Spain: Chavez conspired to assassinate Uribe

posted at 10:12 am on March 4, 2010 by Ed Morrissey

I’m no fan of Spain’s arrogance in conducting judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty, but I may have to make an exception this week.  A Spanish judge has accused Venezuelan officials of conspiring with terrorists to conduct assassinations of government officials in other countries, including President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia.  The judge claims that the conspiracy included Hugo Chavez — and that the net actually did touch within Spain’s actual jurisdiction:

A diplomatic row has erupted between Spain and Venezuela after a Spanish judge accused officials in Caracas of plotting with rebel groups to kill Colombian President Álvaro Uribe and other political officials.

Spanish National Court Judge Eloy Velasco charged on Monday that the government of Hugo Chávez had been working as an intermediary between the Basque separatist group ETA and the Colombian guerrilla group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The groups were allegedly plotting against prominent political figures living in or traveling through Spain. Venezuelan officials have dismissed these allegations as “biased and unfounded.” …

According to Judge Velasco’s 26-page report, however, up to six ETA members traveled to Venezuela to train FARC members how to use C4 explosives in cellphone bombs, reports The Guardian. In at least one instance, members from the Venezuelan military may have been present for the demolitions training. The report also says that ETA members may have traveled through Venezuela en route to FARC training camps in Colombia.

A Venezuelan agriculture ministry official, identified as Arturo Cubillas Fontán, is alleged to be the ETA’s ringleader in Latin America and the link man with FARC.

The Wall Street Journal reported on this earlier in the week:

In detailing Caracas’s alleged role, Mr. Velasco pointed to Mr. Cubillas Fontán, who the judge says led ETA’s activities in Latin America since 1999 and acted as a link with the FARC. It says Mr. Cubillas Fontán was hired by Venezuela’s Agriculture Ministry in 2005.

Mr. Cubillas Fontán’s alleged contacts with the FARC included “military training for ETA members in the Colombian jungle, in exchange for ETA’s help in Spain, locating terrorist targets sought by FARC,” according to the indictment. Those targets included visiting Colombian dignitaries, including Messrs. Pastrana and Uribe and current Vice President Francisco Santos.

The document also says that during a training course on explosives, FARC members were accompanied by “an escort vehicle with Venezuelan soldiers that was arranged and organized” by Mr. Cubillas Fontán and another person.

Not surprisingly, the linkage between Chavez, Fontán, ETA, and FARC came from a laptop captured in a raid on a FARC outpost by Colombian troops in 2008, which killed a top guerilla commander.  At the time, Chavez threatened war over the incursion, even though the raid went into Ecuador and not Venezuela.  Chavez has since denied all of the evidence Colombia seized regarding Venezuela’s funding of FARC, the Marxist terrorist group that has attempted to overthrow Colombia’s government for decades.

And while a few Spanish judges have developed a taste for arrogance and media spotlights, Eloy Velasco has not been among them:

The indictments also bring fresh attention to Spain’s National Court, whose judges act on their own investigations and are independent from Spain’s executive and legislative branches. Some judges have gained international attention, and criticism, for their handling of global cases involving other governments, including an investigation into allegations of U.S. torture at Guantanamo Bay.

Mr. Velasco, by contrast, has handled mainly local and less controversial terrorism cases, maintaining a low profile domestically and internationally.

No one can argue that Spain will exceed its jurisdiction if at least part of the plotting took place in their country, especially if it involved the Basque separatists that have waged a terrorism campaign for autonomy in the Pyrenees for decades.

Chavez has already strained his ties with Spain.  On one occasion, the King of Spain told him in public to shut up.  If Chavez has been playing footsie with ETA, then look for Madrid to give a strong diplomatic reaction, something more than the “zip it” Chavez got from Juan Carlos.

Fausta has more links to this story.

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I smell sulfur.

Bishop on March 4, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Just saying:

English origin countries in the Americas: Canada and the USA.
Spainish origin countries in the Americas: Mexico to Argentina (sans Brazil).

Notice any differences how these countries on a whole turned out? What does that say about Spain and England?

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:16 AM

No matter how convenient Chavas may be to many of Latin America’s lefties, attempting to assignate heads of state will be a step to far. Even for them.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:17 AM

I think it was just last month when Uribe told Chavez to “be a man.” Of course, that’s just too much to ask now isn’t it?

Pcoop on March 4, 2010 at 10:17 AM

I know that it would lead to nothing, but shouldn’t this be brought up to the U.N?

JVelez on March 4, 2010 at 10:17 AM

Several acts of war in there… Colombia should be given a covert go-ahead to do whatever she sees fit.

mankai on March 4, 2010 at 10:17 AM

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Other English colonies
Bermuda
Australia
India
Kenya

On the whole, the English colonies are doing pretty well.

I can’t think of any Spanish or French colony that has been successful.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Slightly O/T, I’ve seen that pic of Chavez a hundred times, but what IS the deal of that little bird in the beret on his shoulder?

Oink on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbxD758Y4PY

subtitled in Spanish for M. Chavez!

max1 on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

‘Birds of a feather’ says Leon Trotsky.

Vashta.Nerada on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

How’d Spain’s investigation into Bush and Cheney ever turn out?

Skywise on March 4, 2010 at 10:20 AM

I can’t think of any Spanish or French colony that has been successful.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

I made that point in a blog entry years ago (noting the religious and political differences between GB and Spain and France)… got skewered for it… Ann Coulter then made the same point.

Some things will never be allowed to be discussed openly.

mankai on March 4, 2010 at 10:22 AM

I can’t think of any Spanish or French colony that has been successful.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Quebec? ;-)

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Slightly O/T, I’ve seen that pic of Chavez a hundred times, but what IS the deal of that little bird in the beret on his shoulder?

