And the economy STILL collapsed.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Call me paranoid, but I see this meeting, if it takes place, as the following: Chavez spends 15 minutes personally bagging on President Bush with weird personal invective thrown in as only Little Castro can do, and Obama will just sit there taking it all in before launching into some tired apologia about how things are different now, without defending Bush one bit.
Mike D. on February 2, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Just another section of the Obama jig-saw puzzle, showing that
he meant what he said, and will reach out to our(sic.) enemies. Big Whoop.
As a conservative I am worried that Obama will neglect our security in his work for diplomacy. History says that this atitude wreaks havoc. Bribery will be its herald.
It did not work for Rome with the Ostrogoths, and it won’t work for us with the muslim Jihadists or “Caesar” Chavez.
Weakness perceived is weakness explored.
Randy
williars on February 2, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Whatever you have, here in the USA, you would never trade it for life across the pond. You are every bit as much a fraudulent liar as the wealthy Hollywood libs that vowed to run away when Dubya got elected (both times). Your hollow bravado acclaiming a system you know nothing about is beyond meaningless – even moreso because you mouth such vapid words on an anonymous forum. Utterly worthless.
People that have actually had to live under the ghastly systems you flutter your eyelashes at, would gladly trade everything they have for a shot at life here in the USA. And many do. Every year.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 12:44 PM
When we overthrow oppressive oligarchies, the left screams.
When we don’t overthrow oppressive oligarchies, the left screams.
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 12:44 PM
I’m not looking for clarity or consistency in practical matters, which I expect to veer repeatedly into chaos and death, forever and ever. For the liberal democracies to kill their enemies seems the most direct way for them to free themselves to move on to the next group of their enemies. These moralisms of yours are merely paralyzing, and whatever is paralyzing is usually deadly. But if I had my way, the Americans would find the right time and means to kill FARC, and then they would move on to the next organization of their haters, and go on killing, living, killing, and thriving.
Kralizec on February 2, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I hate to get overly technical, but Obama won’t really be Cavez’s counterpart until The One is officially appointed President for Life.
logis on February 2, 2009 at 12:47 PM
He’s only popular here because no one bothers to report on his corruption. Which is all over the place. He’s all but practically destroyed a once beautiful country. Venezuela has the highest murder rate of any country in the western hemisphere. Crime and corruption are prevelant. And their interest rates are thru the roof. Tha man is a fruit loop who has manipulated the masses (actually about 50% of the population) to support him blindly and that he is the answer to all their problems. Sound familar?
I’ve been there four times in the last five years. My wife’s Venezuelan. I have seen the “wonders” of 21st century Bolivarian Socialism first hand. I have studied Venezuela in great detail and see many parallels between Obama and Chavez, and none of them are good.
You want to really know who Chavez is, check out this doc that actualy appeared on PBS (shocked the hell out of me because it’s the best profile of Chavez anywhere.)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hugochavez/
Also look at these sites:
http://caracaschronicles.blogspot.com/
http://blogs.salon.com/0001330/‘
Chavez is not a savior and if we don’t start paying attention, we’ll have a Chavez of our own to deal with.
Pcoop on February 2, 2009 at 12:47 PM
The economy is fundamentally fine. The slump in market valuations and confidence is transient.
What is most damning is how our hiccup has revealed how parasitically dependent other economies are on our free-market capitalist powerhouse.
If you expect eternal economic unicorns and rainbows, vote Obama…..oh….wait…..
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 12:47 PM
How, by spending hundreds of billions on welfare?
Not to mention the trillions of dollars donated by private individuals to help the poor throughout the world.
You mean God has commanded that widows don’t have to pay their debts?
How?
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Um, you really don’t know me like that, but if it makes you feel good to bluster and spew hate at Hollywood via me, uh go ahead. No doubt you missed the stories of the thousands of Americans who repatriated from Canada after the 2008 election. Not anything significant, but still pretty funny.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 2, 2009 at 12:49 PM
I knew Obama was a far left wing nut but believed he had more sense than Carter and actually knew his beliefs were wrong and unpopular.
