There have been reports in several media outlets on the offer by Venezuela’s leader, Hugo Chavez, to make heating oil available at a deep discount to needy families in the U.S., as part of his campaign to embarrass President Bush. An article in today’s Courant, reporting on New Haven, CT’s participation in the program, includes a few comments on some of the debate on the matter:
Discounted fuel from Venezuela, which is used in New York City and several Northeastern states, is seen by critics as a way for Venezuela’s leftist leader Hugo Chavez to embarrass President Bush.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, for example, questioned the program last week, saying he would have “serious reservations” about his state’s participation.
DeStefano rejected arguments against the Venezuelan program.
“We already import 15 percent of oil from Venezuela,” he said. “They’re saying it’s all right to import it at full price, but not at a discounted price for people who need it?”
That’s a rather pragmatic thought process. We already pay to transact business with a government that the feds aren’t too happy with. Should we refuse to help Venezuela’s PR campaign by refusing to take more oil for less money?