The real shame of all this, is that the Venezuelan people know exactly what they are up against there, but via our media here we are oblivious!
Many of the Opposition to Chavez marchers banners below carry similar themes of "NO CUBA HERE!"
We could hope here in the USA for no better allies than the Venezuelan people. According to the just published 2002 Global Attitudes Survey by the Pew Research Center in Washington; 82% have a favorable opinion of the USA, and that is amongst the highest ratings of all the 44 countries surveyed! And, in regard to supporting the US led war on terrorism, 79% favor it while only 20% oppose it! (What's the %'s for/against for that question in the USA right now?!?)
Clearly, no country in South America holds more promise for being a strong and effective ally and supporter of the USA, perhaps none better in this entire Hemisphere, *when* Chavez is gone and remnants of his regime are fully rooted out.
Also, though, there is no current government in this hemisphere that is a more "Clear & Present Danger" to the USA with the continuation and expansion of Hugo Chavez's goals & plans!
-Shane