Commentary: While President Obama is on his way to deliver a speech to millions of muslims, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has been joking with colleagues and on television that Obama may be leaning further left than even Castro and himself.
Reuters reports that in a live television broadcast, Chavez said this.
"Hey, Obama has just nationalized nothing more and nothing less than General Motors. Comrade Obama! Fidel, careful or we are going to end up to his right."
Chavez was speaking specifically about the recent government takeover of General Motors and how that company is no longer run by private entities. 60% of the new GM will be owned by taxpayers and 17.5% will be owned by the United Auto Workers Union, a move that has many conservatives questioning the motives of the US government that is dominated by the political left.
Venezuela has seen similar government takeovers in recent months as Chavez has nationalized the banks, electric companies, telecommunication companies, the steel industry, and several food processing plants. Chavez has relied heavily on high oil prices to push his social agenda while the country's economy has been struggling.
Minneapolis-based Cargill has had their share of problems with the Venezuelan president. In March, Chavez expropriated a rice mill. His justification for the expropriation order was based on price control set by the government.
Chavez has said that the government takeover or private business is only for the betterment of his countrymen and currently holds a 60% approval rating. One has to wonder if the approval rating is legitimate though since the government also has its thumb on the television and media outlets as well, punishing those who dissent.
Comments
so what are you trying to say? You believe what Chavez says? What if he said that Obama was further to the right than we thought..what would you report? What if he said the sky was red? GM was poorly run for years. It is no longer a majority private company because it was FAILING!!!! People seem to forget this. What do you really fear? That is all you Republicans feel these days is fear.... What do you honestly think Obama is going to do to GM?
Wow J, your liberal slip is showing. If GM is failing on it's own how much help do you think the genius' in the government will provide? Please, name any government enterprise that has succeeded with government management. Not Amtrak, the Post Office or TVA and GM won't either.
J, if you want nothing but liberal leaning Obama talking points why not just go to CNN or MSNBC.
Doing good Erin. You keep writing and I'll keep reading.
YO! "J" My homie! Give it up holms.(sic) The entire point is that there is an entire code on the books regarding what is known as (are you ready?) - Bankruptcy! - fool. Remember the rule of law? It was in effect before NerObama was anointed and became the) "Lawyer (of you name It) In Chief". Like you, I too am not a lawyer (nor do I play one on TV). However, I'm constrained to point out that NerObama is (or was) a constitutional lawyer who confidently proclaimed (and taught for years) that the Second Amendment, in the Bill of Rights, does not apply to the individual citizens of America, just to the states. Until, of course, the supreme court recently adjudged otherwise. Then, of course, he (reluctantly) agreed that it does.
My point? "Himself" is the self anointed "Lawyer In Chief". Obviously, he's well qualified to preside over this, or any situation he deems worthy of "His" attention. ("Bow, you worthless dogs!" "Make way for 'the most merciful one' ") So my friend, give it all up.
Yeah it's one those lose / lose situations. Obama could either risk being compared to Chavez or be blamed for allowing what perhaps is the greatest American business institution go bankrupt without lifting a finger. I had to lay people off again today. I would innvite anyone complaining about our deficit and claiming socialism to walk a mile in the shoes of a mother of three who just got laid off with no clue on what to do next. Ask her what she is more about worried about...her children having to pay down the deficit or having food on the table today. I am so happy that moderate republicans are finally standing up and drawing a distinct line from the neocon extremist that have overtaken the party. It's time for a split!!!!!!!!!
Joe, that's where you're wrong. Had GM actually failed (even though they went through rougher financial times in the 80's), BHO could and would blame that on Bush.
As for those losing their jobs and needing to put food on the table, NO ONE is saying that is a good outcome, but punishing companies that hire people by taxing them more will only force business overseas leaving even more Americans jobless. Get out of the "right now" mentality and think about the future. There is a better way out of this mess.
JB,
Please clarify what "NerObama" means?
JB,
I'm anxious awaiting for you to let us all know what NerObama means?
I disagree about being able to blame it on Bush. It happens on his watch so it's his. Then playing politics with people's livelyhood is a sure fire way to NOT get re-elected. Some issues must be addressed now. I will concede that some decisions are reactionary however I will refrain from criticizing due to my total ineptitude when it comes to our country's economics. I am convinced that politically it was a lose / lose situation. I have heard the opposition's talking points arguing this either way.
JB,
I'm still waiting to hear what NerObama means.
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