Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

Chavez: Will nationalize telecoms, power

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Latest Breaking News Donate to DU
 
arcos Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:02 PM
Original message
Chavez: Will nationalize telecoms, power
Chavez: Will nationalize telecoms, power

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced plans Monday to nationalize the country's electrical and telecommunications companies, calling them "strategic sectors" that should be in the hands of the nation.

The New York Stock Exchange immediately halted trading in CANTV, Venezuela's largest publicly traded company, which was singled out in Chavez' speech. The decision was also likely to affect Electricidad de Caracas, owned by AES Corp.

<snip>

"All of those sectors that in an area so important and strategic for all of us as is electricity — all of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized, Chavez said in a televised speech after swearing in a new Cabinet.

"C.A. Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV), let it be nationalized," Chavez said. "The nation should recover its property of strategic sectors."

<snip>

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070108/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_chavez
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
AngryAmish Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:04 PM
Response to Original message
1. Well, at least the people will know who to complain to
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
originalpckelly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:09 PM
Response to Original message
2. Will Chavez require warrants to listen in on phone calls?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
w4rma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:47 PM
Response to Reply #2
7. What is the current law? (nt)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
katsy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:27 PM
Response to Original message
3. I worked on CANtv's first annual report after the then GTE bought into it.
The 1st thing GTE did was outsource the design of the AR to our design group and CANtv paid for our extravagant trips to Venezuela.

*snort*

The lady on the Venezuelan beach in the centerfold was my creation.

I'll never forget the gunfights at night on the streets of Venezuela.

Here's hoping President Chavez does right by his people.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
David__77 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:32 PM
Response to Original message
4. Good!
I have no problem with public ownership of such sectors. The key will be in ensuring the public is served, corruption rooted out, and workers exercise democratic management.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BayCityProgressive Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:37 PM
Response to Reply #4
5. Wonderful!
This is great news!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BayCityProgressive Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:45 PM
Response to Reply #5
6. Not SO Sure I like this part though
"Chavez also said he would soon ask the National Assembly, which is solidly controlled by his allies, to approve a special law giving him powers to approve such changes by decree and without further approval".

Shouldnt he have to consult with elected reps to do this type of stuff? I guess they could always repeal the law giving him this power but it still doesn't sound like a good idea.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
David__77 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 04:54 PM
Response to Reply #6
8. If true, that would be a cause for concern.
I see no reason that the National Assembly cannot approve reform measures. Constitutionality should be strictly enforced. Leave the illegality to the fascists and CIA toadies.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 07:11 PM
Response to Reply #6
28. only dictatorial powers will result in a true democracy
c'mon everyone knows that!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
killbotfactory Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 08:57 PM
Response to Reply #6
31. More details about that will probably be coming wednesday
Right now it seems to be limited in scope and duration.

1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.


http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Solo_in_MD Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 05:10 PM
Response to Reply #4
9. So much for the possibility of adversarial media....
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Tempest Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 05:25 PM
Response to Reply #9
11. Considering the behavior of the adversarial media in Venezuela
Openly calling for the violent overthrow of the government went over the line.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
David__77 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:00 PM
Response to Reply #9
12. What does that have to do with media?
He didn't call for nationalizing major media - this is telecom and power. He simply wants to return to the pre-1991 set-up.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ShortnFiery Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 05:21 PM
Response to Original message
10. I wish we could nationalize our Cable if they won't allow any competition.
They suck and it costs too damn much! :grr:

Unregulated Capitalism = Cable Companies enjoy their own little kingdom MONOPOLIES. :thumbsdown:

There has to be something better ... REGULATED Capitalism?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Rage for Order Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:30 PM
Response to Reply #10
61. Try DirectTV or Dish Network
Same channels, lower prices, better service, and i haven't seen a rate increase on the basic channel packages (not premium channels, e.g. HBO, Cinemax, etc) in 5 years. There's plenty of competition out there.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ProudDad Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 12:50 AM
Response to Reply #10
72. Nope, Socialism
"Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to social control.<1> This control may be either direct—exercised through popular collectives such as workers' councils—or it may be indirect—exercised on behalf of the people by the state. As an economic system, socialism is often associated with state, community or worker ownership of the means of production."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

