[Spokane]

I don't see how anyone can say it was a defence for Bush. Rangel qualified his statements with "because we have problems with our president". He only disagrees with who can criticize Bush.

[DustyMoment]

Here is the bulk of his comment:

"I want to express my extreme displeasure with statements by the President of Venezuela attacking U.S. President George Bush in such a personal and disparaging way during his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly.

It should be clear to all heads of government that criticism of Bush Administration policies, either domestic or foreign, does not entitle them to attack the President personally.

George Bush is the President of the United States and represents the entire country. Any demeaning public attack against him is viewed by Republicans and Democrats, and all Americans, as an attack on all of us.

I feel that I must speak out now since the Venezuelan government has been instrumental in providing oil at discounted prices to people in low income communities who have suffered increases in rent as heating oil prices have risen sharply. By offering this benefit to people in need, Venezuela has won many friends in poor communities of New York and other states. I am surprised that American oil companies have not stepped up to provide that kind of assistance to the poor."

Perhaps you read it differently, but it reads to me as a defense of the President - both the office and the man currently occupying it.

I will give Rangel credit where credit is due and I appreciate him stepping up to speak out about Chavez's comments. I would also ask where the prominent Republicans are to respond to Chavez?? The silence is deafening.