gdp's Comments

Caracas Chronicles : Ledezma Making Sense

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:06:50 +0000

Like a lot of people I used to think this guy was a bit loony, but like you guys the man is earning my respect and admiration. Hell I'm starting to think this guy is the only smart and sane person in the opposition. Even if you don't care for the guy you have to admit he is one of the few that is out in the trenches getting beat up and almost seems to enjoy it. Just think now that he has been striped of his powers I'm sure he will have a lot of free time.

Caracas Chronicles : Chokin' on my cornflakes...

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:59:04 +0000

Chavez's facial expression in the fourth picture from the top is priceless http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/3827...

Caracas Chronicles : April 11th: Putting it all together

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:52:56 +0000

Kepler the video is on google video, I also posted La Cadena. For some reason X-ray of a lie saw a huge spike in viewers around the middle of Dec to Jan.

Caracas Chronicles : April 11th: Putting it all together

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:57:41 +0000

For me it is hard to come up with a question without having read the book. It might be best to bring the topic up again in a few months after people have had the chance to read it then you could compile the "best" questions and then Brian can answer them, if he wishes. btw, I look forward to reading it.

Caracas Chronicles : How squeaky clean is Teodoro Petkoff?

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:48:28 +0000

OT, I was hoping the water would come out of his mouth, like the exorcist. http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/3296...

Caracas Chronicles : Criminalizing dissent

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 23:53:33 +0000

I seems a little coincidental that now Chavez is jailing opposition leaders right as the economic downturn is just taking shape in Venezuela. Makes me think that: 1. The economic situation is going to be worse than many think, especially the government. 2. They are clearly afraid of discontent and anyone capable of leading it.

Caracas Chronicles : Ñapa Valley

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:41:47 +0000

"had the skinny on chavismo's decision to go after Manuel Rosales, casting it as both a ploy to divide the opposition and, at the same time, to build up Rosales's stature." I think this supports my point from some days ago about how the opposition should play down the Rosale's thing and ignore it whenever possible. But NO what do they do? They play into Chavez. When is the opposition going to learn that they can not allow Chavez to always set the topic of the debate.

Caracas Chronicles : Dear G20, Please Stop Buying Our Oil...

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:33:03 +0000

FT, I am a little surprised at the harsher tone of the article. Even though I agree with what you wrote, I'm used to reading slightly more mild articles from you.

Caracas Chronicles : A nice demonstration of her skills

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:26:24 +0000

That is pretty inexcusable. At least Miss South Carolina was nervous when she gave this stellar response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

Caracas Chronicles : Choices, choices, choices...

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:47:25 +0000

Decent article in the Economist http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displayst... Money quote: “Every day they light a candle to the recovery of the capitalist economy.” - José Guerra

Caracas Chronicles : The Package that Dare Not Speak Its Name

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:07:12 +0000

I wonder if the VIO will be cut? it has a pretty shitty cost to benefit ratio if you ask me. Right there is almost $1 million a year (if I'm not mistaken).

Caracas Chronicles : Chávez's Idea of Austerity

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:48:30 +0000

El pueblo lo tiene cagado

Caracas Chronicles : Pondering whether to cut that anchor loose

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:39:25 +0000

I disagree, I think it is far more distracting and worse to have Chavez set the topic of debate, which in effect is exactly what is happening. The opposition can not allow itself to be caught in a debate about the what Rosales did or did not do and defending him against the govt. This is a huge waste of time and resources. With the looming economic crisis and coming national assembly elections this is what the opposition should be concentrating on. Make the national assembly elections about decentralization and local government decision making and against a centralized government. Rosales should understand it isn't personal it just what is best for the opposition to succeed. So should Rosales be thrown to dogs and allowed to fend for himself? Well I see little option at this point, if he is a mature politician I'm sure he would understand this would be the best outcome in order for the opposition to remain focused on what really matters.

Caracas Chronicles : Pondering whether to cut that anchor loose

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:29:30 +0000

El mismo cuento de siempre. Chavez distracts the politicians by threatening them so they don't focus on the issues instead it becomes about them (ie. Rosales), and they always fall for it. If I were Rosales I would NOT call a press conference or even raise the issue if asked by anyone, just have self discipline, keep to yourself, talk about issues concerning venezuelan voters.

Caracas Chronicles : The constitution as subversive pamphlet

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:52:21 +0000

Venezuelan voters aren't unique in this respect. Getting into a discussion about whether it is constitutional what Chavez is doing is rather pointless from the stand point of public opinion, it's rather abstract. Voters like to know how this will affect them from day to day and this is what the opposition has to come up with, and explain in a clear and focused way.

Caracas Chronicles : The constitution as subversive pamphlet

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:39:05 +0000

One of the worst things (in my opinion) the opposition can do is make this an argument about constitutionality. This is rather meaningless to most people. I think this does open a great opportunity for the opposition to form their argument, and an opportunity to explain in a very clear and simple way what decentralization means, why people should support it, and why Chavez is wrong. Like Juan said a few months ago the political opposition needs an elevator jingle and get all ducks in a row. This ain't rocket science.

Caracas Chronicles : ¿Dónde está el traductor?

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:52:09 +0000

I seriously hope all the government buildings have revolving doors, since I don't think they could figure out the whole push/pull concept. sigh...

Caracas Chronicles : The "Bodies" Exhibit will now be showing at the Bello Monte Morgue

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 21:06:46 +0000

What about the rights of dead people? Now the government is denying their right to be in public? On a serious note this is truly sad, the exhibit is excellent both scientifically educational and also artistic. Seriously what else is left that this government hasn't politicize?

Caracas Chronicles : Headed for another showdown

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 06:16:56 +0000

What sort of legal ramifications does this have for Venezuela. I assume Cargill could run to US courts and demand compensation using Citgo assets. No?

Caracas Chronicles : The showcase missions

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 03:24:37 +0000

"Misiones are most popular among those who ahve NOT received tehir benefits" This isn't that surprising. Personal perception about something is a very strong factor and very difficult thing to change. Politically I would say the opposition should avoid the topic of the missiones, instead focus on crime and the eventual economic problems.