Now THIS is socialism

[DavidS]

Venezuela's Hugo Chavez tightens state control of food amid rocketing inflation and food shortages - Telegraph

President Hugo Chavez is tightening state control over Venezuela's food supply, setting quotas for food staples which are to be sold at government-imposed prices.

None of Obama's ideas come anywhere close to government control of the price of food.

 

[CaféAuLait]

Sounds like communism IMO. Needs V deeds. “Mr. Chavez is seeking to ensure that his core support, the poor, can still fill their shopping baskets with food.”

 

[Said1]

Sounds a lot like the Wheat Board.

 

[DiamondDave]

ever think it is because Chavez is yet another in the long line of asshole dictators we have seen in the world in the past few decades?

 

[Said1]

ever think it is because Chavez is yet another in the long line of asshole dictators we have seen in the world in the past few decades?

Well, it never occurred to me until now. Thanks!

 

[xsited1]

The only reason Chavez has power is because there are enough poor Venezuelans who support him. And since Socialism brings down the standard of living for everyone, he is sure to retain his thrown for decades to come. Obama's spending policies will continue to drive down the standard of living for everyone, so we are on track for a Chavez-style government in the future.

 

[cunclusion]

Chavez is what I would call a news whore, he would do anything to get in the news and make himself look good.

 

[Tech_Esq]

The only reason Chavez has power is because there are enough poor Venezuelans who support him. And since Socialism brings down the standard of living for everyone, he is sure to retain his thrown for decades to come. Obama's spending policies will continue to drive down the standard of living for everyone, so we are on track for a Chavez-style government in the future.

You sir, are a exactly right. I followed Chavez closely for the last three years even to the point of sending periodic Chavez updates to annoy my lefty friends. I concluded those a couple weeks ago when he became, effectively, dictator for life. I did provide a PS update on this most recent news. I'm not sure if the attached story includes the fact that he send troops to the rice farms to "force" farmers to increase production. That was in the Wall Street Journal article on the subject.

But yes we're about 10 years behind Venezuela. I'm sure in 10 years President for Life Obama will have done his best to catch up.

 

[Harry Dresden]

ever think it is because Chavez is yet another in the long line of asshole dictators we have seen in the world in the past few decades?

only he does it a little more subtly than most.....but he still is a DICTATOR.....

 

[Harry Dresden]

Chavez is what I would call a news whore, he would do anything to get in the news and make himself look good.

and what brought you to this conclusion?.....

 

[Againsheila]

Does nobody remember that during wwII we had rationing and stamps to get gas?

 

[KittenKoder]

The sad thing is that we need a little socialism and a little communism, and a little of just about everything, to truly be a strong country, even our forefathers knew this.

 

[DavidS]

The government controlling the prices of commodities... now where have I heard that before?

 

[Tech_Esq]

The sad thing is that we need a little socialism and a little communism, and a little of just about everything, to truly be a strong country, even our forefathers knew this.

Mind explaining your thinking a little further?

 

[Againsheila]

The government controlling the prices of commodities... now where have I heard that before?

I believe it was Nixon

 

[KittenKoder]

The sad thing is that we need a little socialism and a little communism, and a little of just about everything, to truly be a strong country, even our forefathers knew this.

Mind explaining your thinking a little further?

Meh ... yes I do, I don't have the time or energy (mostly the energy) to put my thoughts and observations into words right now, at least not clear words. The problem with a major infection is that no matter where it is, your whole body aches.

 

[Tech_Esq]

The government controlling the prices of commodities... now where have I heard that before?

I believe it was Nixon

Yep, I think that was the last jackass US Pres to try it. But look on the bright side, we have a new president with an appetite for all kinds of crazy shit. Maybe we can prove once again that wage and price controls don't work. I predict we'll prove this in 2011-2012 when our inflation rate gets past 15% and none of the genius czars know what to do.

 

[rayboyusmc]

Obama's spending policies will continue to drive down the standard of living for everyone, so we are on track for a Chavez-style government in the future.

When we don't get there I will remind you, X.

As to what Obama is doing, it's a hell of a lot more productive that what they did for the last 8 years to get US into this kettle of fish head soup.

Now on to universal health care.

Get bettter kitten. Being sick sucks.

 

[KittenKoder]

Obama's spending policies will continue to drive down the standard of living for everyone, so we are on track for a Chavez-style government in the future.

When we don't get there I will remind you, X.

As to what Obama is doing, it's a hell of a lot more productive that what they did for the last 8 years to get US into this kettle of fish head soup.

Now on to universal health care.

Get bettter kitten. Being sick sucks.

Thanks for the semtiment ...

Bah! Just noticed the typo but leaving it as is because that's how I sound right now when I talk.

 

[Epsilon Delta]

No, it is not socialism- it is plain and vulgar Statism.

I hate to agree with the ultra-right, but yeah, this last little event with unlimited presidential terms is pretty much indefensible. I don't think I could ever vote for someone to stay in office forever, no matter how good a president he was. The sad truth is that power tends to corrupt, but absolute power corrupts absolutely... and that's the way we're heading.

Though on the other hand, it got approved by the voters in a free and fair elections and by a wide margin- wider than Obama's victory over McCain, for example. If the majority of Venezuelans want him as president for life that's their prerogative- he must be doing SOMETHING right. But Venezuelans themselves are going to have to realize that this isn't good- I just hope they don't have to learn the hard way.