Condoleezza Rice VS President Hugo Chavez

It should come to surprise that the United States has managed to create another public relations crisis for itself. Recently, the U.S and Venezuela have experienced increased tensions in their already shaky relationship.

During a Senate Foreign Relations meeting, Condoleezza Rice referred to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as a "negative force" in Latin America. Her frustration with the Venezuelan president sparks from Chavez's promise to create a socialist revolution in his country. To make matters worse, Chavez allegedly has been building relationships with many enemies of the United States, such as Iran and Cuba.

President Chavez responded to Rice's remarks saying "Don't mess with me Condoleezza, don't mess with me girl." Chavez, president of the world's number five oil exporter, is in a powerful position, considering the United States heavy reliance on the commodity. President Chavez plans to create reform which will "promote regional integration Latin America" rolling back U.S.-supported economic reforms. Rice has grounds for frustration because President Chavez's alleged plans conflict with the Democracy Charter signed by the country.

While Condoleezza Rice may be correct in her statement, she has created another crisis situation for the U.S. government. The government has a knack of building tension with oil exporting countries. The public will not fail to notice the important resources Venezuela posesses. It is important for the government to clearly illustrate that the increased tension is not based on oil. The Iraqi War started with disagreements over oil. Locally and globally, the government needs to communicate with the public in order to ease concerns over another war brewing. Communication with the public is essential in swaying public opinion to agree with Rice's position.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=1470

Venezuela's Chavez Warns Rice 'Don't Mess With Me'. Yahoo News. January 19, 2006.