So much for that conclusion.
lavell12 on February 2, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Anyone who claims that Venezuela is currently democratic, is quite clearly not in full control of his mental faculties.
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 12:49 PM
pretty simple.
obama was elected democratically and he’s very popular. that kind of popularity is dangerous because crazy $hit gets passed like this 1 trillion dollar bogus stimulus. and if there are any drastic policy shifts toward a more socialist agenda, the people don’t mind because they love him and think they will get something out of it (for nothing). it’s sorta like a used car salesman who convinces you the jalopy you just bought for 20 grand was a good deal.
chavez had a lot of popularity as well. the very poor of venezuela have consistently believed that chavez is going to do “something” for them. he has not. chavez can hardly keep the power turned on for the faithful poor. i speak from first-hand knowledge as my wife is cuban-born and raised in venezuela. her father had to flee castro (he got lucky) and their family wept when chavez came to power. all of the potential for free markets, free speech, free elections, everything went down the tubes.
“the people” (the poor or foolish) think he’s great because he plays on their fears and makes big “i’ll provide for you” promises. of course they love him, they think he’s going to take away their poverty. initially, that seems probable to all of them, until the policies are financially unsustainable and the poor actually get poorer.
you see, anyone pushing the leftist agenda must be qualified as a charismatic, silver-tongued, promise-making, play-on-fears communicator… whereby, promising the poor and the hopeless everything, they get automatic votes. ironically, they provide long term misery.
wait, was i talking about chavez or obama?
ah, chavez – and about your comment – this “demonstration of goodwill towards americans” is exactly what someone like chavez does. promises goodwill in terms of “we’ll give you free heating oil and in exchange you believe our propaganda”. in my opinion, if he had goodwill toward americans, he would open up free trade and free markets and do business with americans thereby generating more jobs, etc.
it amazes me how every low-life socialist dictator has sympathizers. no matter how many they hurt or even execute along the way.
thedude on February 2, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Now we know that you are delusional. Europe hasn’t been successful at anything for over a generation.
Health care. Awful.
Standard of living. Awful.
Ability to defend itself. Non-existant.
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 12:51 PM
I spent a good deal of time in Peru during the ’80s, when the Shining Path was active. They used to go into rural villages and round up all the kids, then cut off all their fingers, to set an example and encourage compliance and support for their revolution. It was a standard technique, not just an aberration of command. They are Maoists who were also dedicated to similar economic change, perhaps even more than you.
a capella on February 2, 2009 at 12:51 PM
You can find all those things in Europe. Pack up and go. I moved overseas when I was 22. I had all those things and did it. You can too.
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 12:51 PM
The American revolutionaries never attacked civilians.
For the most part, neither did the British soldiers.
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I wonder if, at any point will 0-Bama say, ‘Ya, Chavez, Porque no te callas?”
GWB would’ve….
dmh0667 on February 2, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Interesting wording. By “counterpart”, do they mean dictator?
InCali on February 2, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Nobody ever said that the collapse would happen tomorrow. We just point out the ever growing cracks in the system.
The US economy is stumbing. You might even say that it is in bad shape. About to collapse? Are you delusional?
And the rest of your litany. They’ve been disproven so many times that only a brain dead liberal could possibly still cite them.
MarkTheGreat on February 2, 2009 at 12:56 PM
You can “um” and “uh” all you want, you’re a pathetic fraud.
Statistically, it is likely I had way more to leave behind in the UK than you do here…yet I did it. You could do it too, if your life-defining stance wasn’t a total lie.
I know of no such stories of ‘thousands’ of repatriated Americans…but, if so, a few Americans made the phenomenal leap across an invisible boundary into a contiguous land mass. How very fucking brave. What a devastating blow to America. Did they all leave because of Bush? Are they all returning because of Obama? How lame.
Pathetic.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 12:57 PM
What a FARC-ing idiot.