Oink on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Parrots live to a ripe old age. This particular parrot was a pet of Stalin, who taught it talking points to whisper in Hugo’s ear.

Vashta.Nerada on March 4, 2010 at 10:24 AM

Columbia certainly has a causa belli for war against Venezuela. And the most antiseptic thing to do is to take out that nation’s leader. . .

Now if Chavez was plotting with ETA, that means Spain has a just case against Venezuela, and as the US is allied with Spain through NATO, we would be obligated to side with Spain.

But when asked about this, Dear Liar said “Oh good, now I can get some tips from my friend Hugo on how to take out those evil Republicans and tea partiers.”

Assassinate Hugo Chavez or support a military coup against him.

rbj on March 4, 2010 at 10:27 AM

Quebec? ;-)

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Those lucky frogs are benefit from being outnumbered by the English origin provinces that can overrule them.

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:27 AM

That picture was taken from “Birds of the World” and shows the droppings of a parrot when it eats too much stinkberry. It just so happens that the droppings look like Hugo Chavez, much like a window defroster portraying a picture of the Virgen Mary.

hip shot on March 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM

A diplomatic row has erupted between Spain and Venezuela

What? Did one country decide to be less leftist or something?

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM
mankai on March 4, 2010 at 10:22 AM

Hong Kong.
Singapore (I forget if this was English also)?

The English have so much to be proud. Any President that gives a speech to the British should tell them so. I thank God they were the world’s superpower before we took on that role. Their balance sheet for good deeds versus bad stuff is so in favor of the positive. This world would be a mess if the British never had an empire.

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:31 AM

Quebec? ;-)

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Puerto Rico? :)

I’d say Cuba was successful before communism and how about The Philippines?

Kafir on March 4, 2010 at 10:33 AM

What needs to happen is a plan to assassinate Chavez…

Perhaps they could plant a bomb on some Hollywood halfwit when they go down there on pilgrimage to the new Castro…

wildcat84 on March 4, 2010 at 10:34 AM

Puerto Rico? :)

I’d say Cuba was successful before communism and how about The Philippines?

Kafir on March 4, 2010 at 10:33 AM

All three (like it or not) had large influences (occupations) by the US, so I wouldn’t be so quick to give Spain credit for that. Actually, if one wants a “Spanish” success story, I’d look to Chile… BUT they did have a lot of German/Jewish influences + they ended up embracing more of Friedman’s ideas than some of their neighbors.

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:36 AM

No matter how convenient Chavas may be to many of Latin America’s lefties, attempting to assassinate heads of state will be a step to far. Even for them.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:17 AM

Have you forgotten Air America’s assassinate Bush meme?

Guardian on March 4, 2010 at 10:37 AM

That’s your boy, Hollywood Left!

mwbri on March 4, 2010 at 10:38 AM

Just shows the violence inherent in the Left.

rbj on March 4, 2010 at 10:39 AM

I think Hugo better pray for Uribe’s continued good health now that this is public. I hope Uribe stays out of Dubai.

a capella on March 4, 2010 at 10:40 AM

The Obama administration has sided with Chavez both in Honduras and in Argentina. I guess Obama’s not on our side.

JammieWearingFool on March 4, 2010 at 10:40 AM

Sane judge. Must be an Aznar appointee. Sure as he!! couldn’t be a Zappy appointee, as Zappy is probably in on the plot.

PimFortuynsGhost on March 4, 2010 at 10:41 AM

Sean Penn, call your office.

Good Lt on March 4, 2010 at 10:41 AM

they ended up embracing more of Friedman’s ideas than some of their neighbors.

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:36 AM

I think that is when the country started experiencing success. My view is that Chile would be another South American country without the introduction of Friedman’s economic theories.

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Time for another trip down MEMORY LANE!

Totally awesome, dude! Like, Republicans are so fascist and stuff!

Good Lt on March 4, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Remember when there used to be consequences?

The New Wussified World Order does nothing apart from resolutions and strongly worded letters.

Clowns like Chavez will keep pushing the envelope until multiple nations are drawn into another major bloody conflict.

Fools that have no idea what “peace” really means.

reaganaut on March 4, 2010 at 10:44 AM

I think that is when the country started experiencing success. My view is that Chile would be another South American country without the introduction of Friedman’s economic theories.

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:42 AM

True

That said, the same could probably be said of Hong Kong (even under British rule) given that they were more successful than England; that is to say, England embraced socialism while Hong Kong embraced some neo-liberalism.

The point is, colonial powers only had so much influence. Many of the colonized countries are in the situation they are in for choices they made themselves.

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:44 AM

The New Wussified World Order does nothing apart from resolutions and strongly worded letters.

reaganaut on March 4, 2010 at 10:44 AM

In some sense, this is a good thing. No, I’m not saying Chavez was right or anything like that. My point is, the problem is we are looking to the NWO (aka the UN) to solve problems around the world… Just not gonna happen. The sooner we sever ties with the UN, the better.

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:46 AM

I can’t think of any Spanish or French colony that has been successful.
MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Quebec? ;-)

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Hell, they couldn’t even hold on to their hockey team (Quebec Nordiques are now the Colorado Avalanche). That’s an Epic Fail up there.

Patrick S on March 4, 2010 at 10:48 AM

With regards to Uribe, his bid for a thrid term has been shot down by the Columbian Supreme Court. I was disappointed when I heard that Uribe was going to try to modify the constitution so he could serve a third term. It does not matter how good you are at leading a country, one should step aside for the long term good of the country.

