[IronJack]

I am truly afraid that Chavez will be the token commie in the Western Hemisphere after Castro goes to that Great Collective in the Sky. At least Venezuela isn't within shouting distance of our border. But they DO have oil, and with the Chinese in the Panama Canal, another pinko outpost in the New World is the last thing we need.

[JohnHuang2]

Good point, IronJack. Yet, the 'mainstream' press has yet to give major developments there the attention they deserve.

[OldFriend]

President Bush negotiated an oil agreement with Venezuela when he first became elected (Bush). It will be interesting to see if they will be cutting off their nose to spite their face and reneging on the deal. Obviously the will need the cash but Chavez will not care if his people suffer if would prefer to spite the United States.

I suggest we enjoy the low oil prices while we can and save for a rainy day when it comes to energy prices.....and the price of everything else too.