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View Full Version : Kerry and Venezuela: Good P.R., but Bad Policy



Nbadan
08-17-2004, 11:11 AM
Why John Kerry Must Retract his Position on Venezuela
by VenezuelAnalysis.com

The Democratic candidate for President of the United States, John Kerry, published a statement on his web site this past March 19, setting forth his position on the political situation in Venezuela. In this declaration, Kerry relies on inaccurate information and repeats views identical to those of the Venezuelan opposition to democratically-elected President Hugo Chavez.

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It is almost unexplainable that Kerry, as a Democrat, maintains almost the same positions as Bush and his ultra-conservative cabinet. Many in the progressive community had hoped that Kerry could bring a fundamental change to the foreign policies implemented by Bush towards Latin America. Statements such as this lead us to believe that there may be little change in the arrogant US government foreign policy, and unfortunately, mistrust and resentment towards the United States in Latin America would probably continue to grow as a result.

Without offering any evidence, Kerry, follows the line of the Venezuelan opposition, accusing Chavez of aiding the Colombian guerrilla forces, permitting narcotrafficking, undermining democratic institutions, attempting to impede a possible recall referendum on his mandate, and of implementing policies that are detrimental to US interests.

Chavez is a President who has been elected twice by clear majorities in democratic elections, and who, at this time, still enjoys one of the highest levels of popularity amongst Latin American leaders. Chavez's policies have earned him the support of millions of progressive and liberal voices throughout Latin America as well as in North America.

Common Dreams (http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0326-01.htm)

Even the financial markets, which first hated Chavez, now prefer him to uncertainty.

Nbadan
08-17-2004, 11:13 AM
http://www.pixunlimited.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/steve_bell/2004/08/16/bell512ready.jpg

Nbadan
08-17-2004, 05:45 PM
Here we go...


Larry Klayman, Republican U.S. Senate candidate from Florida, today called for U.S. intervention to determine whether or not the recall vote, which affirmed Communist dictator and terrorist Hugo Chavez's hold on the Venezuelan people, was honest and fair. All indications are that the vote was fraudulent, despite claims by former President Jimmy Carter that the vote was honest. ..

"Castro and Chavez have not only fomented a new rise in Communism in Central and South American, but have worked together as terrorists against the interests of the American people. And, the Venezuelan people have been severely harmed. They need to be freed from bondage.

"It is incumbent on the United States to insure that a fraud has not been committed in the recall election. To rely on Jimmy Carter's certification, is to rely on the opinion of a fool. Worse, Carter has just given legitimacy to a ruler, Hugo Chavez, who is a miniature Stalin. If nothing is done, it is likely that Chavez will not only consolidate his hold on power now, but never leave office-Castro style." --Larry Klayman, candidate for the U.S. Senate

U.S. Newswire (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=669&ncid=669&e=1&u=/usnw/20040817/pl_usnw/fl_senate_candidate_klayman_calls_for_us_intervent ion_in_venezuelan_recall_elections__chavez_venezue lan_recall_vote_a_likely_fr)