It will be interesting to watch this years elections in Columbia to see what direction the country wants to go. I would guess the leftists will use the USA’s betrayal of the Free trade agreement against Uribe’s party. Nice going Dems!

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:50 AM

Just hope Spain realizes just how much of a loose cannon the Evil Clown really is.

pilamaye on March 4, 2010 at 10:50 AM

The point is, colonial powers only had so much influence. Many of the colonized countries are in the situation they are in for choices they made themselves.

MeatHeadinCA on March 4, 2010 at 10:44 AM

Absolutely! One has to give credit, for example, to Chile for making the decision to try free markets instead of socialism.

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:51 AM

I can’t think of any Spanish or French colony that has been successful.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Earthquake aside, Chile has had a good economy for most of the past 20 years (mining riches), but this is numerous generations after the Spanish left AND they have strong ties with us. They have had a good economy in spite of being a former Spanish colony.

mwbri on March 4, 2010 at 10:53 AM

Surprise. Surprise. When you see someone this evil go unchecked by civilized governemnents, why would any vile act they undertake be a surprise? Evil left unchecked only expands its reach uninhibited.

volsense on March 4, 2010 at 10:54 AM

How do you tell what a liberal/progressive/socialist/fascist will do?

Whatever they have accused other of doing.

jukin on March 4, 2010 at 10:54 AM

I think countries should conspire to kill the other’s leaders. It seems as much in bounds to me as sending the young people to kill each other.

It pisses me off to no end that Ahmad and Hugo are still alive. Reagan tried to off Kadaffi–shut up that madman for a long time.

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 10:58 AM

I for one will not be surprised to see Spain in another civil war.

They have large large populations of ethnically and historically diverse people who want autonomy. The Catalans and Basques are two. The Spanish government has suppressed it’s minorities and someday that will come back to bite them. Especially in this volatile economic climate.

The Catalans, in the north around Barcelona are richer than the rest and are tired of the dead weight. So far they haven’t been violent like the Basques but they could be.

petunia on March 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Puerto Rico? :)

I’d say Cuba was successful before communism and how about The Philippines?

If you take a look at the actual history of these areas, you would likely not make this statement. Cuba has never been more than a failed state gripped by tremendous poverty. When Batista was in control, it sported a great nightlife component for wealthy Anglos and crime bosses–but the majority of the population survived on near-starvation wages. Puerto Rico is awash with crime, both organized and disorganized. The Philippines, while beautiful, are rife with corruption and have never been able to assume any sort of leadership role in the South Pacific. The political system there is as corrupt as the democratic party in this country. Today, the P.I. is a training center for Islamofascist terrorists. None of these historical facts shouts “success.”

Crusader Rabbit on March 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM

How do you tell what a liberal/progressive/socialist/fascist will do?

Whatever they have accused other of doing.

jukin on March 4, 2010 at 10:54 AM

This applies best to our Democrats.

petunia on March 4, 2010 at 11:01 AM

I’d say Cuba was successful before communism and how about The Philippines?

Kafir on March 4, 2010 at 10:33 AM

Rescued by Americans, um, after the Spanish-American war, I believe. Since one of the Philippines national languages is English, that would tell me which direction they took.

Speaking of Quebec, don’t they lag behind the rest of Canada, pretty much, in every economic measurement?

MNHawk on March 4, 2010 at 11:02 AM

The Philippines, while beautiful, are rife with corruption and have never been able to assume any sort of leadership role in the South Pacific.

One might make the argument that would be due to Marcos, and his Marxist policies, setting them back decades.

Compare the American influenced Philippines, to the french influenced Vietnam.

MNHawk on March 4, 2010 at 11:04 AM

petunia on March 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM

When Pax Romana ended, everthing changed. It will be no diff. when Pax Americana does. We’re just seeing the beginnings.

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 11:07 AM

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Other English colonies
Bermuda
Australia
India
Kenya

On the whole, the English colonies are doing pretty well.

I can’t think of any Spanish or French colony that has been successful.

MarkTheGreat on March 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM

It’s hard to pin point the exact causes for success or failure but I personally think the whole Reformation/Protestant dislike of corruption was a big part of the success.

I blame the Puritan work ethic. I don’t know how much of that is really religious and how much was in the cultures originally.

Northern Western Europe has much less tolerance for corrupt government than does Southern Europe where Roman rule was most dominant.

Especially the Brits who led the way on limiting the power of the King.

petunia on March 4, 2010 at 11:12 AM

The New Wussified World Order does nothing apart from resolutions and strongly worded letters.

reaganaut on March 4, 2010 at 10:44 AM

The Tree of Liberty is in dire need of watering.

Once again, the Party of Unicorns has negotiated the world into a simmering pool of diplomatic “rows” and greivances.

Good job.

Gird baby, gird.

BobMbx on March 4, 2010 at 11:16 AM

It’s hard to pin point the exact causes for success or failure but I personally think the whole Reformation/Protestant dislike of corruption was a big part of the success.

petunia on March 4, 2010 at 11:12 AM

Never thought about this part…makes sense though.

Martin Luther is the man!!!!

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 11:19 AM

Speaking of Quebec, don’t they lag behind the rest of Canada, pretty much, in every economic measurement?

MNHawk on March 4, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Its a symbiotic relationship. Quebec spends the money, everyone else in Canada pays for it.

Its a nice gig if you can get it.

Oh..wait…

BobMbx on March 4, 2010 at 11:19 AM

Northern Western Europe has much less tolerance for corrupt government than does Southern Europe where Roman rule was most dominant.

