Breakfast of champions
Hugo Chávez is famous for his coffee consumption but now says he also chews coca every morning. This is, however, illegal in
Sunday, January 20, 2008
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79 comments:
Hehehe
I don't think people eat coca paste.
I mean, he just said something to provoke the US further after Jhon Walters accused him of facilitating drug trafficking.
He does want a confrontation of some sort with Colombia and the US. I just hope he does not mean war.
The article noted the ambiguity--he may just be joking to rile people up.
The controversy is (or should be) over the fact that he said he uses coca paste. If he's chewing coca leaves, it's no big deal (in spite of whatever legal technicalities). If he's using coca paste, that's half-processed cocaine and is very illegal not to mention unhealthy.
This would be an interesting question to ask Venezuelans in a poll.
This explains a lot
Just another demonstration of the buffoon and embarrassment to Latin America known as Hugo Chavez.
I figured by now the resident Marxist would say this is yet another diversion from the crimes of Uribe and the war in Iraq.
Guess not.
Who gives a shit if Hugo chews coca leaf? Ah, yes, the Miami Herald gives a shit.
My lord.
Who gives a shit if Hugo chews coca leaf?
As Greg notes, it would be against Venezuelan law. A president breaking his own country's laws is news.
But more importantly, he said "coca paste," which is a much different and more dangerous substance than coca leaf.
(The Miami Herald reporter seemed to be under the impression that it was coca leaf Chavez was talking about)
Boz in a nutshell:
If Uribe denounces critical Colombian journalists, prompting their forced departure from the country, we don't hear a peep about it from Boz.
Oh, but if big bad Hugo says he chews coca leaf, well, by golly, he's breaking Venezuelan law, so we'd better make some political hay out of it.
Get some perspective, for Heaven's sake.
Delacour,
how much did you chew this morning?
how much did you chew this morning?
If we could legally import coca tea, I'd probably drink it because I think it's healthier than coffee. But I can't get any of the stuff, so I guess I'm shit outta luck.
...he's breaking Venezuelan law...
That's the point.
Yeah, and my point is that, when the Uribe government flagrantly breaks Colombian law in much more egregious and violent fashion, we don't hear a peep about it from you, despite the fact that you love to feign a principled concern about human rights. Your middle name should be "double standards galore."
Boz,
you got to write and comment about what Delacour tells you because he thinks so.
you got to write and comment about what Delacour tells you because he thinks so.
Boz can write whatever he damn well pleases, and I can point out whenever I damn well please that Boz is a raving hypocrite (owing to the fact that he works for the Washington establishment).
This is a thread on Venezuela. I was commenting on Venezuela, where the law says you can't have coca leaves.
It's also worth noting that it is illegal in all countries in South America including Colombia, Bolivia and Peru to possess or transport coca paste.
"If Uribe denounces critical Colombian journalists, prompting their forced departure from the country, we don't hear a peep about it from Boz.
Oh, but if big bad Hugo says he chews coca leaf..."
Damn, spoke too soon. Justin chimes in with the "Oh yeah, well what about Uribe?!!"
This dude seriously only knows one rhetorical tactic.
"Boz can write whatever he damn well pleases, and I can point out whenever I damn well please that Boz is a raving hypocrite (owing to the fact that he works for the Washington establishment)."
Boz the oligarch!
Delacour,
Are you telling me that no stimulant is behind the connections you are making?
Came on, you must have inhaled something.
This is a thread on Venezuela.
Indeed, and if Greg were to ever point out Uribe's violations of Colombian law that are oodles more egregious than coca leaf-chewing, Boz probably wouldn't have anything to say about it. And that wouldn't be any coincidence.
Greg, do as Delacour tells you now because he says so
The broader point is that, for anyone who puts governmental law-breaking into comparative perspective, Chavez's coca leaf-chewing would be the logical equivalent of, say, jay-walking. But I wouldn't expect Paul the wanna-be Rush Limbaugh to figure that out, nor would I expect a Washington PR man to refrain from trying to make political hay out of utter nonsense.
The broader point is that...
Ok, you've made your point about Colombia.
Do you have any comments about Venezuela or Chavez's breaking the law which is what the thread is about?
mariguanita?
mariguanita?
On occasion. And what exactly is the problem?
Do you have any comments about Venezuela or Chavez's breaking the law which is what the thread is about?
Yeah, I don't give a flying fuck if Chavez chews coca. And neither should anybody else.
just wondering how could you make the connections you make. For a moment I thought you were on control of your senses but it all now makes sense.
Breakfast of champions!
It is so rare for presidents to admit to illegal activity that it definitely merits attention.
Justin Delacour provides much needed entertainment!
I have to admit I'm surprised he didn't bring up the war in Iraq. "What's Chavez' cocaine habits have to do with 1 million dead in Iraq?!!"
