In the wake of the death of Hugo Chavez, who once called President George W. Bush "the devil" and referred to President Obama as a "clown," some in Washington are talking very openly about the possibility of improved relations between the U.S. and Venezuela. Chavez died on Tuesday after battling cancer for two years. Championed by some in his country for being a man "of the people" and talking tough on the issue of America, he took the proceeds from the country’s oil wealth and spent it on social initiatives.
Of course, Chavez also nationalized a number of industries with little respect for actual ownership rights and destroyed many democratic institutions. He also often expressed support for oppressive regimes, including that of Fidel Castro and Iran. "At this challenging time," President Obama said in a written statement several hours after Chavez's death, "the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights."
After being reprimanded verbally by Obama at one point, Chavez once famously replied, "Focus on governing your country, which you’ve turned into a disaster." Many in the U.S. are now talking about the possibility of friendlier relations with Venezuela, but it remains to be seen if that will actually play out in practice. "I hope the transition is one that is smooth and we would develop a better relationship with Venezuela," Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid noted.
Of course, Chavez also nationalized a number of industries with little respect for actual ownership rights and destroyed many democratic institutions. He also often expressed support for oppressive regimes, including that of Fidel Castro and Iran. "At this challenging time," President Obama said in a written statement several hours after Chavez's death, "the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights."
After being reprimanded verbally by Obama at one point, Chavez once famously replied, "Focus on governing your country, which you’ve turned into a disaster." Many in the U.S. are now talking about the possibility of friendlier relations with Venezuela, but it remains to be seen if that will actually play out in practice. "I hope the transition is one that is smooth and we would develop a better relationship with Venezuela," Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid noted.