Is that because Roman rule was more corrupt, or because S.Europe felt the effects of the implosion of the Empire more directly, and saw society fall apart more. Is it a difference btwn Catholicism and Protestantism? I suspect that people will attribute the differences to what they prefer to see, and that much of the response will be deemed politically incorrect to say.

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 11:21 AM

Oh, and btw, I do hope Uribe kills Chavez, and not vice-versa.

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 11:22 AM

And, if Spain caught wind of a plot to get rid of Chavez, they’d scream about that too. What the hell do we need a people that can’t tell the diff. between right and wrong and good and bad? Didn’t God give us a brain? Even my dog learns.

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 11:26 AM

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 11:21 AM

Or climate? It seems that societies that are subject to four seasons are forced to be more resourceful and work harder to survive. Over time this causes a more productive civil society to evolve. You will find a lot less successful societies between the tropic of cancer and tropic of capricorn than you will find outside of them.

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 11:35 AM

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 11:19 AM

That was Ann Coulter’s point too.

mankai on March 4, 2010 at 11:38 AM

The Philippines, while beautiful, are rife with corruption and have never been able to assume any sort of leadership role in the South Pacific.

One might make the argument that would be due to Marcos, and his Marxist policies, setting them back decades.

Compare the American influenced Philippines, to the french influenced Vietnam.

MNHawk

Whatever you might blame it on, the facts speak for themselves. As to Vietnam, I re-visited Saigon after a 40+ year absence and found the country to be thriving rather well under the modified communist leadership. (not that I am in favor of that style of leadership) Manufacturing is up, and the people appear reasonably happy. Even found a few Aussies who reside in Vungtau and run businesses in-country. Certainly there is manufacturing and export originating in the P.I., but it is rather limited to the area in and around Manila. The southern islands are wretched.

Crusader Rabbit on March 4, 2010 at 11:40 AM

I think Hugo better pray for Uribe’s continued good health now that this is public. I hope Uribe stays out of Dubai.

a capella on March 4, 2010 at 10:40 AM

Why, Mr. Uribe had not done anything to Israel. Chavez on the other hand…

El Coqui on March 4, 2010 at 11:41 AM

WashJeff on March 4, 2010 at 11:35 AM

so true. It might even make things more peaceful. Here in NYC, I’m always grateful when Fall comes, because the hot weather raises tensions, and the streets are more dangerous. I like it when people are forced indoors. Then I can go outside and not have to interact with people as much. It’s like the population drops. It’s great.

I think a blizzard falling on some Rio Favela would do wonders for everyone.

JiangxiDad on March 4, 2010 at 11:43 AM

I blame Simon Bolivar…

mojo on March 4, 2010 at 11:49 AM

Crusader Rabbit on March 4, 2010 at 11:40 AM

I have two friends who have been missionaries in Vietnam… everything is relative… they report that it is a hell of a life there and people would trade their limbs to get out… but they can’t say so or they disappear.

And they went as missionaries without saying they were missionaries… because much of their activity is deemed illegal in the workers’ paradise there.

mankai on March 4, 2010 at 11:49 AM

It makes sense that Chavez would conspire to assassinate a leader of another country. He is always complaining that world leaders are out to kill him. A person who engages in that sort of behavior is likely to believe that others also engage in the same behaviors.

crosspatch on March 4, 2010 at 11:49 AM

What needs to happen is a plan to assassinate Chavez…

Perhaps they could plant a bomb on some Hollywood halfwit when they go down there on pilgrimage to the new Castro…

wildcat84 on March 4, 2010 at 10:34 AM

I remember years back, and if memory serves, it was Pat Robertson that said that very same thing, and he was villified for it. He knew years ago Chavez was dangerous, and would be a problem for the world. Turns out he was right. I’m not a fan of Mr. Robertsons, but how eery is this?

capejasmine on March 4, 2010 at 12:03 PM

Waiting for Chavez to now declare war on Spain.

Didn`t Khadafi of Libya declare jihad war against Switzerland last week?

albill on March 4, 2010 at 12:11 PM

I’d like to see the Colombians thump Chavez. Of course the nitwits at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue would side with Chavez.

Ward Cleaver on March 4, 2010 at 12:25 PM

When Does The Revolution Start in Venezuela - I want to set my DVR :)

Dr Evil on March 4, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Ed , you are wrong about you things , first , you said “I’m no fan of Spain’s arrogance in conducting judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty”

It is not a matter of Spain’s arrogance , it is a matter of leftist arrogance .
In Spain , especially since that patetic solcialist disaster named Zapatero is president , the justice is very leftist .

For example , judge Garzon , he is a “starlet judge” that just seeks fame and political influence , in fact he was in the socialist party long time ago (at this moment Garzon is prosecuted for several “dark affairs”)

Another example of leftist judge is judge Pedraz , he was the judge that try to prosecute several USA soldiers because of the accidental dead of a Spanish journalist in Irak .

Anyway ,as I said before it is not a matter of “Spain’s arrogance” or any Spain’s I-dont-know-what , it is the left arrogance that make them believe they can arrange the world according their beliefs , even if that means using the law or even breaking the law even if they are judges .

But that case about Chavez it is very different , and it is not a matter out of our sovereignty , because judge is accusing chavez of conspiring , helping and financing ETA terrorists , whom are part of a plot to kill Uribe and another important people that Chavez want dead , but sadly they still are a spanish terrorist group .

Judge Velasco it is not a leftist , it is just a judge without political “ticket” . That is why he is doing what he must do .

And you are worng too when you said this “If Chavez has been playing footsie with ETA, then look for Madrid to give a strong diplomatic reaction, something more than the “zip it” Chavez got from Juan Carlos.”

