The American Left’s favorite South American leader, Hugo Chavez, is expressing concern that the Bush Administration he believes is out to overthrow him, is not going to help him maintain his military air force.
Chavez Slams U.S. Over Planes: CARACAS - President Hugo Chávez said Tuesday that Venezuela would consider buying Russian-built MiGs or Chinese warplanes if the United States fails to honor a contract to supply his country with parts for its F-16 jets.I don’t think the Pentagon is overly afraid of 1983 technology of their own design, but there is no real value in enabling a nuisance to mature into a danger. The Venezuelan President is creating what all budding dictators aspire to possess: an army and an enemy.
Venezuela purchased its fleet of 21 F-16s in 1983. U.S. officials have said the 1982 contract does not obligate the United States to supply parts indefinitely to Venezuela or to upgrade the planes.
Chávez also urged Venezuela's military to prepare for a possible invasion by the United States. … ''If we are going to war, the only war possible for us would be the one that we are obliged to make against an invasion by North American imperialism,'' he said. … Chávez has called on his countrymen to prepare for a conflict by learning to use a firearm and joining the nation's military reserve. Chávez said he is creating a new socialist system in the world's fifth-largest oil exporter.Funny how the “new” socialist system immediately begins with a weapons buildup. Seems pretty much like “old school” socialism to me. HT DANEgerous
