I agree gecko79 and think we are surely under the control of the “military industrial complex”  as well as the energy companies. I was pleasantly surprised by the vote in Venezuela against Chavez’.  Maybe the future of that country is on the upswing.  Most of the business practices of the U.S.  are public knowledge if one cares to find out about them.  Unfortunately most Americans could care less.  They don’t take the time to educate themselves on these matters and don’t want to be told.  They feel the government is always right so why question anything.  The politicians are well aware of this and use it to their advantage.

To Oldmariner I can only say that as long as these types of double standards persist, true power will continue to be in the hands of what was once referred to as the “Military-Industrial Complex”. Chávez constantly insults Bush and Bush constantly ignores Chávez, but the truth is, billions of dollars in oil sales exchange hands every year, adding to Chavez’ war chest, which allows him to use OUR funds to finance leftista regimes throughout Central and South America. If put to a vote, I bet that a lot of Venezuelan citizens would support an embargo on Venezuelan oil sales on the part of the US for, despite the damage this would do to our economy, it would also weaken Chavez’ stronghold on power. Inversely, if US citizens were made aware of how undemocratic these business practices are, they, too, would question their leadership as to the real reasons for this continued hoodwinking.

I’m with Mercedes here, besides.  The word ass is in the Bible is referring to a jack ass.  The english language has many interpretations for the same word.  The U.S. is headed in the wrong direction.  It’s the people with an actual opinion to try to steer the ole ship here in the right direction that are out numbered.  When you are in the top ten percent, of course you are outnumbered by the bottom 90 percent.  Mercedes, don’t break your stride…...

gecko79   i agree,  but it won’t prevent all the oil companies doing business with Venezuela, i.e., Chavez.

Chavez has embarrassed the Venezuelan people over and over again during the past 8 years, both locally and abroad. The rampant corruption, rising crime rates, uncontrolled inflation and inefficiency of his Administration has forced him to seek enemies abroad in order to distract public attention from ever deteriorating local conditions.
Venezuela has traditionally maintained close bonds of friendship with the US and Chavez’ efforts to undermine these ties have met with severe resistance on the part of many of its citizens. The resounding defeat handed at the polls last Sunday is further proof that we are tired of his diatribes, of his constantly embarrassing posturing and virulent speeches and that soon enough, we’ll be rid of this petty dictator forever!

“Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.”

First off mercedes you are an idiot. Secondly, like the BP workers really care about people buying gas from them, like the attendant is profiting off the total sales of gas at that station? And for all you people who think you will have it better in another country please be my guest and leave, this country would be a hell of a lot better off without you.

Mercedes, you’re so ignorant.
I will just ignore nonsense comments like yours.

You tell them OldMariner. Seems lots of folks down here think being patriotic is believing everything that King George tells them.

I have a prediction. 500 years from now the craze for the day will be researching what happened in 2000 to 2008, like why did the US fall so far off track. Family members will go back and review internet records and become horrified to learn that their family roots were George W. supporters. HA!!!

To know something about the world outside Alabama and to disagree with Bush has nothing to do with liking Chavez or having any desire to leave this country.  As a veteran of the Cuban missile crisis and of Viet Nam (both military and civilian)
i’m not likely to move to Venezuela. I’ve found that it’s usually those who never served their country who are the most fervent flag wavers.  Having patriotism for ones country is a lot different than supporting an idiot who happens to be president.
As far as the poor Venezuelan who are starving to death under Chavez they are the people who put him in office and support him in everything he wants to do.  He overthrew the well to do and the rich in his country with the support of the people you say he is starving. 
By the way,  i don’t buy Citgo either because the gas doesn’t seem to be of the same quality as some other brands.  This is because of the additives and has nothing to do with the gas itself.