Forget about it my friend , I would love to have a decent goverment , but our president is Zapatero , and Zapatero is just some kind of “low level Obama” , in fact there are a lot of similitudes aboute them both . Zapatero is just a socialist that feels sympathy for Chavez , Castro , etc
Every dictatorship is good for him if it is a leftist dictatorship .

An example that you are wrong about your expectations of strong reactions from the goverment of Spain is in this link .

http://www.libertaddigital.com/mundo/moratinos-dice-que-pidio-informacion-a-chavez-no-explicaciones-1276386326/

The Heading line says that Moratinos ( Minister of foreing affairs and personal friend of arafat ) told Chavez that the Spanish goverment does not have any responsability about what judge Velasco did . The spanish goverment they are more worried about Chavez being “ungry” at them that about the link between ETA and Chavez .

Sorry for my bad english , I hope you did understand what I wrote .

Sorry for my bad english , anyway I hope you understand what I say .

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 12:48 PM

I’m no fan of Spain’s arrogance in conducting judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty, but I may have to make an exception this week.

No exceptions. Spain has no right to act as the “court of the world” – which is laughable, given what a sh!thole Spain is. If Spain has problems with Chavez, let them deal with that diplomatically, through sanctions, embargoes, … or let Spain try and take Chavez out.

The Spanish desire to rule on soveriegn issues of other nations is nothing less than an act of war against those nations. Spain, of course, is free to do whatever they want in their country, but my feeling is that any Spanish attempt to infringe on US sovereignty (as with the attempted trials of Bush, Rumsfeld, ..) is a clear act of war and, while we are too pussified to do the right thing, Spain has opened themselves up to any actions we might decide are appropriate, up to and including armed action.

neurosculptor on March 4, 2010 at 1:00 PM

Neurosculptor ,maybe you could change your name for “neurodeficient” , it goes better with the content of your message . If you want to talk about something laughable you could talk about your own comment . You have a big mouth and big anger , and usually it is something “compensatory” … you know …

As I said before every case of spanish judges trying “to rule on soveriegn issues” of foreing nations are just examples of leftist judges trying to push their leftist agenda ,or at least ( as in the case of judge Pedraz trying to prosecute USA soldiers) they are trying to use their position to make propaganda against their “political nemesis” .

Sometimes when those judges do this kind of things they end up being prosecuted as judge Garzon , but sadly usually they go away with it , they are judges after all , they know the tricks to do what they want without step were it is slippery .

But don’t worry , nobody take this kind of actions as “acts of war” the same than Israel don’t think you are declaring them the war just because a politician representative of the USA goes there to “confront” the Israel navy .

So don’t worry Neurostone , we are not at war ^^’

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 1:17 PM

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 1:17 PM

Spain is a country responsible for the actions that emanate from its territory and most certainly, that emanate from its government officials. Neither I, nor anyone else, cares about your excuses. Spain is infringing on the sovereign rights of other nations and, if those nations so decide, they are justified in reacting to these acts of war that Spain is committing.

If Spain has a problem with their leftists, then they had better get it in hand, because that excuse that you provided might work for 3rd grade, but it doesn’t work for sovereign nations, That’s the whole point of sovereignty, Miguel. Maybe you should spend you efforts getting that pathetic sh!thole to start worrying more about their domestic issues than allowing their leftist freaks to be committing acts of war against other nations – though, I wouldn’t mind seeing Spain and Venezuela duking it out. It would be like a micro version of the Iran/Iraq war.

neurosculptor on March 4, 2010 at 1:30 PM

Neurosculptor , first forgive me for insulting you before .

-You say “Spain is a country responsible for the actions that emanate from its territory and most certainly, that emanate from its government officials.”

I can say the same about your elected representative that goes to israel to confront the israel navy and to support the terrorist hamas .
I know you don’t feel represented by that piece of shit ,and I am sure that you will get very ungry if someone try to make you responsible for what this one did .

-YOu say “Neither I, nor anyone else, cares about your excuses.Spain is infringing on the sovereign rights of other nations and, if those nations so decide, they are justified in reacting to these acts of war that Spain is committing.”

This are just big talking , but it is nonsense , if you are ungry and you feel relief by talking as a little napoleon ok , I won’t take you seriously , but it is something stupid anyway .

-You say “If Spain has a problem with their leftists, then they had better get it in hand”

We have LOTS of problems with our leftist , when you have problems with your leftist I won’t tell you the same you say to me , because I know that , even a great part of you elected Obama , I know that it does not make all of you responsible .

-You say “because that excuse that you provided might work for 3rd grade”

So I am sure it work for you , so what are we talking about ?

-You say “That’s the whole point of sovereignty, Miguel. Maybe you should spend you efforts getting that pathetic sh!thole to start worrying more about their domestic issues than allowing their leftist freaks to be committing acts of war against other nations”

First , even we have that epidemic socialist goverment we are the eight country in the world , it is not a shithole ( that is the reason I had insulted you before … in someway you insulted me first ).

Second , about what Ed Morrisey is talking here … it is not a matter of foreing sovereignty , it is a matter about a spanish crime organization as ETA making ties with a foreign crime organization as FARC and , worst of all , ties with a leader of a country as Chavez . It is our problem , and this judge Velasco is doing the right thing .

When you want to prosecute alqaeda terrorist I am with you the USA , no doubt about it , even if , following your logic , alqaeda should be some kind of foreing matter for the USA and you should’t do anything about it .I don’t think the same as you , I think that the terrorist must be prosecuted even if they hide behind a foreing goverment ( and if this goverment is Chavez goverment … the better , maybe we could help the good people of venezuela by opening the eyes of the Chavez’s venezuelans supporters )

-You say “though, I wouldn’t mind seeing Spain and Venezuela duking it out. It would be like a micro version of the Iran/Iraq war.”

