Outside Insight

U.S. president said last week he is concerned about the Venezuelans and the “undermining of democracy”. He has spoken of concern for Iraqi democracy as well but we all know that actions speak louder than words!

U.S. president has not done much in the way of democracy for anyone lately (if ever?): foreigners and Americans alike. Democracy is not in his agenda, however taking resources from his weaker neighbors is - it’s simply the way Capitalism works.

What a lot of people do not know is that Venezuela is one of our top oil importers. Last week Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan president elected democratically by the majority for another term (unlike someone else we know), has been given carte blanche which gives him power to make decisions for the country on his own. He plans to privatize natural resources, which in South America is mostly controlled by foreign companies. We can’t be so naive as to be blind to the fact that our president’s concern is with the goods, not with democracy. Democracy in South America, as in other underdeveloped parts of the world, is not truly actively supported by developed countries.

For the most part South American countries have been submissive and manipulable by developed countries. So the need (or even excuse) for war with them has been unnecessary, but our misrepresenting president’s statement makes many wonder if there will soon be any suspicion of weapons of mass destruction in Venezuela as well. That has become our weapon for righteousness in the past years. Although, it sounds like he might be busy with upcoming plans in Iran. I write with a little sarcasm as it’s hard for me to believe that someone would not see through his B.S.

Rarely are South American people in a position to make much use of their own resources since international corporations are usually the first to exploit our neighbor’s sustenance and their people for cheap labor; not to mention that these corporations rarely clean up after themselves following explorations and leave behind all the destruction and sickness that comes with the exploitation of natural resources, affecting the host country’s health, economy, and environment. The big brothers don’t have to live by their own laws and standards of ethics outside of their borders. We should not wonder why so many people can’t make a living in their own countries.

The underdeveloped world can’t blame outside forces for the ways in which they are taken advantage of forever, though. Perhaps we’d like them to keep complaining and crossing their arms but I am not surprised when leaders resort to bold decisions to defend their democracy and freedom to avoid the endentured servitude of entire nations. Chavez will privatize oil resources which surely our president and his Corporate America don’t like - not because it’s un-democratic but, most importantly, because it’s anti-capitalist and against the interest of oil hungry elite America. Everywhere folks have different opinions of democracy and who is upholding it but it seems to me that democracy, as it stands, is only working for middle and rich families. If democracy is to truly work it’s probably time to include the voices of the usually-unheard poor majority. We tent to only hear the voices of the middle class and small rich class because they are the ones who have access to the media and the manipulation of it…and also the ones who benefit from capitalist practices. Foreign resources should start working for their nations’ majorities, first and foremost, and Exxon-mobile and elite groups should learn to be content with what they are invited to by other countries who are looking out for their own best interests. Seems fair game to me. So, all in all, this issue is about democracy but not the kind that our president practices.

FYI - Top Oil importers in order:
Canada
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
Venezuela
Nigeria
Iraq
Angola
Algeria
Kuwait
Ecuador
Brazil and others

*Information according to: www.eia.doe.gov