Alden Pyle on February 2, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Bush wasn’t a conservative, he was the very definition of a “Bi-Partsian” president on Domestic issues.
anyway, I know liberals tend to suck at math being artsy and all. So I’ll make it as simple as possible.
for a Population to remain constant, Each woman needs to have 2.11 children. In America its slightly more than that thanks to the Red States. In Western Europe the Birth Rates range from 1.1 to 1.7 or so.
Socialism is a Ponzi Scheme, so unless the Govt’s there kill off the elderly(why Euphanasia is pushed) then how will Half has many workers be able to fund the Elderly and all the nanny state programs?
They want, which is why they are forced into immigration from Muslim countries and are slowly assimilating into Islam. See Great Britain setting up an alternative Legal System.
Socialism is the Anti-Christ, ethically/morally speaking. The Fruits are to be seen everywhere, including ignoring the “Go Forth and Multiply” commandment.
jp on February 2, 2009 at 1:00 PM
No, they probably became ill and realized it was return or die.
BrianA on February 2, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Perhaps our friend lacks confidence? Money talks, bullsh*t walks? reminds me of Ed’s favorite picture of Barry with the big Texas sombrero.
a capella on February 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Italy has a 1.3 Birth rate, which means the population is in the process of halving itself in one generation. To be replaced with Sharia loving immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East.
Might want to choose again, although you’d get what you deserve
jp on February 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
“Predicting” now seems altogether too weak a word. Here are figures from
http://globalis.gvu.unu.edu/
for total fertility in nations throughout the world (2005 projections based on information current as of 2000). In the future, there will be a place called “Europe,” but scarcely any Europeans. What’s so horrifying about communists and “social democrats” is that they just die out, while scarcely even seeming aware.
1 Niger 8
2 Somalia 7.25
3 Angola 7.2
4 Guinea-Bissau 7.1
5 Uganda 7.1
6 Yemen 7.01
7 Mali 7
8 Afghanistan 6.8
9 Burundi 6.8
10 Liberia 6.8
11 Congo, DRC 6.7
12 Burkina Faso 6.68
13 Chad 6.65
14 Sierra Leone 6.5
15 Congo 6.29
16 Ethiopia 6.14
17 Malawi 6.1
18 Equatorial Guinea 5.89
19 Guinea 5.82
20 Mauritania 5.79
21 Rwanda 5.74
22 Djibouti 5.7
23 Madagascar 5.7
24 Benin 5.66
25 Zambia 5.64
26 Mozambique 5.63
27 Eritrea 5.43
28 Nigeria 5.42
29 Maldives 5.33
30 Togo 5.33
31 Tanzania 5.11
32 Pakistan 5.08
33 Bhutan 5.02
34 Senegal 4.97
35 Oman 4.96
36 Central African Republic 4.92
37 Comoros 4.9
38 Laos 4.78
39 Cambodia 4.77
40 Iraq 4.77
41 Cote d’Ivory 4.73
42 The Gambia 4.7
43 Cameroon 4.61
44 Namibia 4.56
45 Swaziland 4.54
46 Saudi Arabia 4.53
47 Solomon Is. 4.42
48 Guatemala 4.41
49 Sudan 4.39
50 Nepal 4.26
51 Vanuatu 4.13
52 Samoa 4.12
53 Ghana 4.11
54 Papua New Guinea 4.09
55 Kenya 4
56 Gabon 3.99
57 Sao Tome & Principe 3.99
58 Haiti 3.98
59 Zimbabwe 3.9
60 Western Sahara 3.89
61 Lesotho 3.84
62 Paraguay 3.84
63 Bolivia 3.82
64 Micronesia 3.8
65 Nicaragua 3.75
66 Honduras 3.72
67 Tonga 3.71
68 Botswana 3.7
69 Jordan 3.57
70 Bangladesh 3.46
71 French Guiana 3.33