I don’t want to see that , first because I love the USA , second because we could never win … unless the USA generals were as smart as you , then even angola could win … just joking …

But what you say here was another stupid comment of little napoleon … seriuously , stop the “I am rude and badaas” attitude … you don’t fool anyone and makes you seem … well , I don’t want to insult you again , just dont continue to do that .

Anyway , thanks for the reply .

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 1:58 PM

Ups … sorry neuroesculptor, forget about the last part of my comment ( about Spain duking out ) , it was just a missunderstanding because of my bad english and my haste ( I should go to the gym NOW and I will be late ) .

But I have a few minutes for a little geography lesson . It could never be a version of the iran/iraq war , because we are an european country , and venezuela is an american country … we are not close to each other as iran and iraq … and maybe you are one of those people there in the USA that believe that Spain is an sudamerican country , if you are one of those ones hope you are not anymore .

Bye.

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 2:12 PM

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 1:58 PM

First of all, I don’t care about Spain and their relations with Venezuela.

Secondly, Spain can do whatever they want. I’m just telling you that Spain brings consequences with its actions, and the actions it lets its officials take. The reprimands after the fact are truly insignificant and meaningless, since the structure to do it over and over still exists.

Thirdly, the US is put at risk by our insane government. I understand that. Why can’t you? The Precedent is doing stuff, in our name, that the US is responsible for. He is killing the US, and that is his clear intention, too. It is our responsibility to get rid of him, not the rest of the world’s.

neurosculptor on March 4, 2010 at 2:14 PM

It could never be a version of the iran/iraq war , because we are an european country , and venezuela is an american country … we are not close to each other as iran and iraq …

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 2:12 PM

Obviously. It was more a rhetorical comparison than a practical one.

neurosculptor on March 4, 2010 at 2:15 PM

Lordy. Porque no te calla on the post-colonial p!ssing contest folks.

Wondering what the upshot of all these revelations is. Will it affect Chavez’s arms importation agreements with Russia, for example? Will the Columbians do anything escalatory or just satisfy themselves with the usual; the odd raid on FARC and their affiliates operating along the Venezuelan border.

Grunchy Cranola on March 4, 2010 at 2:49 PM

Neurosculptor , you say “Thirdly, the US is put at risk by our insane government. I understand that. Why can’t you? The Precedent is doing stuff, in our name, that the US is responsible for.”

What you say now is not the same you were saying before , but anyway it is not what I was talking about .
First , you make the same mistake that Ed , you mistook this case about chavez and those “judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty” that I said were no more that personal adventures of political contaminated judges .

What judge Velasco are doing now is the right thing , everything very legal , with the police of spain and other coutries backing his investigation , etc. It is not a personal adventure .
What he does is righteous and under our jurisdiction , and very important too , it is our responsability to fight against terrorist , especially if they are from Spain .

And I ask Ed Morrisey that he must not mistook what judge Velasco is doing and what some stupid starlet judge did as a personal adventure some time ago .

And it is not fair to talk about what this “contaminated” judges do as if they were driving the nation , because it is not like that .
For example , I talked about judge pedraz , he wants to prosecute several USA soldiers . The law , the jurisdiction and (very important ) the common sense and fairness was against him , so the attorneys were against them ,and if not the attorneys it would be another judges or any other part of the judicial system that would be there to arrange the error or to punish the wrongdoing .

They pull back the little adventure of judge Pedraz . So Spain work against this kind of PERSONAL adventure , because here in Spain the justice is independent … well theoretically … the socialist make the justice just a “tool” … but anyway the judges , even when they act wrong are independent and they can do what they want even if the country does not support them .
Just if they broke the law they pay for it , until then … they can do their show , go so far as they can without getting in trouble and making their part of their political agenda .

So if a USA judge , as a personal matter and without support of any attorney police etc , says that the queen of england must be prosecuted for the crimes against the colonies and he say that the queen must be arrested then there is a declaration of war ? just because 1 independent and alone man … i think no .

So I hope that now it is clear what I say .
Ed was wrong when he identify what happens now with the personal adventures of a judge , so you are wrong when you say that stupid thing about some kind of declaration of war .

But now you talk about your insane goverment and that the actions of your goverment have consecuences . But that is different , and in part , I agree with you . For example , if you want to talk big and “littlenapoleonishly” about Spain you could talk about our goverment ( more insane than yours … or at least more stupid … I don’t know what is worst )
And you could talk abouy how they must be responsible of their actions , that is differenet and we can agree.

For explain you it better , you could talk about the spanish goverment pulling our troops from iraq , now our goverment send more troops to afganistan , but the treason has been made anyway .
And that could have consecuences about our relationship with the USA and other allies , and in fact there were consecuences . ( by the way , our troops feel very bad about it , they want to stay in iraq , in fact they feel humilliated when they were mocked by other troops of allies countries there when they where pulling out , in that case they were not sesponsible too , just the goverment )

And that kind of decision are made by the people that drive the country , it is not a personal adventure of a little and independent part of a country , you are talking about the people that drive that country . So then … yes , we agree , there are consecuences .

To end i want insist once more … neuroesculptor , ED , and everyone … this time is not any of those bizarre “judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty” … this time is about to fight against terrorist that do criminal activities in our country , and to fight against the cover that chavez gives them … ETA ,FARC , alqeda and their bitch progenitor , I don’t care .

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 5:33 PM

Neurosculptor , you say “Thirdly, the US is put at risk by our insane government. I understand that. Why can’t you? The Precedent is doing stuff, in our name, that the US is responsible for.”