"Political-economic doctrine that, unlike Capitalism which is based on competition, seeks a cooperative society in which the means of production and distribution are owned by the government or collectively by the people."

http://www.answers.com/topic/socialism

Sr. Chavez is trying to empower the average citizens (rather than the small elite class) to govern themselves and to use the resources of the country for the benefit of the majority of the people instead of the Kleptocracy. The opposite of "trickle-down" mayhaps.

Trickle-down -- feeding the horses in order to feed the sparrows -- Jim Hightower...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
geek tragedy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:42 PM
Response to Original message
13. Nationalization is fine. Concentration of power
with one man, not so much.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Dr.Phool Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Original message
14. Chavez nationalizes utilities. Calls OAS Chief "idiot".
Edited on Mon Jan-08-07 06:15 PM by Dr.Phool
I can hear the jackals gearing up now.

Chavez nationalizes utilities, calls OAS chief 'idiot'
POSTED: 6:01 p.m. EST, January 8, 2007


CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced plans Monday to nationalize Venezuela's electrical and telecommunications companies, pledging to create a socialist state in a bold move with echoes of Fidel Castro's Cuban revolution.

"We're moving toward a socialist republic of Venezuela, and that requires a deep reform of our national constitution," Chavez said in a televised address after swearing in his Cabinet. "We are in an existential moment of Venezuelan life. We're heading toward socialism, and nothing and no one can prevent it."

Chavez, who will be sworn in Wednesday to a third term that runs through 2013, also said he wanted a constitutional amendment to eliminate the autonomy of the Central Bank and would soon ask the National Assembly, solidly controlled by his allies, to give him greater powers to legislate by presidential decree.

The nationalization appeared likely to affect Electricidad de Caracas, owned by Arlington, Virginia-based AES Corp., and C.A. Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela, known as CANTV, the country's largest publicly traded company.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/01/08/chavez.media.ap/index.html
(snip)

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Taverner Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
15. Good n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
HiFructosePronSyrup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
16. That monster!
:sarcasm:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
aquart Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
17. Wish we would.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Missy M Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #17
18. You and me both!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DuaneBidoux Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 10:57 AM
Response to Reply #18
75. You want Bush in charge of these things? You must be kidding.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
0rganism Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 04:04 PM
Response to Reply #75
81. Right now, they're basically in charge of bush
I'm not sure which would be worse.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Dr.Phool Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #17
20. And the insurance industry too.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ThomCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
19. Wow. A nation where essential infrastructure isn't privatized
just to make a few people an obscene profit.

I'm not sure that full nationalization is the right answer, but I applaud Chavez for opposing full corporatization.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pavulon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #19
23. Legislate by decree, run the central bank
consolidation of power..
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 07:01 PM
Response to Reply #23
27. I would think more would find this worrisome...
"Chavez, who will be sworn in Wednesday to a third term that runs through 2013, also said he wanted a constitutional amendment to eliminate the autonomy of the Central Bank and would soon ask the National Assembly, solidly controlled by his allies, to give him greater powers to legislate by presidential decree."

Who needs a democracy when you can legislate by decree?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jefferson_dem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 08:00 PM
Response to Reply #27
29. No shit. All the "lock-step" Hugo luv around here can be rather nauseating.
Tyranny is tyranny.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 08:02 PM
Response to Reply #29
30. unfortunately, you can be sure they will stand by
their man no matter what.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
K-W Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 09:07 PM
Response to Reply #29
32. Yah its sick when a leader excites democrats.
Edited on Mon Jan-08-07 09:09 PM by K-W
I know im always more comfortable when nations are in the hands of people democrats and progressives dont like.

