Interesting interview on Bloomberg radio last Friday with Harvard Economist Ricardo Haussman addressed Venezuelen socialism and the present economic\political situation. In a nutshell....since Hugo's 3rd term, he's gone radically left. Inflation is in the mid 20 percent range....no jobs....food shortages, etc. Big vote of "no confidence" with the recent referendum was a big "no" vote for
Hugo's clearly communist agenda. Political instability going forward likely to result in Hugo's demise. Th U.S. congress, for it's part, is screwing up trade relations with Columbia, Panama and others....by balking at formalizing "free trade" deals that had been previously negotiated. If we have to wait for Hugo to be overthrown (and all of the ministers to be replaced again), we could all have very long white beards (or worse) by the time this permit is issued. If I was Hugo...I'd be trying to create jobs\political support ASAP. How about dropping a dime to his mining minister and giving him a direct order "just say 'yes'"!