Rev. Jackson lends support to Chavez

AP - Yahoo ^ | 8/27/05 | Christopher Toothaker - AP

[NormsRevenge]

CARACAS, Venezuela - The Rev. Jesse Jackson offered support for President Hugo Chavez on Sunday, saying a call for his assassination by a U.S. religious broadcaster was a criminal act and that Washington and Venezuela should work out their differences through diplomacy.

The U.S. civil rights leader condemned last week's suggestion by Pat Robertson that American agents should kill the leftist Venezuelan leader, calling the conservative commentator's statements "immoral" and "illegal."

Jackson urged U.S. authorities to take action, and said the U.S. government must choose "diplomacy over any threats of sabotage or isolation or assassination."

"We must choose a civilized policy of rational conversation," he told reporters at a news conference.

Chavez, a self-styled "revolutionary," has repeatedly accused President Bush's government of planning to overthrow him. He warned Friday that some American leaders have considered killing him.

U.S. officials have repeatedly denied such claims.

Robertson's comments last week have increased already tense relations between Caracas and Washington. He called for Chavez's assassination on his TV show "The 700 Club," saying the United States should "take him out" because the Venezuelan leader poses a danger to the region.

Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition of America and a supporter of Bush's re-election bid, later apologized.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission "must prohibit such threats on the airwaves," said Jackson, who arrived Saturday for a visit along with members of his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

"I hope the FCC does not remain silent regarding what Robertson said," Jackson added.

Representatives of the U.S. government have expressed concern that Chavez and his close ally, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, are fomenting instability in Latin America. Chavez and Castro deny it, instead blaming the United States for meddling in the affairs of Latin nations.

In a speech to Venezuela's National Assembly, Jackson said every country has a right to self-determination, and touched on subjects from poverty to Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in the civil rights struggle of American blacks.

"Though our histories are burdensome with pain and often bitter memories, we must have the strength to get ahead and not just get even," Jackson said to a rousing applause from Venezuelan lawmakers.

Jackson later met and shook hands with Chavez during the Venezuelan leader's weekly radio and television program.

"Reverend Jackson, you can be sure that we will continue fighting for the ideas of Martin Luther King, for Christ the Redeemer's idea of loving one another and building a society of equals through our peaceful and democratic revolution," said Chavez.

He told Jackson he wanted to discuss the possibility of sending oil at preferential terms to poor communities in the United States.

Since taking office in 1999, Chavez has survived a 2002 coup, a 2003 strike and a recall referendum last year. He is up for re-election next year, and recent polls suggest he has a 70 percent approval rating.

[NormsRevenge]

U.S Rev. Jesse Jackson, delivers a speech to members of the Venezuelan National Congress while Venezuela's Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel, left, Congress President Nicolas Maduro, center, and the President of the Supreme Court Omar Mora look on in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005. Jackson offered his support for Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, saying a recent call for his assassination was a criminal act and that the United States and Venezuela should work out their differences through diplomacy. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

[trubluolyguy]

Peas in a pod. Commie and commie lover.

[edpc]

Good 'Ol Jesse....always on the right side of issues and history.

[upchuck]

Wonder who is paying for Je$$e's trip?

[Texas Eagle]

Rev. Jackson lends support to Chavez

The hell you say.

[dvan]

When are these people ever going to wise up. Reverend ...what? A wolf in sheep's clothing! By their works you shall know them!

[NormsRevenge]

U.S Rev. Jesse Jackson plays a drum during his visit to the National Congress in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005. Jackson offered his support for Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, saying a recent call for his assassination was a criminal act and that the United States and Venezuela should work out their differences through diplomacy. The performance was part of congress celebration of the 42nd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's 'I Have a Dream' speech.(AP Photo/ABN/Wiston Bravo)

[TheSpottedOwl]

Is there no issue that Jackson won't turn into a photo op for himself?

[NormsRevenge]

[Texas Eagle]

When are these people ever going to wise up.

I put my money on "never".

[rockabyebaby]

Jesse supports Chavez???? Naw, that can't be right! Our Jesse??? Supporting a commie scum? Naw, I'm shocked, shocked I tell ya!

[OkieDoke]

Vice President `Jose Vincent Rangel'. Wonder if any relation to our chuckleheaded congressman.

Meanwhile former president Jimmuh Cartuh fumes in Plains:
"That Jackson, always upstagin' me!"

[DeeOhGee]

I guess there are more TV cameras covering Chavez than there are anywhere else.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

They can keep him.
Revoke his US passport, and don't let him back into the USA because he is giving Aid&Comfort to the enemy.
Either you are for us ( the USA ) or you are against us.
Hope many voters will wise up when they see him hobnobbing with the Democrats during the next Presidential election.

[Callahan]

Hmm...Pat Robertson cozies up to corrupt African leaders. Jesse Jackson cozies up to corrupt African leaders. Pat suggests Chavez should take a dirt nap. Jesse flys down to Venezuela to arrange a meeting. Maybe it's the St. Ides talking here, but watch your back Hugo. Jesse can kill a man with a butter knife.

[ClaireSolt]

Have either chavez or Jackson actually done anything to benefit poor people? Or are they both demogogues?

[lowbridge]

He told Jackson he wanted to discuss the possibility of sending oil at preferential terms to poor communities in the United States.

How many poor communities have refineries?

[sheik yerbouty]

And they won't even give each other "a hand around.."

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

America's No. 1 JESSE JACKSON Fighter:

http://www.bondinfo.org

.