Ahmadinejad - guaranteed never to be called fascist by ChavezIt seems that the spat between King Juan Carlos and Hugo Chavez is not quite going away. On Saturday Chavez called the former Spanish prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, a fascist, adding "fascists are not human. A snake is more human." His successor Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reminded Chavez that "Aznar was democratically elected by the Spanish people and was a legitimate representative of the Spanish people."
Mr Chavez repeatedly tried to interrupt, despite his microphone being turned off and it was then that the king leaned forward and said: "Why don't you shut up?" The king then stormed out as Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega stepped in to back Mr Chavez
The king’s actions have been praised in Spain (For example, El Pais said Mr Chavez's outburst was "intolerable"). Yesterday, however, Chavez said the king was "imprudent" and asked if he knew in advance of the brief coup against him. As he left the Ibero-American Summit in Chile's capital, Santiago, Mr Chavez questioned whether Spain's ambassador had appeared with Venezuelan interim president Pedro Carmona during the two-day coup in 2002 with the monarch's blessing.
On Sunday, Mr Chavez said he hoped the spat would not damage relations. "But I think it's imprudent for a king to shout at a president to shut up. Mr King, we are not going to shut up."
The more I see of Chavez’s antics, the more I think he is a fool. His outburst against Aznar was childish and stupid. Of all those present Zapatero may have been most offended by the misuse of the word fascist – his grandfather was executed by francoists during the Spanish civil war.
13 comments:
Chavez is really just a media whore, and for some reason people eat it up like Sunday’s leftovers. All of these “outbursts” of his just get him more press, and I am sure that is exactly his goal.
It is sad that he has been lionized by the left, just because he “stands up” to Bush. Chavez aint the devil, but any democrat should be nervous about the changes he is making in his country.
I agree with Roland! But let's supplant the word "continent" for country because Chavez is infecting South America as a whole.
He's the major "persona non-grata". He is sticking his nose in every issue, even outside his country...
Media whore seems to be an appropriate description Roland. THe more I see him in action on the international stage, the more I think he is an idiot.
He certainly has support among other latin american leaders EWBL. However, Not all of the left leaning leaders will back him to the hilt like Ortega did. I can't see Bachelet and he in full agreement.
I suppose that is a trait of most politicians Mar. However, after this spat, I can't see Chavez traking his holidays at Benidorm or Torremelinos any time soon!
With all of the freedoms of the press, TV, etc., that Chavez is taking from the people, I am amazed at the Hollywood bunch that continue to kowtow to him. I know that they hate Bush and want to embarrass him but they wind up looking like imbeciles by kissing Chavez' butt.
A lot of people will automatically support someone who opposes the same thing as they do. This is one reason why Chavez gets a lot of support and a lot less criticism than he does. It horrifies me to see AHmadinejad getting supprt from westerners solely on his anti american stance.
I don't know if he is a fool, he's certainly a megalomaniac, but I think he's smarter than people (like scary American flag man commentor) give him credit for. He's still incredibly popular in Venezuela and throughout Latin America. Nice debate inducing post, James.
Perhaps ass is a better description Chris. His ongoing popularity remains to be seen. He really does need to learn a litle diplomance and to choose his friends more wisely
I wholeheartedly support Chavez and the Bolivarian revolution. At times though, I view him as the kid that everyone used to have in their classes at school, who would say the most outrageous things to his teachers simply to get a reaction.
I recently wrote about fascism in Venezuela. Perhaps the Spanish Prime Minister is not a fascist (though it ought to be noted that much of the Spanish government exists as the remnants of Franco's military dictatorship) but the opposition Chavez faces in Venezuela is undoubtedly fascist in nature.
Davet I don't think Chavez is the most evil person on the planet the way that some on teh right do. As for his policies, I certainly don't blame latin american states wanting an alternative to the World Bank and IMF.
What gets my goat is this stupid showboating. It does not do his image any good at all. His association with the likes of Ahmadinejad does him no good. Yes I know that most leaders choose lousy allies but I expect better.
As for the Spanish PM Aznar was not a fascist, Zapatero is most definitely not. Over the last 30 years Spain has taken enormous strides to move from the ugly days of Franco to what it is today. A prosperous liberal democracy
Chavez's association with Ahmadinejad is my chief criticism of him as well. It's good to find someone else who agrees. Chavez's agreement is based largely on oil and anti-imperialism. The latter has continually been the bane of the socialist movement, as horrors are committed in its name.
Good post, at any rate.
THis is a huge bugbear with me Dave. It's not just the relationship with Ahmadinejad but the impression that so many fellow leftitsts feel that anti americanism forgives everything else.
I can be far moer criticial of leftist. Thee is a good reason for this: I expect higher standards and I am far too often disappointed!
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