In a message dated 12/21/99 6:20:44 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

>World Socialist Web Site www.wsws.org
>
>WSWS : News & Analysis : South & Central America
>
>Venezuela: Pervasive poverty compounds human disaster from floods and
>
>mudslides
>
>By Jerry White
>
>21 December 1999
>
<snip>
>International aid is being sent to Venezuela. Cuba sent eight tons of
>medical supplies and other equipment, along with 200 medical personnel.
>Mexico contributed two Boeing 727s and two Hercules transport planes
>along with 220 soldiers and disaster relief experts. The US, which
>receives most of Venezuela's exported oil, sent only token aid,
>including some airplanes and helicopters. This is particularly insulting
>given that the US is providing millions of dollars in military aid for
>counter-insurgency operations in neighboring Colombia.

"The U.S. government announced it had donated 10 military helicopters, four
C-130 aircraft and one patrol boat. Gen. Charles Wilhelm, the top U.S.
military commander in Latin America, was in Caracas on Monday assessing the
scope of the disaster and the effectiveness of the military effort."

This expropriated aid taken from the pockets of American workers is not token
aid and it does not include the aid being voluntarilly sent by Americans
through relief and charitable organizations.  The fact that  the U.S.A. buys
(not "receives") most of Venezuela's oil does not obligate Americans in any
way to provide financial or material assistance.  But we will, of course, in
spite of this type of aging, new left pseudo progressive whining.
Yours,
Issodhos