Storm over Venezuela video claim

[cal04]

A speech allegedly delivered by the head of Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, to senior executives has triggered a political storm.


An amateur video released by the opposition appears to show Rafael Ramirez saying PDVSA is firmly behind President Hugo Chavez.

Those who are not happy with this should go, the voice in the tape adds.

Venezuela's vice-president said the opposition was trying to distort the remarks to sabotage December's polls.

The video was presented by supporters of the main opposition candidate, Manuel Rosales.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6114682.stm

[bemildred]

1. The Mighty Wurlitzer swings into action in Venezuela. nt

[Eugene]

2. Ramirez took it further than that according to AP version.

Posted on Thu, Nov. 02, 2006

Opponents of Chavez release video
ELIZABETH M. NUNEZ
Associated Press

-snip-

During the 14-minute video, the minister Rafael Ramirez said the 40,000-member
work force at Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, firmly stands behind Chavez
ahead of the Dec. 3 vote. His comments were allegedly made during a closed-door
meeting at the company's headquarters in the capital Caracas.

"It's a crime, a counterrevolutionary act for any manager here to try to curb
the political expression of the workers in favor of President Chavez," Ramirez
said in the amateur video. "Whoever doesn't feel comfortable with this orientation,
it's necessary that they give up their seat to a Bolivarian."

Chavez calls Venezuela's brand of socialism the Bolivarian Revolution, a reference
to the South American independence fighter Simon Bolivar.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/15915812.htm

Yes, I know the Associated Press doesn't like Hugo Chavez, but Ramirez crossed
the line to coercion.

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Let's try some substitution here:

"It's a crime, a counterrevolutionary act for any manager here to try to curb
the political expression of the workers in favor of President Chavez," Ramirez
said in the amateur video. "Whoever doesn't feel comfortable with this orientation,
it's necessary that they give up their seat to a Bolivarian."

"It's a crime for any manager here to try to curb the political expression of the workers in favor of the democrats," ... "Whoever doesn't feel comfortable with this orientation, it's necessary that they give up their seat to a responsible citizen."

It sounds to me like he's saying that anti-Chavez managers (there are many in the Venezuelan oil industry) have been taking action to prevent pro-Chavez workers from expressing their political proclivities -- intimidating the workers under them. Would you accept your Republican manager saying you cannot have that bumper sticker if you want to park in my parking lot?

It doesn't say "It's a counterrevolutionary act for any manager here to oppose Chavez" - it says "It is a crime to come down on Chavez supporters".

I got no problem with that.

[Judi Lynn]

6. You're absolutely right! Someone was hoping people would just take his word for it,

and not pay enough attention to learn what was actually said.

It's clear enough he was warning sternly against indimidation of Chavez supporters in the organization which used to be controlled COMPLETELY by the oligarchy, and which still contains many of those same people.

Thanks for directing attention to the obvious meaning, not the propaganda.

[Warren Stupidity]

5. Not by any evidence presented here they didn't.

You must have some other evidence of this supposed line that has been crossed. Do share.

[HappySavage]

12. YouTube link...

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPb0mJ5Sq8Y

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Z238nx0Hw

[David__77]

4. PdVSA is nest of coup plotters and rightists.

Ramirez was justified in his comments. Everyone knows that PdVSA executives plotted the coup of 2002, resulting in lost lives and nearly resulting in fascist dictatorship.

Chavez is far too soft on his fascist opponents. I would personally ban those parties which refuse to abide by the constitutional order and put those who conspired in 2002 on trial for treason.

[bobbie]

9. Chavez was downright merciful with his opponents after the failed coup

Brave man, wise leader. They're frankly lucky they're still around, yet they continue to assault the president who showed such leniency and wisdom after their treason and treachery.

[HappySavage]

7. Here's a quote they conveniently left out...

"La nueva Pdvsa está con el presidente Chávez, la nueva Pdvsa es roja, rojita, de arriba abajo."

http://www.lahora.com/_nacionales.htm (there's many other sources with the same quote)

Translation: "The new PDVSA is with president Chavez, the new PDVSA is red, red (emphasized), from top to bottom."

And by the way, here's what Francisco Arias Cardenas, Chavez's fellow 1992 coup plotter turned political adversary (for a while) and current Venezuelan ambassador to the UN, had to say about Chavez on the day of the "coup" in April 2002:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEFulNcR-7w

[bobbie]

10. Interesting stuff HappySavage

Thanks for posting it.

[PeaceProgProsp]

8. They got rid of the people who shut down the company

in an attempt to sabotage the economy and cause chaos in 2003.

Which most people would think is a good thing...

[HappySavage]

11. Here's the video...

Click here: http://www.noticierodigital.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=124173

or

here: http://www.periodismociudadano.com.ve/audio/Varios/MinRamirez.wmv

[Bacchus39]

13. Chavez responds

“Que Pdvsa es revolucionaria, claro que es revolucionaria”, dijo.
“Los trabajadores de Pdvsa están en esta revolución y el que no, mejor que se vaya para otro sitio”, añadió el Presidente de la República.

That PDVSA is revolutionary, of course its revolucionary, he said.

The PDVSA workers are involved in this revolution and he who is not, it would be better if he went somewhere esle, added the president of the Republic.

Zieg Heil!!!

[HappySavage]

14. You're either with us or against us...

Chavez and Bush are so similar. They have the same attitude.