Chavez probably chews coca LEAVES, which are fine. It's about as filthy a habit as chewing tabacco, but to each his own. I've drunk my share of coca tea (both prcessed in bags & as simply leaves soaked in hot water) to know it's harmless.
I find it interesting that Chavez said coca PASTE, which is nothing but the raw material for cocaine. There is no other form of coca paste (although Bolivian scientists are looking into making coca TOOTHPASTE).
So it's interesting not because of legality (I don't think Chavez cares much for legality), but because it seems he's ignorant of the difference between chewing LEAVES vs. PASTE. If he is, no big deal, so are most people (as the above comments demonstrate). But then why use it as a political ploy?
Breakfast of champions!
Oh, no, I only wish I could roast a bowl every morning (so that I could forget about the idiocy that passes for commentary in the U.S. press and on blogs like Boz's). Instead, I end up smoking a joint only once every two months (so the relief is only occasional).
so, you actually mean what you are saying?
so, you actually mean what you are saying?
Yeah, I smoke a joint once every two months. !Que locura!, no?
Welcome to the wild side, anonymous.
Any other habits you would like to share with us?
Since we are in confessional mood
Any other habits you would like to share with us?
Since we are in confessional mood
A "confession"? A "habit"? You need to lighten up, big fella.
Where I come from, we wouldn't say that to mention an occassional puffing of a joint is a "confession" of a "habit."
But maybe if you, like, grew up being beaten by priests or something, it might sound that way to you.
But, nope, sorry, the once-every-two-month joint is my only "vice." I don't drink alcohol, and the only time I'll smoke cigarettes is when I have to stay up writing for a long period.
You are always welcome to share when you feel the urge.
You are always welcome to share when you feel the urge.
Coming from a guy who won't even share his name, doesn't the statement above seem a little comic?
I was thinking precisely that. But I am ok with it. As long as you keep sharing I will keep welcoming you.
I know this is a bit off topic ... but did Chavez also claim that Fidel sends him ICE CREAM? Is Cuba a producer of ice cream now?
Here's the YouTube video of Chavez's speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-2XYalKUCc&feature=related
hehehe
He did.
Cubans take pride of their Coppelia ice cream (best in the world they say).
Same story as Tropicana, Cohiba and Habana Club (good reputation brand names taken over by Castro).
Now you can see the lines of hundreds of Cubans trying to get some Coppelia ice cream. Of course, tourists don't have to get in line.
I tried the ice cream once and didn't find it that good.
Anonymous,
HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU BE TALKING ABOUT ICE CREAM WHEN, FOR GOD SAKES, WE ALL KNOW ALVARO URIBE OCCASIONALLY RESPONDS TO NEGATIVE REPORTING?!!!!
/Channeling Justin Delacour
HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU BE TALKING ABOUT ICE CREAM WHEN, FOR GOD SAKES, WE ALL KNOW ALVARO URIBE OCCASIONALLY RESPONDS TO NEGATIVE REPORTING?!!!!
That made me laugh. Thanks.
Boz,
How good does it make you feel knowing your blog drives Justin bonkers to the point where he needs to do illegal narcotics to take the pain away?
and confess it to an anonymous voice
Boz,
How good does it make you feel...
Actually, it doesn't make me feel good at all. I'll use this as a chance to bring it back on topic.
Miguel said:
So it's interesting not because of legality..., but because it seems he's ignorant of the difference between chewing LEAVES vs. PASTE.
I think the difference between coca leaves and coca paste is a fairly significant detail. I would expect most if not all presidents in South America to be aware of the difference.
In particular, President Morales is making an international effort to legalize the use and transportation of raw and processed coca leaves in a variety of products (tea and toothpaste to name two). I think a slip like the one Chavez made actually sets back Morales' plans fairly significantly. For Morales to be successful, he needs to show that coca leaves are not cocaine and explain that difference to the world. If Morales' efforts are set back by Chavez's idiotic statements about coca paste, it could be a small but significant break between the two.
This is one of the stranger news stories I've read in a while, but I think definitely the strangest comments, though highly entertaining.
hehehe true. Thanks Greg!
Boz, everyone in South America knows the difference.
I meant thanks for posting it first time.
An anthropologist friend of mine (also a Bolivianist) pointed out that Chavez probably meant "pastilla de coca". Bolivia also exports coca-flavored throat lozenges.
But, yes, this whole thing is just like a parody of a Daily Show montage.
So.... does anyone besides me think the exiled Cubanos in Miami are upset because Chavez is "eating into" their profits?
How good does it make you feel knowing your blog drives Justin bonkers to the point where he needs to do illegal narcotics to take the pain away?