It certainly couldnt be the case that members of Democratic Underground have educated themselves on the situation in Venezuala and agree with the progressive reforms happening with Chavez in office, no they must be marching lock step behind him like facists or soldiers. We all know this site is a hotbed of authoritarianism. :eyes:

Tyranny is when the people democratically elect someone because he promises to introduce reforms that will improve thier lives and then the people re-elect the same person because he actually delivered on his promises?

I guess my dictionary is broken.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 12:06 AM
Response to Reply #27
34. Enabling law (pass laws as decrees) is temporary (one year) and not new in Venezuela...
and Chavez has been given this power temporarily before. Here's information about the Venezuelan Enabling law:

...This new project, which Chavez promised to outline in greater detail during his own swearing-in on Wednesday, for his second full presidential term, consists of five “motors”: an “enabling” law, constitutional reform, popular education, reconfiguration of state power, and explosion of communal power.

1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.

Chavez also suggested that other revolutionary laws would be passed per decree as part of this enabling law. The text of the enabling law is nearly ready and would soon be presented to the National Assembly.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 10:48 AM
Response to Reply #34
43. The fact that this law has been in force before
doesn't somehow make it ok, at least for me. I think that's a very weak argument.

I would be very uncomfortable with a law like this in my country. Any law that allows a leader to circumvent the legislative process, whether that leader is democratically elected or not, is a step on the road to tyranny, AFAIC.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 10:59 AM
Response to Reply #43
44. it would be a NEW law apparently
Edited on Tue Jan-09-07 11:00 AM by Bacchus39
this from the same Chavista site others have noted in defense of a dictatorial power grab

from the same article of the Chavez fan club site:

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187

Chavez also suggested that other revolutionary laws would be passed per decree as part of this enabling law. The text of the enabling law is nearly ready and would soon be presented to the National Assembly.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:36 AM
Response to Reply #44
45. You need to read more carefully...
Edited on Tue Jan-09-07 11:39 AM by Say_What
This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before.... What you point out is simply the last paragraph of Chavez describing the enabling law--not separate from--here's the entire section of the enabling law.

BTW, Chavez is proposing the law before the National Assembly, who will then vote to approve or disapprove the law.

1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.

CANTV’s shares dropped by 14.2% following the announcement, until the New York Stock Exchange halted trading of CANTV shares. The former state company was privatized in 1991.

Also, his government would push for changing the minority stake the state oil company has in four Orinoco Oil Belt projects into a majority stake. The four Orinoco joint ventures are with the U.S. companies ExxonMobil, Conoco, and Chevron, France’s Total, Britain’s BP, and Norway’s Statoil. Together these produce 600,000 barrels of oil per day, about 18% of Venezuela’s total production. This move follows an earlier move to create joint ventures out of foreign companies’ operations in marginal oil fields.

Chavez also suggested that other revolutionary laws would be passed per decree as part of this enabling law. The text of the enabling law is nearly ready and would soon be presented to the National Assembly.

2. Constitutional reform is the second motor for the new phase of the Bolivarian Revolution.....

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:40 AM
Response to Reply #44
46. it does appear to be a new law
although the same typeof law has been used before.

Seems like the law determines what areas the leader can issue decrees on.

The previous one, as per a poster upthread, had something to do with bringing out of date laws into compliance with a new constitution. This one is about nationalizing certain industries. Plus, perhaps, some other "revolutionary laws".


details, details.....

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:49 AM
Response to Reply #46
47. yep, you got it right. other have misinterpreted
or are providing excuses or rationalizing.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 12:18 PM
Response to Reply #47
48. no, that's called
"reading more carefully"

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 12:48 PM
Response to Reply #48
49. you mean submitting new legislation to rule by decree?
n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 02:24 PM
Response to Reply #49
52. BULLSHIT!! He's not asking to RULE BY DECREE....
You're grasping for straws. And it won't work to take snippets of information taken totally out of context and try to twist it into RW talking points. You really must learn to read more carefully.

One more time here is the proposal he's putting before the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY--the legislative branch of Venezuelan government--so they can approve of disapprove it.

<clips>

...1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.

CANTV’s shares dropped by 14.2% following the announcement, until the New York Stock Exchange halted trading of CANTV shares. The former state company was privatized in 1991.

