Wining America’s Hearts and Minds

Chavez is about to launch a pre-emptive strike against America. He wants to hit where it hurts: hearts and minds.

Citgo is to sell discounted gas to Americans living in deprived areas, says a Venezuelan newspaper. The company is to identify outlets based in impoverished communities and give a 30% discount.

Let’s face it. It’s a brilliant move. Business-wise Citgo will increase sales and gain in reputation. Politically it will make Bush look incapable: “Chavez actually does something to control energy prices but our own oil-man can’t”.

With this flamboyant move Chavez could neutralize a giant and achieve it’s objective: more power for the revolution, whatever that means.