That was a joke, genius. I'd smoke pot once every two months even if Boz weren't around. Lighten up, Rush.
HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU SMOKE POT WHen, GOD SAKES, ALVARO URIBE OCCASIONALLY RESPONDS TO NEGATIVE PRESS REPORTING?!!
HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU SMOKE POT WHen, GOD SAKES, ALVARO URIBE OCCASIONALLY RESPONDS TO NEGATIVE PRESS REPORTING?!!
"Responds to negative press reporting"?
For a president to effectively force a journalist out of his paramilitary-infested country by publicly referring to the journalist as "a coward, a liar, a swine, and a professional slanderer" is no mere "response," Paul.
No, my dear neo-fascist, democratic presidents do not personally attack journalists in this fashion when they know that such attacks will prompt death threats upon the journalists in question.
The fact that Boz would "laugh" at your neo-fascist garbage says a lot about him.
"For a president to effectively force a journalist out of his paramilitary-infested country.."
What a joke. "Effectively" all Uribe did was respond to a smearmongerer trying to derail his demonstrable successes in Colombia.
Uribe is turning the country around and kicking the guerillas asses. Obviously, this upsets you greatly.
"..by publicly referring to the journalist as "a coward, a liar, a swine, and a professional slanderer" is no mere "response," Paul."
Big f'n deal. I applaud Uribe for going after the Lefty swine, the professional slanderers indeed. Quick, now send me a link from some FARC supporting website to make your case about him.
"No, my dear neo-fascist,"
Heh. I bet you paid good tuition money to learn that word. I'm not just a fascist, says Justin, I'm a neo-fascist! Am I supposed to be impressed?
Hey, let's hear more about trips to the Colombian countryside. Surely, you're going by more than what you read on communist websites?
I think I'll just let that ugly little display of apologetics for ultra-rightist authoritarianism speak for itself.
Nice little sidekick you have, Boz.
Justin wrote:
I'd smoke pot once every two months even if Boz weren't around.
Well, I guess it's good news that I don't define everything you do and think.
"I think I'll just let that ugly little display of apologetics for ultra-rightist authoritarianism speak for itself."
Says the apologist for Communist authoritarianism.
Still waiting on those Colombia pictures!
Says the apologist for Communist authoritarianism.
Oh really, Paul? At what point have I advocated "communist authoritarianism"?
"Oh really, Paul? At what point have I advocated "communist authoritarianism"?"
You're a fanboy of Chavez thuggery. You provide links from websites that are at least sympathetic to Marxist terrorists. You parrot the talking points the FARC and Chavez use to try to legitimize their terrorist campaign.
At what point have I advocated "ultra-right authoritarianism?" I've defended Uribe's right to speak out against his accusers to keep the lies from becoming accepted as truths. You're the one who would deny him that right.
I've defended Uribe's right to speak out against his accusers to keep the lies from becoming accepted as truths.
"Lies"? You haven't established that they're "lies," Paul. Any journalist who investigates allegations that the Uribe family --including Alvaro himself-- had ties to the Medellin Cartel are summarily threatened and usually forced to leave the country. It's impossible to assess the veracity of the allegations if journalists aren't even allowed to investigate them.
To support Uribe's denunciations of critical journalists when you know that these denunciations prompt death threats against the journalists is to advocate a rather glaring form of rightist authoritarianism. (And notice that even Washington hacks like Boz aren't rushing to your defense on this score because they know that your argument is tantamount to advocacy of right-wing authoritarianism).
And notice that even Washington hacks like Boz aren't rushing to your defense on this score because...
I like how your analysis revolves around me, even when I'm not commenting.
"Lies"? You haven't established that they're "lies," Paul."
And you haven't established they're truths beyond linking to guerilla sympathizing websites. Uribe's 80% approval rating demonstrates how out of step you, not me, are when it comes to Colombian politics.
"Any journalist who investigates allegations that the Uribe family --including Alvaro himself-- had ties to the Medellin Cartel are summarily threatened.."
Sometimes, yeah, they are probably threatened. Uribe is seen as a hero by many Colombians who have no tolerance for the FARC's media war. It's not surprising the multitudes who have suffered from the devastations of your guerilla pals would be protective of their much beloved President.
"..and usually forced to leave the country."
Are you implying the Colombian government forces them out?
"To support Uribe's denunciations of critical journalists when you know that these denunciations prompt death threats against the journalists is to advocate a rather glaring form of rightist authoritarianism."
To deny Uribe's right to respond to smear campaigns against him, which would undermine his effectiveness as President, is straight out of the FARC's strategy handbook. Well played, Justin!
"And notice that even Washington hacks like Boz aren't rushing to your defense on this score because they know that your argument is tantamount to advocacy of right-wing authoritarianism)."
