Vox

I was in Panama 2-3 weeks ago and met with sales partners from the host country, Colombia and Venezuela. As always, our discussions often deviated from business to more macro issues. By consensus, Chavez is considered a hero in the region for revolutionizing the economy (ie. 17 cents US / gallon for gas at the pumps - No profit for the government / maximum benefit to the people / growing businesses). The anger depicted in the press is viewed as a "personality conflict" with Bush - Not anti-US.

Perhaps, as was suggested in our discussions, with an '88 replacement for Bush, relations between Venezuela and the US could return to center.

Though I am pro-Bush, I look forward to our countries normalizing relations.

Just my snap-shot on-the-road perspective.

Again, not supporting Chavez - Just contributing a little regional perspective.