How Bad Could it Get? Chávez-Style?
After a long and extremely pleasant Christmas and New Year (my energy renewed) I thought I’d write another less-than-succint ramble about the state of the nation, of aspiring 2008 candidates (of which there are now many), and dreary standard mixed feelings. I just don’t think 2008 should start like that!
Having just read two (1,2) extremely well-written (in my limited opinion) weblogs about a truly tragic situation in Venezeula, I initially felt an honest but dispicable pinch of schadenfreude. A case of … ‘And I’m worried about Hillary!?’ … but not so.
President Chávez without doubt is a sick puppy and a threat to the security of Venezeula, its neighbors, the United States and the world. Of this - in my mind - there is no doubt. Read some of the posts by Daniel at Venezuela News and Views and you’ll share an equal dose of dispondency I’m certain.
Technorati Tags: 2008, chavez, hillary clinton, obama, venezuela
So this holiday I tried very hard to keep the level and content of the conversation (read therein, ‘debate’) over the great Christmas dinner firmly but politely away from politics. For me this is a well-intentioned plan to ensure the remainder of the meal and subsequent fellowship remains pleasant for all involved, including Wifey. Christmas in my household is a wonderful tradition of an open home; where family, friends and friends of friends can join us for an easy going (but with unpredictable and wholly-mixed cooking results) Christmas fayre (turkey et all the trimmings) - idle chit chat and questionable table manners (:-)).
One of my family’s dearest friends - and for all intents and purposes - as well loved as the blood in my family’s veins - brought up the topic of 2008; and, being from Illinois, of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham-Clinton fame - this drew some passion from the table of guests.
Various interesting statements were thrown around, with wide but friendly generalities, largely unfounded but honest opinions, ill-informed but fascinating reflections from - what I’d define as the typical voter in this nation. (is that fair?). I remained quiet (to confound the shocked and quizzical glances from my wife).
‘This nation is not ready for a black President.’ jabbed my flamboyant gay Russian-Jew friend.
‘Well I’m not sure the country needs a woman President like Hillary either’, responded my other equally gay but very old-school Italian-American comrade.
‘Well really! Could we do any worse than that fucker Bush!?’ retorted the G.R.J.?
At this point I wisely raised mention of desert; a world famous chocolate cheese-cake, Irish coffee and my home-baked mince pies.
As I ponder the writings of fellow bloggers in Venezuela - and their hapless circumstances, the attack on the democracy of their nation - I also reflect on the situation facing this nation - the United States of America.
Who really knows what the future holds. When we vote for a political candidate in 2008 - and we try to understand the baggage, the secret aspirations and agendas of these fine folks - can we really make such sweeping statements as ‘Not ready for a black President’? Of course not an shame on us for uttering (or contemplating) such phrases.
As we reflect on fixing the mistakes made by ‘that Fucker Bush’ - can we really do any worse? Unfortunately and terrifyingly the answer is yes! - Chávez-style.
Alas the United States is not some nouveau riche tin-pot backwater nation (no disrespect meant to the Venezuelan people beyond the obvious) with trouble-making tendencies. If the United States ‘does worse’ the world ‘does worse’. Period. This is not chest-thumping bravado. It’s a fact.
Time to reflect on the year ahead.
Posted on January 2nd, 2007 under 2008, Hugo Chávez, President, Security, Venezeula • 
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