Excellent evidence. Boz and I are thick as thieves!
I like how your analysis revolves around me, even when I'm not commenting.
Your unwillingness to comment speaks volumes. The Washington hacks prefer to keep their support for Uribe tacit, not explicit, because they recognize that the explicit arguments (like Paul's) constitute obvious apologetics for right-wing authoritarianism.
Your unwillingness to comment speaks volumes.
Not really. I've tried to keep my comments on this thread to the original topic, which was Chavez's choice for chewing coca leaves and/or paste.
On that note, the Venezuelan opposition has requested that Chavez take a drug test. Obviously, he won't. But it was an entertaining way to highlight the strangeness of the issue.
Also, they made one interesting point: If we can demand our athletes be randomly tested, why not our politicians? It would be interesting to test every cabinet member and legislator in the way they demand we test other groups (students, athletes, etc.).
Notice how Boz will continue to skirt the issue of Uribe's authoritarianism. Very telling.
"Your unwillingness to comment speaks volumes."
Maybe he's just more able than I to resist getting sucked into your lunacy.
"The Washington hacks prefer to keep their support for Uribe tacit, not explicit, because they recognize that the explicit arguments (like Paul's) constitute obvious apologetics for right-wing authoritarianism."
Boz, you're simply too polite to Justin, The Dorm Room Revolutionary.
Anyway, 80% of the Colombian people prefer to keep their support for Uribe and contempt for Chavez explicit. I'll proudly stand with them any day.
From the summit yesterday:
"You didn't bring me the coca leaf? I asked. Where are the coca leaves?" Chavez asked Morales.... "I want the leaf that Evo produces there, the pure, pure coca leaf."
Standing up from a table, Morales walked to Chavez and opened a drawstring bag.
"Oh, friend, I knew you wouldn't fail me! They were running out," Chavez exclaimed, accepting a handful of leaves and putting some in his mouth.
He'd help his case if he didn't sound like an addict in that quote.
We know how that plays in the U.S. but I would repeat that the most interesting issue is how it plays in Venezuela.
He'd help his case if he didn't sound like an addict in that quote.
You'd help your case, Boz, if you didn't do PR work for right-wing authoritarians like Uribe on your blog.
We know how that plays in the U.S. but I would repeat that the most interesting issue is how it plays in Venezuela.
As I mentioned above, some Venezuelan opposition are calling for Chavez to take a drug test while pro-government media are lauding Chavez's promotion of legal coca. I haven't seen any polls suggesting how the citizens are reacting to this specific issue or even if they care.
I haven't seen any polls suggesting how the citizens are reacting to this specific issue...
Your opportunism knows no bounds, Boz. Chavez's coca leaf-chewing won't make a damn bit of a political difference in Venezuela, but you love to make some political hay out of whatever nonsense you can muster, don't you?
This also makes me wonder why, if he is making a big deal about chewing it, he does not seek to legalize it?
This also makes me wonder why, if he is making a big deal about chewing it, he does not seek to legalize it?
It could be part of the image that Chavez tries to set. Someone who is willing to defy the rules if it is in the best interest of the poor, in this case the coca farmer.
One problem is that a move or statement that looks bold at 70% approval can look weak and desperate at 30% (just ask President Bush).
I would guess this is especially true when Venezuelans key concerns remain basic domestic issues and their president seems focused on international politics.
One problem is that a move or statement that looks bold at 70% approval can look weak and desperate at 30% (just ask President Bush).
Nobody but those already in the Venezuelan opposition actually give a shit about Chavez's coca-leaf chewing.
I'm just waiting for Boz to catch Chavez jay-walking and to provide us with a new and oh-so-important post about Chavez's latest "illicit" activity.
"if you didn't do PR work for right-wing authoritarians like Uribe on your blog."
Heh, this from someone who has actually been paid by Hugo to do PR work.
"..and to provide us with a new and oh-so-important post about Chavez's latest "illicit" activity."
You mean like his drug running?
You mean like his drug running?
Hey, if the Drug Czar says so, it must be true, right?
How coincidental is it that, when Chavez starts bashing Uribe, the U.S. Drug Czar suddenly starts making wild accusations against Chavez?
If it's drug running you're really so insensed about, Paul, Uribe is the last guy in the world to whom you should be giving your blessing.
"Hey, if the Drug Czar says so, it must be true, right?"
Chavez supports the biggest traffickers, the FARC terrorists. That's indisputable at this point. And all those shipments seized traced back to Venezuela are what, just part of the continuing decay of Venezuela under Chavez' stewardship?
"How coincidental is it that, when Chavez starts bashing Uribe.."
Ah, a new conspiracy for Justin to add to his talking points! There have been reports of Chavez becoming a drug kingpin long before his latest rant against Uribe.
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