Hugo the Magnificent is once again rattling his butter knife, this time at U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela William Brownfield:
President Hugo Chavez warned he could expel the U.S. ambassador if he keeps "meddling in Venezuela's affairs," saying the diplomat went too far by suggesting U.S. investors should receive fair compensation when Venezuela nationalizes its largest telephone company.
"Mr. ambassador, go meddle in the affairs of your own country," Chavez said during a speech Thursday night, referring to Ambassador William Brownfield.
Chavez then whipped out his legal credentials -- probably those which he obtained via mail order -- and promptly accused the United States of violating the Geneva Accord:
"If you continue meddling in Venezuela's affairs, first of all, you are violating the Geneva accords and getting yourself involved in a serious violation and could ... be declared persona non- grata and would have to leave the country," Chavez added.
All this uproar just because Brownfield essentially suggested that Chavez shouldn't steal from the shareholders of Verizon Communications. Since Verizon is a New York-based company, it will be interesting to see what Senators Clinton and Schumer have to say about the nationalization. Brownfield also had the audacity to do the following:
A Texan with a penchant for understatement that at times verges on sarcasm, Brownfield has drawn Chavez's anger not only by raising Washington's concerns but also by handing out donations to youth baseball leagues and other charities in slums that are pro-government strongholds.
This is all a tad bit confusing. Chavez has sought to support his arguments for socialism partly through claims that Jesus Christ was a socialist. Chavez subsequently advocates a nationalization policy that would have him stealing money from shareholders. As if that weren't enough, he takes great offense when the U.S. Ambassador gives money to Venezuelan charities and other non-political causes. Maybe I have to read my Bible more thoroughly, but I'm pretty sure that Jesus was against stealing and supportive of charity. Ah, but what do I know.
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