Hugo Chavez 1954-2013

A couple of videos about Hugo Chavez, his achievements, and his people's farewell

Chavez Democratized Venezuela Making it the Most Equal Country in Latin America

Gregory Wilpert: Chavez led Venezuela to many accomplishments but leaves unsolved critical problems he hoped to address

A Sea of Tears in Caracas

In a raw emotional outpouring, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans walk along side the coffin of President Hugo Chavez

With Chavez Dead, Who Will Give Americans Free Heating Oil?

Addicting Info,

6 March, 2013

I understand that many Americans do not know that the recently deceased Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez was instrumental in extending generous aid to struggling American families. A program he enacted enabled them to get free heating oil, critical for the winter season. This heating oil program has been ongoing since 2005 after poor families were unable to cope with the crushing heavy handedness of Republican policies and outright incompetence under former President George W Bush.

In the aftermath of disasters Katrina and Rita, the cost of heating oil for American families increased due to decreases in available oil supplies. There was only one company which answered the call for help by struggling families in need of heat during the winter season of 2005 and beyond, all with the blessing of Mr. Chavez. This company is CITGO.

““The CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program has been one of the most important energy assistance efforts in the United States. This year, as families across the Eastern Seaboard struggle to recover from the losses caused by Hurricane Sandy, this donation becomes even more significant,” said CITGO President and CEO Alejandro Granado. “This energy assistance program is an integral example of the humanitarian principles endorsed by the CITGO ultimate shareholder, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

Through the assistance program, CITGO and partner PDVSA has donated more than 227 million gallons of heating oil costing more than 465 million dollars, to needy American families. The program serves 25 states including Alaska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Oregon…here is a link to the complete list.

While those in the right-wing celebrate the death of Mr. Chavez I wonder if they are reflecting on who will be willing to donate free heating oil to their states now that he is gone… or are they going to become ‘socialists’ and expect the Obama administration to give them some government help?