Chavez v Cargill
""The government imposed new rules this week to try to prevent producers from cutting output of price-regulated products or from modifying products to circumvent price controls, such as selling paella-flavoured rice that does not fall under the controls.
Companies must ensure that 70 per cent to 95 per cent of their products are the types that fall under the price controls.
Over the past year, Chavez has nationalized Venezuela's largest telephone, electricity and cement companies. His government also is negotiating compensation for the takeover of the country's biggest steel maker, Sidor.
Critics of the measures argue the government is sidelining private enterprise by significantly expanding the state's role in the economy. The nationalizations, they warn, are dangerous because the government could be forced to lay off workers if the price of oil continues its downward spiral.
Venezuela, which relies on oil for 94 per cent of exports and nearly half the government's budget, has seen prices plunge from last year's record high of more than US$147 a barrel. Benchmark crude for April delivery was trading on Wednesday at $45.38 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.""
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ReplyDeleteChavez is garbage. Thanks for the link, I got you back. In my opinion Chavez will totally destroy Venezuela for decades to come if he is allowed to remain in power for much longer. His type of Extreme Leftist policies don't work, never have, and never will.
Some tidbits from the Economist:
http://www.economist.com/world/americas/
"But crime, the cost of living and the problem of housing have all worsened substantially since Mr Chávez came to power. Inflation in 2008 was 31%-the highest in Latin America. Food prices in Caracas rose by almost 50%. The minimum wage is just 800 bolívares a month, although many workers with formal jobs get a bonus of around 250 bolívares for food."
"The government's hostility to private property has triggered a shortage of rented housing. Last year the government began to repair 150 houses affected by damp. But a day of heavy rain flooded most of them and ruined what had been achieved."
"The most reliable opinion polls suggest that Mr Chávez will win the referendum on February 15th. "People don't care about the articles [to be modified]," says Ms Graterol. "What they have here"-she touches her head-"and here"-the heart-"is Hugo Chávez. They know their leader's future is at stake."
"So does Mr Chávez. He has turned almost the whole of the state bureaucracy, including the armed forces and the state oil company, into an election machine. Pro-government rallies teem with public-sector workers in red shirts and baseball caps bearing the logos of government departments."
A cult of personality, Chavez is made out to be "The Messiah". The Saviour of the People, offering an abundance of 'Hope' and 'Change'.
Sound familiar?
Chavez and Obama, a Scary Comparison
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absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
be president for life
forget some strong reforms
just dismantle government
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absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
expand socialism
misery loves company
promise it will work this time
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absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
DESTROY your country
then spread to other countries
sell them your recipes
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absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
cause food shortages
implement price controls
destroy all family farms
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absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
nationalize industry
never trust the market
deny the people choices
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Philosophy of Liberty Cartoon
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:)
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