Muddled Carter Meddles in Venezuela

www.newsmax.com Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003

Despite his history of abetting Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, Jimmy Carter is styling himself as a neutral mediator in Venezuela, where Castro protégé Huge Chavez fights reforms sought by hundreds of thousands of demonstrators.

"My opinion is that both sides now want to reach an agreement to end the impasse that is threatening to destroy Venezuela's economy and social structure," the clueless Carter told reporters today in Caracas before flying back to Atlanta.

The muddled meddler made two unenforceable proposals that pleased his fellow traveler Chavez: amending Venezuela's constitution to allow early elections (not likely!) or waiting until Aug. 19, when the constitution allows a binding referendum on the president's mandate.

"If the people were to decide it should be four years ... I have no problem with that," Chavez claimed.

Strike leader Carlos Ortega, president of the million-member Confederation of Venezuelan Workers, said earlier that Chavez would never accept a vote on his rule.

Still seeking a legacy to make up for his disastrous presidency, Carter likes to play peacemaker but has often done more harm than good. For the whole story about Carter, see the February issue of NewsMax Magazine, which reveals more about his ties to Castro and blows the lid off:

• His treasonous behavior with the Soviets, including recruiting them to undermine President Reagan.
• The continuing disaster in the Middle East caused by his disastrous betrayal of the Shah of Iran.
• His blunders in North Korea, Israel, Panama, Nicaragua and more.