72 Syria 3.32
73 Cape Verde 3.3
74 Egypt 3.29
75 Qatar 3.22
76 Philippines 3.18
77 Belize 3.15
78 Tajikistan 3.06
79 Libya 3.02
80 India 3.01
81 Malaysia 2.9
82 El Salvador 2.88
83 Fiji 2.88
84 Guam 2.88
85 Myanmar 2.86
86 Peru 2.86
87 United Arab Emirates 2.82
88 Algeria 2.8
89 Ecuador 2.76
90 Morocco 2.75
91 Venezuela 2.72
92 Dominican Republic 2.71
93 Israel 2.7
94 Panama 2.7
95 Turkmenistan 2.7
96 Bahrain 2.66
97 Kuwait 2.66
98 Kyrgyzstan 2.64
99 Colombia 2.62
100 South Africa 2.61
101 Mexico 2.5
102 Brunei 2.48
103 New Caledonia 2.45
104 Suriname 2.45
105 Argentina 2.44
106 French Polynesia 2.44
107 Uzbekistan 2.44
108 Turkey 2.43
109 Mongolia 2.42
110 Jamaica 2.36
111 Chile 2.35
112 Indonesia 2.35
113 Iran 2.33
114 Guyana 2.31
115 Reunion 2.3
116 Uruguay 2.3
117 Vietnam 2.3
118 The Bahamas 2.29
119 Albania 2.28
120 Costa Rica 2.28
121 St. Lucia 2.27
122 St. Vincent & the Grenadin… 2.23
123 Brazil 2.21
124 Lebanon 2.18
125 Virgin Is. 2.15
126 United States 2.11
127 Azerbaijan 2.1
128 Guadeloupe 2.1
129 Netherlands Antilles 2.05
130 North Korea 2.02
131 New Zealand 2.01
132 Sri Lanka 2.01
133 Tunisia 2.01
134 Iceland 1.95
135 Kazakhstan 1.95
136 Mauritius 1.95
137 Thailand 1.93
138 Cyprus 1.9
139 Ireland 1.9
140 Macedonia (FYROM) 1.9
141 Martinique 1.9
142 France 1.89
143 Puerto Rico 1.89
144 China 1.83
145 Norway 1.8
146 Denmark 1.77
147 Malta 1.77
148 Finland 1.73
149 Luxembourg 1.73
150 Netherlands 1.72
151 Australia 1.7
152 Belgium 1.66
153 Croatia 1.65
154 Serbia and Montenegro 1.65
155 Sweden 1.64
156 United Kingdom 1.6
157 Cuba 1.55
158 Trinidad & Tobago 1.55
159 Barbados 1.5
160 Canada 1.48
161 Portugal 1.45
162 South Korea 1.41
163 Switzerland 1.41
164 Georgia 1.4
165 Moldova 1.4
166 Singapore 1.36
167 Germany 1.35
168 Japan 1.32
169 Romania 1.32
170 Bosnia & Herzegovina 1.3
171 Austria 1.28
172 Slovakia 1.28
173 Greece 1.27
174 Poland 1.26
175 Lithuania 1.25
176 Italy 1.23
177 Estonia 1.22
178 Belarus 1.2
179 Hungary 1.2
180 Czech Republic 1.16
181 Armenia 1.15
182 Spain 1.15
183 Ukraine 1.15
184 Russia 1.14
185 Slovenia 1.14
186 Bulgaria 1.1
187 Latvia 1.1
Kralizec on February 2, 2009 at 1:06 PM
lol….indeed….hard to step away from the best healthcare in the world.
I wonder how many of these unknown ‘thousands’ still drove to work in the US border states? How many were welfare bums?
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 1:06 PM
I am sorry, but the post link photo of senor C with the parrot on his should is just, um, queer.
juanito on February 2, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Question #1. How can I nationalize everything in the U.S. without crushing the economy like it has everywhere else?
marklmail on February 2, 2009 at 1:08 PM
That’s what make you a liberal…you don’t see the difference.
Nor will you ever see it, now will anyone ever educate you…if you saw a difference you wouldn’t be a liberal. You have to assume that our actions are the same as terrorists.
What you and other liberals fail to understand is that you can have more then one motive. When Kuwait was invaded, it was our economic interests, and it was a humane interest…when our country was threatened by Iraq, it was economic, military, and it was humane…of course you feel that it is none of our business that someone is feeding children to dogs, mass murder graves, funding of terrorist.