What you say now is not the same you were saying before , but anyway it is not what I was talking about .
You make the same mistake that Ed , you mistook this case about chavez and those “judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty” that I said were no more that personal adventures of political contaminated judges .

I said that what judge Velasco are doing now is the right thing , everything very legal , with the police os spain and other coutries backing his investigation .
What he does is righteous and under our jurisdiction , and very important too , it is our responsability to fight against terrorist , especially if they are from Spain .

And I ask Ed Morrisey that he must not mistake what judge Velasco is doing and what some stupid starlet judge did as a personal adventure some time ago .

And it is not fair to talk about what this comtaminated judges do as if they were driving the nation , because it is not like that .
For example , I talk about judge pedraz , he wants to prosecute several USA soldiers . The law , the jurisdiction and (very important ) the common sense and fairness was against him , so the attorneys were against them , if not the attorneys it would be another judges or any other part of the judicial system that would be there to arrange the error or to punish the wrongdoing .

They pull back the little adventure of judge Pedraz . So Spain work against this kind of PERSONAL adventure , because here in Spain the justice is independent … well theoretically … the socialist make the justice just a “tool” … but anyway the judges , even when they act wrong are independent for do what they want even if the country does not support them .
Just if they broke the law the pay for it , until then … they can do their show , go so far as they can without getting in trouble and making their part of their political agenda .

So if a USA judge, without support from the police or attorneeys etc … says that the queen of england must be prosecuted for the crimes against the colonies and he say that the queen must be arrested then there is a declaration of war ? I think ir is stupid to think so .

So I hope that now it is clear what I say .

But now you talk about your insane goverment and that the actions of your goverment have consecuences . But that is different , and in part , I agree with you . For example , if you want to talk big and “littlenapoleonishly” about Spain you could talk about our goverment ( more insane than yours … or at least more stupid … and don’t know what is worst )
And you could talk about how they must be responsible of their actions , that is differenet and there we can agree.

For explain you it better , you could talk about the spanish goverment pulling our troops from iraq , now our goverment send more troops to afganistan , but the treason has been made anyway .
And that could have consecuences about our relationship with the USA and other allies , and in fact there were consecuences . ( by the way , our troops feel very bad about it , they want to stay in iraq , in fact they feel humilliated when they were mocked by other troops of allies countries there when they where pulling out , in that case they were not responsible too , just the goverment )

And that kind of decision are made by the people that drive the country , it is not a personal adventure of a little and independet part of a country , you are talking about the people that drive that country . So then … yes , we agree , there are consecuences .

To end I want to insist , neuroesculptor , ED , and everyone … this time is not any of those bizarre “judicial proceedings about matters outside of their sovereignty” … this time is about to fight against terrorist that do criminal activities in our country , and to fight against the cover that chavez gives them … ETA ,FARC , alqeda and their b… progenitors , I don’t care .

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 5:39 PM

To Grunchy Cranola,

You say “Will it affect Chavez’s arms importation agreements with Russia, for example?”

Pfff …. russia is giving nuclear tecnology to iran , one of the worst terrorist states . Russia support iran even when the mulhas kill their own people when they were demostrating to ask freedom ( the same than chavez did but in fewer quantity), etc … so you really hope that russia will do anything even if they know for sure that their weapons will end in FARC’s hands ? , in fact , maybe they know it already when they close the deal …

you say “Will the Columbians do anything escalatory or just satisfy themselves with the usual; the odd raid on FARC and their affiliates operating along the Venezuelan border.”

That could be what Chavez wants , so there are a big problem .
Colombia must do something , but must be very careful, because anything they do will be used by chavez to inflamate their supporters , to get a excuse to do “something” against colombia … maybe even to justify their support to the FARC and ETA terrorist .

So if colombia take any important action against chavez it will be what chavez wants .And venezuela is not their enemy , is chavez , and colombia knows it . They could hope that the venezuelan people begin to get rid of the “red gorila” that are harming them so much .

So colombia must do something , but anything they do could be dangerous

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 5:46 PM

Chavez is pretty cozy with Iran, too. Didn’t he send Venezuelan thugs over to Iran to “assist” the Red Guard in “quelling” the protestors?

onlineanalyst on March 4, 2010 at 7:28 PM

Hi Miguel,

Thanks for your reply. My 2 quid:

so you really hope that russia will do anything even if they know for sure that their weapons will end in FARC’s hands ?

I think Russia is more concerned about keeping a “friend” in Latin America who can open doors for Russia in states with less febrile leaders and pay for Russian business.

Venezuela’s economy can’t keep meat on the shelves, much less afford a war with Columbia (and I don’t think Columbia wants a war either, I’m just curious as to what the government’s response[s] to this will be). Moscow probably doesn’t see anything really long-term in Chavez given the effect of his economic planning but if they can help dissuade him from doing something really antagonistic (as opposed to buffoonish) to a stronger neighbour, they might get something back from the credit they’ve extended Caracas so far… Or have an “in” with his eventual replacement.

Grunchy Cranola on March 4, 2010 at 7:34 PM

MiguelAngel: I value your explanations of what is happening in your country and the damage that leftists do in every nation that they corrupt. We are not immune from such leftist corruption as you can see from the damage that President Obama is doing to our own country economically and in curbing our freedoms, in international relations by supporting the wrong regimes and weakening our military and intelligence services, and in promoting leftist judges and their social-engineering agendas.

Leftists appear to be more interested in promoting their own power than in promoting peace and prosperity.

onlineanalyst on March 4, 2010 at 8:01 PM

Time for another trip down MEMORY LANE!

Totally awesome, dude! Like, Republicans are so fascist and stuff!

