Yes Chavez IS a nutcase of historical dimensions but he may not be kicking the bucket as soon as many of us may hope.

And, if he is able to beat back this cancer, for at least the next year or so, then I think his chances of re-election will be greatly improved because the fools who breathlessly await his next "Alo Presidente" will see him as a lion or someone protected by God.

Either way, I think another term in office will hurt both KRY and Venezuela. If Chavez feels invincible I think he'd be less likely to make a reasonable timely settlement and more likely to drag his heels on payment and drag Venezuela back further into the dark ages.

I hope I'm wrong but........

Cividale