Also, his government would push for changing the minority stake the state oil company has in four Orinoco Oil Belt projects into a majority stake. The four Orinoco joint ventures are with the U.S. companies ExxonMobil, Conoco, and Chevron, France’s Total, Britain’s BP, and Norway’s Statoil. Together these produce 600,000 barrels of oil per day, about 18% of Venezuela’s total production. This move follows an earlier move to create joint ventures out of foreign companies’ operations in marginal oil fields.

Chavez also suggested that other revolutionary laws would be passed per decree as part of this enabling law. The text of the enabling law is nearly ready and would soon be presented to the National Assembly.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
420inTN Donating Member (803 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 04:41 PM
Response to Reply #52
54. You're quoting bullet points, not the proposal.
Since the bill has yet to be introduced to the National Assembly, we don't know exactly what is in it, nor how it reads.

You are merely quoting the bullet points given to the media by Chavez's camp.

I'll wait until the bill is publicly available before supporting or condemning it.

If I recall my history lessons, a European Chancellor once took similar steps in assuming sole authoritarian power in his country.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 04:46 PM
Response to Reply #54
55. Maybe you have some good links that show Hugo Chavez is following
in the footsteps of "a European Chacellor." You'd be educating us all.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
420inTN Donating Member (803 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 06:45 PM
Response to Reply #55
56. That has yet to be seen fully.
Edited on Tue Jan-09-07 06:50 PM by 420inTN
However, the aforementioned Chancellor had his parliament pass an Enabling Act which ceded legislative powers to his cabinet. His party of National Socialists didn't even have a majority of the seats when it was passed. Their Enabling Act had a limit of four (4) years, but was extended several times.

I am neither saying nor implying that Chavez will be anything like this other Chancellor. I am merely pointing out the similarities in the acquisition of virtually sole authoritarian power.

edit: When the bill is finally presented to the National Assembly, we will see (hopefully) if there are any provisions for expanding the scope or length of this Enabling Act.

edit2: you can find the information in the first paragraph above at wikipedia.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 06:50 PM
Response to Reply #56
57. You're not saying, nor implying Chavez is the new "Chancellor?" You were "merely"
pointing out similarities.

Instead of indulging in idle gibberish, why don't you spend some time and start doing your homework on Venezuela, and find out enough to give you a real grasp.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 07:17 PM
Response to Reply #57
58. in other words, if you don't like Hugo
then you are evil.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 10:07 PM
Response to Reply #58
64. Government by Decree: From President to Dictator
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Psephos Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:13 PM
Response to Reply #58
68. No!! Do your homework!!!
Write 100 times on the blackboard, "I support whatever Hugo does, period." It's called learning by rote. And don't sass anyone who's so obviously smarter than you. You can tell they're smarter because their opinions are the only ones that count.

lol

Peace.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:31 PM
Response to Reply #68
69. It would help throw some light on your position if you just went ahead
and posted some links to information you believe is pertinent. You just might enlighten the whole bunch of us. We're all eyes!

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Psephos Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:47 PM
Response to Reply #69
70. No offense, but you are not receptive to other viewpoints.
I figured that out after reading a lot of your posts. You also have a way of belittling those who disagree with you that is not conducive to the kind of two-way discussion I seek.

We need true believers in this world, I suppose. But unfortunately, I'm not one of them.

I wish you well. :-)

Peace.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 02:03 AM
Response to Reply #70
73. Absolutely not taken as an offense. You wouldn't have access to whether or not
Edited on Wed Jan-10-07 02:04 AM by Judi Lynn
I am receptive. I WAS receptive to ALL viewpoints at the beginning, before I had learned anything. All of Latin America and the Caribbean was a complete blank to me. I knew absolutely nothing, had no imprinting from stories I had heard, nothing. What finally stuck was what I had learned intentionally. After you take the time to read as much as you possibly can given your available time, you start reaching conclusions. It's simply inevitable.

