Russian Arms for Hugo Chavez and an Alliance Takes Shape

Just a little heads up, people. Our South American nemesis, Hugo Chavez, is now buying large quantities of arms from Russia. Scary? That's just the half of it. The New York Times reports today that many of these weapons are not consistent with the needs of his military. For example, 5000 specialty sniper rifles that are highly successful in guerrilla, urban combat situations, like those we are facing in Iraq. There are fears that Chavez will distribute the weapons to terrorist groups. Great.

Meanwhile, in another article in the Times today, we have Rafael Duasa, Cuban Ambassador to Bolivia quoted as saying, "Being in Bolivia today means being in the leading trench in the anti-imperialist struggle in Latin America". For those of you not into Latin American politics--the United States is the so-called Imperialist Nation. The Ambassador goes on to speak about a Cuban, Bolivian, Venezuelan political and economic alliance--The Boliviarian Alternative of the Americas. The Boliviarian in the title references Simon Bolivar, a South American liberator who dreamed of uniting all of Latin America. He may be turning over in his grave as he realizes that Chavez has usurped his legacy on his power-hungry socialist quest.

Yes, I lean left. But dictatorships are not part of my vision--nor is an armed terrorist revolution. Unless these are parts of yours, you should be worried about what is taking place in our neighborhood.