On the other hand, fueled by its oil production and sales, Venezuela has taken over from Cuba the role of encouraging hatred of the U.S. among the peoples of Central and South America. They've made friends of our enemies, and enemies of our friends.
Chavez has funded crypto-Communist movements in Nicaragua, Ecuador, Bolivia, and elsewhere. He has encouraged drug-running rebels in neighboring Colombia, and perhaps provided them arms.
I like Mitt Romney's comment on the President's view of Chavez: "It is disturbing to see him downplaying the threat posed to U.S. interests by a regime that openly wishes us ill." (The Weekly Standard)
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is probably best positioned to comment on Obama's assessment of Chavez. After summarizing the many ways Chavez has worked to our detriment, Rubio concludes:
President Obama continues to display an alarmingly naïve understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face in the Western Hemisphere. (Politico)