When I see opinions I can tell are uninformed, I don't feel they represent the truth. Who DOESN'T operate similarly, when seeing things written they know on sight are wildly off the mark, based on the information they have already studied? No mystery there.

Don't waste your time attempting condescension. It just doesn't matter much. It's possible he might go wacko, run amock, but he just doesn't seem irresponsible, or cold enough, or selfish enough to do that, unlike the President, Bush's friend, Carlos Andres Perez, who both embezzled many millions from the Venezuelan Treasury, and had his troops fire into living flesh of the crowds of the poor protesting in the streets after Carlos Andres Perez raised the cost of their public transportation 200%, in the very lengthy killing spree/massacre known as "El Caracazo," in 1989. This President was later impeached. He should have been locked away permanently. Now he has a home in Miami, one in New York, etc., from whence he calls out for someone, anyone, to shoot down Hugo Chavez in the streets, "like a dog."



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
1932 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 11:15 PM
Response to Reply #73
85. Five star post. INFORMED opinions matter. Uninformed opinions are a waste of
space.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-11-07 06:21 AM
Response to Reply #85
86. You've got a way with words. You're right. Uninformed opinions ARE worthless. Thank you. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 10:22 PM
Response to Reply #54
65. proposal
Edited on Tue Jan-09-07 10:22 PM by Say_What
Main Entry: pro·pos·al
Pronunciation: pr&-'pO-z&l
Function: noun
1 : an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration
2 a : something proposed : SUGGESTION b : OFFER; specifically : an offer of marriage
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 10:40 PM
Response to Reply #43
66. Doesn't circumvent anything... a bit about the National Assembly and Enabling laws...
...B. Types of Legislation

...Enabling laws are those enacted by a three fifths vote of the members of the National Assembly to establish the guidelines, purposes and framework for matters that are being delegated to the President of the Republic, so that he may issue Decretos con Fuerza de Ley or D.F.L. (Delegated Laws or decrees with the rank and force of law). The Assembly may thus delegate to the President the power to set norms with the status of law on specific matters. They are issued by the President by means of that delegation of competence from the Assembly. The President (the delegate) would not normally have competence to sanction that law, but has acquired the power to do so. Most of these decrees deal with economic or fiscal regulation, support and control of enterprises, scarcity of natural resources, and politically related issues.

"Organic" laws are: 1) those enacted to organize public powers or developing constitutional rights, 2) those which serve as a normative framework for other laws, or 3) those identified as such by the constitution. With the exception of the last category, any bill for the enactment or amendment of an organic law must first be accepted by a two thirds vote of the National Assembly, and will be sent, prior to promulgation, to the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice for a ruling on the constitutionality of its organic status.

http://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Venezuela.htm
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 03:24 PM
Response to Reply #66
79. it doesn't in Venezuela
here, it would circumvent the legislative process -

I don't see a law like this as a good thing.



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 09:53 PM
Response to Reply #79
84. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 12:24 AM
Response to Reply #23
36. A little research goes a long way..... blanket statements just confirm
how ignorant about Venezuela you really are. But then what would we expect from someone who claims to be in the oil business and says that there is NO OIL IN ECUADOR.
:rofl:

<clips>

1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Robeysays Donating Member (512 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
21. it's good and all...
but he's starting to sound creepy...
i support him becuse he's been voted in more times than anyone i know, but he starting to sound more "i want control" instead of "it's for the people."
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pavulon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
22. So is AES paid,(water temp rising froggies)
paid for the capitol it put out to build its grid or does the farm just get it for free?

A drop in oil can prevent it. Below 40 and no money for the revolution.

This is why I would not invent a DIME in any thing other than service based work in that country. Build a business the government takes it.

No independent central bank..legislation by decree. Quack, quack.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hogwyld Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #22
25. I would rather have Chavez's decree
Than *'s so called "mandate". Besides, if it prevents the robber barons from enslaving the Venezuelan people, the better. Kick out all of the bloodsucking multi's and they will have a truly independent country that answers to nobody. Viva Chavez!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pavulon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:53 PM
Response to Reply #25
26. I'd rather have no decree
and an government with checks and balances. Thats just me, the benevolent dictator works for many people.

