Cynicism, not altruism, is behind Chavez’ oil ‘gift’

If not for his nation’s mammoth oil reserves, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez would be just another in a long line of petty Latin American tyrants.

Chavez relishes the role of loud-mouthed international populist and provocateur. He attacked
President Bush as “the devil” at the
United Nations last year and calls regional leaders who disagree with him thieves and idiots.

In his drive for dominance over every aspect of Venezuelan life, Chavez wants to nationalize telecommunications, electricity and energy companies. He’s jailed opponents, crushed press freedom and plans to withdraw the broadcast license of the nation’s oldest television station. Re-elected last month, he wants the National Assembly to grant him the power to rule by decree and the right to rule indefinitely after his term expires in 2012.

Venezuela’s oil wealth is the main reason the world pays much attention to this
Fidel Castro acolyte. The fifth-largest oil exporting country, Venezuela supplies about 15% of U.S. oil imports. Chavez uses his nation’s oil as a political weapon. He’s “donated” billions of dollars to other nations in a campaign to export his socialist revolution and score propaganda points.

USA Today