Good Lt on March 4, 2010 at 10:42 AM

When will these assholes look at history and figure it out. In all reality, fascism is really the right side of the left, but it is still the left. Mussolini was as leftist, as was Hitler, they battled communism, but they were still a fixture of the left, Hitler fixated on race, Mussolini did not, Italian Jews were accepted, in fact, part of the party. When Hitler sent his guys into Italy, Mussolini sent Jews to Spain.

The Fascist movements in both countries, was to fight back communism for control, but they were only slightly separated in ideology. Two of the three Axis leaders, guess which two, openly admired Wilson, and FDR, for their domestic policies. Italy’s dictator was a darling of Hollywood, they loved him. Joe Kennedy, and Charles Lindbergh thought Hitler was a righteous dude, until the bombs started dropping and Europe was being run over.

I take exception to Republicans being labeled fascists, yes, some RINOs fit the label, but if you look to the Constitution, you will see no fascist tendencies, perhaps we need to move back to our founding documents, and enforce them! I’m all for it, let’s get this done.

M-14 2go on March 4, 2010 at 8:22 PM

Why Jorge Bush continues to do this stuff god only knows.

patrick neid on March 4, 2010 at 8:56 PM

To Grunchy Cranola , Please , don’t say “thanks” for my reply, anyway you are very kind .

Your point of view is more “sophisticated” than mine , in fact mine is a simple and typical view of what is happening … but Chavez is really simple and typical . I mean that he is a thug dictator that follows the “thug dictator manual” ,and he is someone previsible that could do anything to stay in power .

It is true what you say , venezuela is suffering chavez policies , they are becoming a “third world economy” , they are in the way to be some kind of cuba economy , the rationing of water , electricity, and surely soon food will be a bigger problem each day .
And that is dangerous for him , because , as I said before , the people of venezuela could turn against him , even his followers , because even his followers need to eat .( the socialism is very nice until it happens … so even his followers will awake sooner or later )

And as you say probably russia could see as a good deal to change chavez for another “friend” , and they could stop giving support to chavez (arms deal could be “not completed” or delayed) . But that is another problem that could make chavez more dangerous .If he loses too his international support ( and russia is his stronger support) he could react in a dangerous way , becoming more radical to stay in power .

So maybe things will get hard for Chavez in venezuela near soon , and it will not be necesary any spanish judge or any international embargo or anything … just the socialism that are rotting venezuela that could turn more and more people against him.

And , even if you are right in your point of view , there is reasons too to believe that Chavez could go the simple way before he loses power .
And if a “conflict” with columbia could make him “grasp” her seat stronger then maybe they could think that a conlict could be useful .

I don’t mean necesarily a war , you are right about the bad situation of venezuela that makes him to be in a not very good situation to start a “total war” , maybe some kind of “cold war” could be enought , maybe to justify measures as more control of everything and perpetuation in power as long as he can .
In fact at this moment the media are totally captive , the enterprises ( national or international) are just “toys” and he does what he wants without problem , etc … a conflict could give him the “false excuse” to get some support for all this measures .

Well … I don’t know , but I see chavez capable of everything if he feels that his rule could come to and end .
Like a dog that feels he is in danger will go the simple way and bite even if his owner says “stop chavez” , he will not listen to putin say stop ( medvedev is just a joke ).
Or maybe that things go more as you say and russia could be the owner that make his dog to behave under the menace of abandoning him … or to change him for another dog .
Really there are reasons to support any of this “hipotesis”.

( I don’t like to compare Chavez with dogs , dogs are very good , I just use this comparison as a metaphor , a bad one anyway … ¬¬’ )

( I write too much … ¬¬’ )

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 8:59 PM

To oneline analyst , you say “Chavez is pretty cozy with Iran, too. Didn’t he send Venezuelan thugs over to Iran to “assist” the Red Guard in “quelling” the protestors?”

That is true , and is a good point , in fact what happens in iran happened before in venezuela , but the death toll was not as high in venezuela , but the “tactics” were something similar .
It is similar too the international silence about both situations , because there were not very much voices against what happened in venezuela neither what happenned in iran . ( and the goverments that supported chavez supported the mulahs , for example the president of Spain )

You say “MiguelAngel: I value your explanations of what is happening in your country and the damage that leftists do in every nation that they corrupt.”

Tank you very much , but my explanations are very simple , just take them as an little example .

And you mention the leftist corruption , damage to the economy , choosing “bad companies” , weakening the military and intelligence services, promotion of leftist judges , social-engineering agendas … and I am sure we could go on and everything we say will be the same (basically) in your country and in mine , and in every socialist country , it just change the “level” , the strenght in wich the socialism could be aplied in a country or another .

Another difference is that you are just in the begining and you could react , but our cancer is very hard to deafeat .
And of course another big diference is that a lot of socialism in Spain could damage Spain and our european neigbours and friends in latin america .
But a little socialism in the USA could harm the entire world ( not only ecomically … I say that thinking more in other matters )

And you say “Leftists appear to be more interested in promoting their own power than in promoting peace and prosperity.”

That is the truth , but they are master at propaganda , so they talk about freedom , peace , social justice , equal distribution of wealth , etc
But they support tiranies as cuba or iran , they don’t support people diying for demanding freedom as in iran , they support the use of force when it is aplied by their “friends” , and they distribute the wealth yes … between them ¬¬’ .
They are one of the most succesfull propaganda machineries ever .

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 9:05 PM

ups agains … onlineanalyst , sorry for the mistake .

( I am sure that the few of you that reads me would prefer me to be a “one line analyst” ¬¬ … I write too much )

MiguelAngel on March 4, 2010 at 9:12 PM