Before mugabe went nuts he was a well liked strongman.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 12:52 AM
Response to Reply #26
37. THE ENABLING LAW, GIVEN TO PRIOR PRESIDENTS, ALLOWS CHAVEZ FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR,
to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. Chavez has been given this law before as have other Venezuelan presidents.


Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, gives a replica of Simon Bolivar's sword to his out going Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel at the swearing ceremony of new cabinet members in Caracas, Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. (AP


Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez (R) stands with his new Vice President Jorge Rodriguez at the swearing-in ceremony of new ministers in Caracas, January 8, 2007. REUTERS/Francesco Spotorno (VENEZUELA)



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 07:24 PM
Response to Reply #37
59. the devil is in the details
like...

what are these specified issues going to be? There's a large difference between bringing laws up to date with the constitution, as you explained Chavez's first go round with this law did, and nationalizing privately run industries, as this newest version seems to do be about.

You keep posting that "this power has been given before" as if you're making some kind of relevant point.

You're not.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:00 PM
Response to Reply #59
60. Why would it not be important to know this action did not originate with Chavez?
It's clear the tool has been part of the options available to Venezuelan presidents. What's the point in claiming it's not a valid observation?

You should have paid closer attention. The utilities will be RE-NATIONALIZED.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 02:09 PM
Response to Reply #59
78. Venezuelan law is a very *relevant point*...
Like I said in earlier posts, the enabling law has been given to presidents before. It is part of Venezuelan law and requires 3/5 vote in the NA to pass. Other Venezuelan law requires a simple majority by the NA. So yeah, it IS a relevant point.

...B. Types of Legislation

...Enabling laws are those enacted by a three fifths vote of the members of the National Assembly to establish the guidelines, purposes and framework for matters that are being delegated to the President of the Republic, so that he may issue Decretos con Fuerza de Ley or D.F.L. (Delegated Laws or decrees with the rank and force of law). The Assembly may thus delegate to the President the power to set norms with the status of law on specific matters. They are issued by the President by means of that delegation of competence from the Assembly. The President (the delegate) would not normally have competence to sanction that law, but has acquired the power to do so. Most of these decrees deal with economic or fiscal regulation, support and control of enterprises, scarcity of natural resources, and politically related issues.

"Organic" laws are: 1) those enacted to organize public powers or developing constitutional rights, 2) those which serve as a normative framework for other laws, or 3) those identified as such by the constitution. With the exception of the last category, any bill for the enactment or amendment of an organic law must first be accepted by a two thirds vote of the National Assembly, and will be sent, prior to promulgation, to the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice for a ruling on the constitutionality of its organic status.

http://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Venezuela.htm#_B._Types_of_Legislation


Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 03:32 PM
Response to Reply #78
80. the point is -
you keep bringing this up as if it's a good thing...

You're using the fact that this law has been used before to justify it's use now.

I don't care if Venezuelians are foolish enough to put this kind of power into the hands of their president.

That they've done this before doesn't automatically make it the right thing to do, at least for me.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 08:36 PM
Response to Reply #80
83. WTF?? I posted VENEZUELAN LAW-- click the link for keerist's sake and get a clue n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
paulk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jan-11-07 01:09 PM
Response to Reply #83
87. I said it was Venezuela's law
don't tell me to get a clue.../


what the fuck is it with you Chavinista's? You are the rudest bunch of assholes on this board.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
arcos Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 06:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
24. dupe
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Pavulon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-08-07 09:49 PM
Response to Original message
33. Good thing bodog
didn't have a line on this. I would have bet the chavistas who shill here they had 5 years before he went full tilt.

