Chavez Says US Trying to Topple Him

[unhappycamper]

Chavez Says US Trying to Topple Him
September 13, 2008
Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan authorities detained a high-ranking navy officer Friday on suspicion of involvement in a purported plot to overthrow President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez insisted the United States was behind the conspiracy and predicted the "plans of the empire, the CIA ... trying to topple the government are going to continue."

Authorities detained Venezuelan Vice Admiral Carlos Millan and turned him over to military prosecutors, Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami told state television. He said Millan is the fifth detained in a group of current and former officers.

The government has released what it says are recordings of the suspects discussing plans for deposing Chavez.

Chavez also denied U.S. government accusations that three members of his inner circle had aided Colombian rebels by supplying arms and facilitating drug trafficking. He called the accusations "completely absurd."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/chavez-says-us-trying-to-topple-him.html

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. I don't doubt the possibility at all...

But it seems that Chavez has a bit of the demogogue in him and he uses it regularly. I sure would like to see some proof of these operations against him.

[HelenWheels]

2. Previous US attack

Chavez has history on his side. When he was first elected the US had a coup against him but he was prepared for this. He had soldiers hidden in the palace. The Americans were celebrating the overthrow when the soldiers came out and gave them the boot. So is it any wonder he wants the US out of his country?

[jimmil]

3. Absolutely correct.

The US knew Chavez was going to nationalize the oil companies and the US with Big Oil as a major campaign contributor wasn't about to let this happen. Their first thing was trying to rig the election but Chavez was popular enough that outright theft of the election would have brought about revolution literally. The US needed the backing of the military as they had in so many countries in South America. The answer was a coup. The US now had a willing partner and a scapegoat all in one. However, Chavez was ready as has been noted.

One thing the right wing can't stand about Chavez and that is he is overwhelmingly popular. He has been democratically elected. That is a huge problem for the US that wants him deposed.