You probably think Gitmo is the same as Hussein’s “camps”…such is the mind of a liberal, if you thought differently you wouldn’t be a liberal, you have to believe we are as evil as the oppressive regimes we try to destroy.
right2bright on February 2, 2009 at 1:09 PM
The Fool and Chavez are probably old friends.
Surely they attended numberous conferences together during the many years when Obama disappeared from sight.
notagool on February 2, 2009 at 1:12 PM
One difference may be that I wasn’t a “progressive” and didn’t do it because I found America lacking. I just wanted to get some experiences I couldn’t otherwise. It’s a good way to clear your head of “nuance”. I highly recommend it to our friend.
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 1:12 PM
I’m not holding my breath.
vcferlita on February 2, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Interesting choice of words. They repatriated did they?
People come and go, but patriots stay. Patriots fight for what they believe is worth fighting for. Patriots don’t run off to Canada with their tail between their legs because they didn’t like the results of any election, and then return when they think freebies on on the way.
Fools run off to Canada. Deserters flee to Canada.
Please don’t call these A-holes patriots.
fogw on February 2, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Very true. Travel is a great way to broaden the mind, and dislodge ideological cobwebs.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Our friend needs to really move. He needs to learn a new language, get a job, get a home, pay taxes, enroll in the local health care system and stay a few years at least. As for location, any place that English isn’t the standard should do.
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 1:26 PM
holy crap, dude… you’ve really bought the hype.
the collapse in the economy is thanks to your liberal friends. and i suppose you would never believe that because you just love to pin it on bush.
here’s a hotair link and several others to get you up to speed on the housing/banking bubble that finally burst thanks to democrats in congress and GSEs like fannie mae and freddie mac.
A great example of how we got into the credit-market meltdown
Bill Clinton Agrees
fannie and freddie 1
fannie and freddie 2
basically, you cannot force banks to give bad loans. you see, in a free market, a bank will make loans to qualified people who have shown a history of paying back what they owe. by the liberal, big-government policy of forcing banks to loan to those who would not otherwise qualify and have no credit history, the result is multiple foreclosures and a corresponding banking disaster… such as we have now.
what is needed to get the country on track is to inject capitol into the banking system to get it going again. NOT the 1 trillion dollar pork spending package being fed to the american people as a “stimulus” package.
free markets will crush socialism every time… unless people forget what free markets did for their society and elect socialists who think they will decide better what to do with the nation’s prosperity. they will want to take away an individual’s right to prosper and replace it with “we know what’s better for you, let us raise taxes to pay for our spending and you’ll see.”
my question to all liberals is: why do you want big government? most liberals believe conspiracy theories about the evil government nefariously ruining everything or causing 9/11, etc… and yet, somehow, they believe the size of government, government control, regulation and spending should all increase. including the nationalization of free markets!
makes no sense.
thedude on February 2, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Well, here we go again…
When, in 1961, John F. Kennedy met with [8-year leader of the USSR] Nikita Khruschev, he was owned by a guy who was older, as smart, and much wiser in the ways of politics:
Khruschev, having gauged Kennedy as inept, went on to order the events which culminated in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Berlin Wall. The Missile Crisis was the event which brought the US the closest to nuclear war that it has ever been, and the Berlin Wall meant the extinction of freedom for most of Eastern Europe for over two decades.
Now Mr. Obama, who’s been in office about two months, goes to talk to Mr. Chavez, a guy who’s been in office 10 years, and seems to be everything Mr. Khruschev was in his time.
What is the expected result? I believe that Mr. Obama, like Mr. Kennedy, is in for a humbling experience.
unclesmrgol on February 2, 2009 at 1:28 PM
By which I simply mean English-speaking countries are too easy for this exercise.
DarkCurrent on February 2, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Oh…I would sentence him to 5 years in the UK for his blithering idiocy.
But I’m not that cruel.
LimeyGeek on February 2, 2009 at 1:29 PM
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