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<DIV>No doubt he is doing what he can. But the U.S. has already tried once and failed - doesn't mean they won't again, but the options are probably limited. </DIV>
<DIV> Having oil revenue gives Chavez an advantage the Sandinestas never had and having the apparently firm support of the army gives.Chavez greater security from a coup than democratically elected leaders previously overthrown by U.S. inspired coups (i.e,.Allende. Arbenz or Mossadegh) Being a truly popular leader no doubt helps. In comparison, for instance, to Allende at the time of his overthrow. I don't think Allende ever won the votes of an absollute majority of the Chilien electorate, whereas Chavez has repeatedly won elections by super majorities. Finally, given that the U.S. military is already engaged in two wars on the other side of the world (and is threatening to start a third with Iran) it is not unreasonable to discount any threat of outright U.S. invasion at the present time. SR</DIV>
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<BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">-------------- Original message -------------- <BR>From: Doug Henwood <dhenwood@panix.com> <BR><BR>> Steven L. Robinson wrote: <BR>> <BR>> >U.S. Ambassador Stranded by Chavez Rally <BR>> > <BR>. <BR>> <BR>> Oh the brutality of Chavez! <BR>> <BR>> The ambassador served in the US embassy in El Salvador during the <BR>> days of the death squads. Bet you he's planning the overthrow of <BR>> Chavez at this very moment. <BR>> <BR>> Doug <BR></BLOCKQUOTE></body></html>