Powell has made very pointed remarks about Chavez and his understanding of democracy. The Bush adm. has expressed concern about Chavez's supporters, his communist ties and anti-American comments. Christopher Dodd fought to keep Bush's nominee, Otto Juan Reich, from getting a hearing on his nomination as Sec. for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Over Christmas break, Bush finally gave him a recess appointment. Reich has been extremely outspoken about Castro and communism. He knows the people, the politics and the threat in this area very well.
The U.S. warned Americans about traveling to the Colombia-Venezuela border because of FARC activities. Powell had said Reich, a former ambassador to Venezuela, was the most important among the State Department's unconfirmed nominees. The Bush adm has made it clear they want to make inroads in this hemisphere. Bush has outlined an initiative to help poor nations that respect human rights, root out corruption, open their markets, and have education and health care systems. Chavez has made it quite plain he wants Venezuela to be the anti-American center and base of operations in this hemisphere.
Chavez is actively working to rally other countries to join him to counter Bush's initiative and strengthen his Bolivarian Revolution. I'm surprised Daschle, Gephardt and others on Capital Hill aren't swinging by to pat him on the back. Those congresscritters who are going to Cuba to be wined and dined by Castro ought to consider swinging by Venezuela on their communist pilgramage to cheer Hugo on.