Chavez's Anti-Bush Wake-Up Call
by Emily Specker
Hugo Chavez is not a man of subtleties. The current president of Venezuela entered Argentina some weeks ago to lead a decidedly anti-Bush protest. Everything from his demeanor to his attire matched his stance. In a time when politics seem to muffle true opinions and secrecy has become a virtue, Hugo Chavez's directness may be teaching the United States an important lesson.
Chavez's anti-American attitude comes as no surprise. His aggressive distaste for the politics of Washington has always been apparent. His recent outburst, however, is a direct result of President George W. Bush's tour of Latin America. Chavez looks down upon Bush's apparent attempt to "scrub clean the face of the empire in Latin America," in the words of Fox News. Such a task would require policy changes that go beyond promises of U.S. aid. Chavez is not the only anti-Bush force in the region. In fact, perhaps as many as five other Latin American Nations share his sentiments.
Bush was not welcomed with open arms into the countries during his most recent tour of the region. Many people believe he merely seeks to take advantage of Latin America. The United States' track record in foreign affairs does not act in his favor. Although Bush was not responsible for tolerating the military regimes of Argentina that brutalized the country's citizens from 1976-1983, he continues to be associated with such events. Unfortunately, Bush's current actions in Iraq are doing nothing more than adding to Latin America's negative perception of the United Sates. He, through the invasion of Iraq, is supporting the image of the United States as an imperialist demon that lacks moral values.
As opposed to the negative reception granted to Bush, Chavez was greeted with screams of support from about 20,000 people. To these people, the president of the United States is seen as an oil-hungry man out to provoke wars and exploit less fortunate countries. Chavez has taken note of importance of oil in Bush's political agenda and has threatened to cut off oil shipments to the United States by uniting with countries across the globe. He has sought to make deals with countries ranging from Latin America to the Middle East and Asia. Chavez has voiced his plans, stating that unity is the only solution for these countries.
While it is unlikely that Venezuela will be able to cut the United States off in the near future, the very fact that anti-American sentiments are so prominent signifies an increase of an already present trend. No country, no matter how powerful, can afford to aggravate so many other actors in the international system. Chavez's recent purchases of military equipment from both Russia and Brazil should serve as a warning to the United States. The fierce president of Venezuela may be doing just what is needed: making an obvious standpoint impossible for President Bush to ignore.
"Hugo Chavez Leads Anti-Bush Rally in Argentina." Fox News. Fox. 09 Mar. 2007. 27 Mar. 2007 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258035,00.html
Sullivan, Kevin. "Chavez Casts Himself as the Anti-Bush." Washington Post 15 Mar. 2007. 27 Mar. 2007http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35193-2005Mar14.html