Good thing I don't bet...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hogwyld Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 04:01 PM
Response to Reply #33
53. What do you mean?
Chavez is a lot more sane than our criminal in chief. I would love to see all of our resources, power, water, oil nationalized. No more bloated CEO salaries, no extravagant Exxon profit. I'd trade Chavez for * any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Rage for Order Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:49 PM
Response to Reply #53
62. Yeah, because it's working so well in Mexico
Their oil industry is nationalized, isn't it? PEMEX, if I recall correctly. How's that working out for them?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hogwyld Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 10:56 AM
Response to Reply #62
74. Well for one thing, their oil is going directly into
the peoples national budget. It sure isn't going into Exxon's overflowing moneypurse. Europe has a long history of nationalized sectors that provide superior services than those greed driven corps.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 12:11 AM
Response to Original message
35. Chavez Announces Nationalizations, Constitutional Reform for Socialism in Venezuela
I can hear the ditto heads wailing and whining already.

<clips>

Caracas, January 8, 2007 (venezuelanalysis.com)— During the swearing-in ceremony of his new cabinet, Venezuela’s President Chavez announced a series of dramatic new measures for moving ahead in establishing 21st century socialism in Venezuela. Among these new measures are the convocation of a new constitutional assembly and the re-nationalization of key industries.

In his speech Chavez characterized the preceding years of his presidency, 1999-2006, as a “phase of transition,” which ends now, and that “we are now entering a new era, the National Simon Bolivar Project of 2007-2021.” This project would head towards “Bolivarian Socialism, which requires greater levels of effort and engagement, clarity and efficiency, and revolutionary quality,” said Chavez. The year 2021 is significant for Chavez because it is the 200th anniversary of Venezuelan independence.

This new project, which Chavez promised to outline in greater detail during his own swearing-in on Wednesday, for his second full presidential term, consists of five “motors”: an “enabling” law, constitutional reform, popular education, reconfiguration of state power, and explosion of communal power.

1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 08:01 AM
Response to Reply #35
38. ".......the re-nationalization of key industries." I wonder why the 1st articles out the door
Edited on Tue Jan-09-07 08:03 AM by Judi Lynn
on this developement didn't include this small detail? Can't be because they were intent upon getting their propaganda planted before the other information came out, could it?

So many truths seem to get swept under the rug when the government decides to destroy yet another leftist President. It's an old bad habit with right-wing American Presidents. What a shame.

It would be wonderful to see the privatizations Bush has shoved through reversed, in EVERY instance. It would be so important in cleaning up our government.

Thanks for posting the information that the "enabling law" can be traced back at least as far as the "first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979)." Looks as if it's a familiar legal tool by now in that country.

Your information is more timely and helpful than I can say. It's beautiful to get some depth on otherwise incomplete, "cherry picked" interpretations of current news. More reading means a clearer understanding, right? :woohoo: :woohoo:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bacchus39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:18 AM
Response to Reply #35
39. Chavez WANTS the enabling law to be passed by the legislature
from the same article of the Chavez fan club site:

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187

Chavez also suggested that other revolutionary laws would be passed per decree as part of this enabling law. The text of the enabling law is nearly ready and would soon be presented to the National Assembly.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Say_What Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:52 PM
Response to Reply #39
63. No Shit Sherlock,why would he have proposed it otherwise...
:rofl:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
oblivious Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 01:42 PM
Response to Reply #35
51. Good for Venezuela. It seems rare that privitization mistakes are rectified.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:47 AM
Response to Original message
40. Venezuela to nationalize 2 utilities
Venezuela to nationalize 2 utilities
President Hugo Chavez calls the electricity and telecom firms too vital to remain in private hands.
By Ian James
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 01/08/2007 07:46:13 PM MST



President Hugo Chavez, left, and new Vice President Jorge Rodriguez wave to the crowd Monday at the swearing-in of a new Cabinet in Caracas, Venezuela. Behind them is the outgoing vice president, Jose Vicente Rangel. (AP / Leslie Mazoch)Caracas, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez announced plans Monday to nationalize the country's electrical and telecommunications companies, his boldest move yet to transform Venezuela into a socialist state.

"All of those sectors that in an area so important and strategic for all of us as is electricity - all of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized," Chavez said in a televised speech after swearing in a new Cabinet.

