[theFIRMbss]

>Chavez's critics blame his left-leaning policies for country's deepening economic crisis ...

Venezuela
is worth watching for at least
two reasons. It is

the only OPEC
representative in the
Americas. And

their national oil
company is the parent
of CITGO Petrol.

It's hard to believe
there's not more than meets the eye
in their politics.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Venezuelan army soldiers line up at the main entrance of a police station where opponents of President Hugo Chavez protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Dec 16, 2002. Opposition marchers demanded the soldiers leave. As the crowd grew, the soldiers retreated and police in riot gear fanned out to keep hundreds of opposition and Chavez supporters apart. Chavez ordered the army takeover of the city's police precincts in November.(AP Photo/Fernando)