Every country that has embraced free trade and Western ideals has prospered as a result. One of the best examples is Costa Rica. As the nation with the highest standard of living in C.A. it has advanced by being the first to agressively adopt a stable democracy that promotes capitalism. As for Chavez's gift of oil -- God Bless him. We should be happy to accept any goods or services another nation wishes to donate. Governments who lure followers in this manner always fall from power as their governments learn they cannot susatin the weight of an ever-growing welfare state.

I will have a Belikin -- put it on klcman's tab.