"C.A. Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV), let it be nationalized," Chavez said. "The nation should recover its property of strategic sectors."
(snip/...)

http://www.currentargus.com/ci_4974268
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Commie Pinko Dirtbag Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 09:52 AM
Response to Original message
41. The privatization of power in Brazil was a complete DISASTER
Bad service. Outages. Higher prices. STILL a monopoly. I say Hoo-fucking-ray.

Not so sure about telecoms though.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DuaneBidoux Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 01:45 PM
Response to Reply #41
77. I love your Flying Spaghetti Monster insignia
I wish I could get that on a t-shirt.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
UTUSN Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 10:03 AM
Response to Original message
42. Lalalalalalalalala n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Vidar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 01:27 PM
Response to Original message
50. Good for Chavez.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DerBeppo Donating Member (452 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-09-07 11:05 PM
Response to Original message
67. With the * administration's track record
would you want them in charge of all utilities like power and telecom? The reason it's not nationalized in this country is the same reason a political majority is fearful of completely rewriting Congressional rules as soon as they get the chance--eventually, they won't be in charge.

The only type of government that would want to consolidate that much power in a central government is one that doesn't plan on giving up that power. The progressive window dressing is refreshing, but even the most progressive nation will not get my lock-step support as long as it moves towards autocracy.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Zorra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 12:38 AM
Response to Original message
71. " 'strategic sectors' that should be in the hands of the nation."
This is exactly what the US should do - place all strategic sectors in the hands of the people, instead of selling them off to China or some private foreign in terest.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
happydreams Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 04:40 PM
Response to Reply #71
82. I was just going to say that. After this oil war disaster in
Iraq we need to take our energy policy, one dictated by the oil companies, and nationalize it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
rman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jan-10-07 11:31 AM
Response to Original message
76. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=2187

1. Enabling law (ley habilitante), which Chavez referred to as the “mother law” of the project. This law would allow Chavez, over the period of one year, to pass laws on specified issues as decrees. This type of law has been given to Venezuelan presidents on several occasions before, such as during the first presidency of Carlos Andrés Perez (1974-1979) and early in Chavez’s presidency, following the passage of the 1999 constitution, to bring the country’s laws up to date to the new constitution.

Chavez said that part of this enabling law would be the nationalization of key industries that had been privatized under previous governments, such as the telecommunications company CANTV and the electricity companies. “All of that which was privatized, let it be nationalized,” said Chavez.

<snip>

Also, his government would push for changing the minority stake the state oil company has in four Orinoco Oil Belt projects into a majority stake. The four Orinoco joint ventures are with the U.S. companies ExxonMobil, Conoco, and Chevron, France’s Total, Britain’s BP, and Norway’s Statoil. Together these produce 600,000 barrels of oil per day, about 18% of Venezuela’s total production. This move follows an earlier move to create joint ventures out of foreign companies’ operations in marginal oil fields.

Chavez also suggested that other revolutionary laws would be passed per decree as part of this enabling law. The text of the enabling law is nearly ready and would soon be presented to the National Assembly.

========

Other nations that exercise the option of presidential decree:

France (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decree )

Greece (http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/labour_law//directive9445/9445elen.htm)

The Philippines (http://www.ntc.gov.ph/laws/pd-1986.html )

Venezuela prior to Chavez (http://www.law.nyu.edu/centralbankscenter/texts/Venezuela-Presidential%20Decree.html)

Indonesia (http://www.kbri-canberra.org.au/regulasi/keppres432003e.htm)

The Palestinian Authority (http://www.elections.ps/template.aspx?id=112 )

Egypt (http://www.bibalex.org/English/aboutus/orgnization/decree.htm)

Mozambique (http://www.ine.gov.mz/Ingles/o_ine/legislation/decree )

USA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classified_information_in_the_United_States), but we call them executive Orders

(thanks malikstein http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3048094&mesg_id=3049368)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Thu May 02nd 2024, 05:02 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Latest Breaking News Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC