For the past several days, Hugo Chavez has made a powerful case for himself as the heir apparent to Fidel Castro as the voice of the Third World. In a string of powerful speeches, the Venezuelan President has managed to rile up Democrats and Republicans alike with his harsh criticisms of US policy, as well as President Bush himself. During a speech at the United Nations, Chavez referred to Bush as “the devil.” In another New York speech, he called Bush an “insecure, sick, but dangerous alcoholic.” Immediately after his comments were made public prominent members of both parties condemned Chavez’ comments as disrespectful, offensive, and unnecessary.

To many people, his words were right on time.

While I agree that Chavez’s ad hominem attacks on Bush were (slightly) over-the-top, it is important to view them within the appropriate context. Since the 9/11 attacks, Bush has fed the American public a steady diet of derogatory comments about various nations throughout the world. Unfortunately, terms like “axis of evil” — a term coined by George W. Bush to categorize an ever expanding list of so-called rogue states– have never managed to unsettle American politicians (particularly on the Right) as much as Chavez’s statements. This is higly problematic since Bush’s vitriol is accompanied by equally vicious foreign policy.

If we are to allow such language from Bush, we must do the same for those who offer principled critiques of American policy. Given America’s hegemonic position in the world, people like Chavez provide a necessary counter-voice to Bush and his cronies, who are too often given a free pass for their imperialist actions.

In addition to his provocative words, Chavez has promised to continue sending discounted oil to the American poor. Regardless of his motivations, the gesture will provide necessary relief from the unprecedentedly high oil prices that have emerged during Bush’s tenure as commander-in-chief. Additionally, Chavez has pledgd to continue using revenue from Citgo to support Venezela’s most impoverished communities.
Not bad for a few days in the country.