Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Thou Shalt Have Democracy!

But not too much of it!

US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice continues her World Hypocrisy Tour, in which she meets with foreign leaders and tells them what they must do. How quaint.

From the BBC: Rice seeks Latam democracy drive
Arriving in Brazil, Ms Rice said the US wants to help Latin American countries follow a more democratic path.
Do you believe that?? Oh yeah! Sure you do! Because you'll believe anything!

Of course, if any Latin American country gets too much democracy, then the USA, champion and guarantor of true democracy all over the globe, might just have to undermine the process.

From myTELUS World News: U.S. military tried to turn Venezuelan trainees against government: Chavez
President Hugo Chavez says a longstanding military exchange program with the United States was cancelled because U.S. officers in Venezuela were attempting to turn the soldiers they were training against his government.
With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Lovers of freedom and democracy should watch Venezuela very carefully. But not like this:

AP reports: Chavez Says Americans Detained for Taking Pictures of Venezuelan Military Facility, Refinery
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez said Sunday that a woman linked to the U.S. military had been arrested while photographing a military installation, and several U.S. citizens were also arrested for taking pictures of a refinery, signs that the Washington may be plotting an invasion of his country.
Meanwhile, back in Brazil:
"Our job has to be as members of this hemisphere to pursue policies that give democracy a chance not just to hold elections but to then actually provide for its people," Ms Rice said.
It's a pity that nobody in the current administration is the slightest bit interested in doing such a job. But on the other hand, it's quite understandable. More than any previous administration, this one seems to reward loyalty over anything else. And to show loyalty to a vicious hypocrite, one must practice vicious hypocrisy. Expect more of the same.

Recent and related posts on this blog include:

Hugo Chavez and Venezuelan Democracy Under Threat
US Has Plans To Attack Hugo Chavez

Chavez Throws The Dice

Hugo Chavez In The News
Condoleeza Rice's World Hypocrisy Tour
It's Too Surreal
Hypocrisy Reigns In Washington
Endless Hypocrisy