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"We also need to make sure that the truth about Chavez - his hollow vision, his empty promises, his dangerous international relationships, starting with Iran - gets out, always exercising careful judgment about where and how we take on Chavez directly/publicly."
Throughout his tenure, Washington wanted him ousted. It wants state-owned enterprises privatized. It wants Bolivarian initiatives abolished. It wants Venezuela made a client-state.
In April 2008, the Pentagon reactivated its Fourth Fleet. It did so after a 60 year hiatus. It was established during WW II. It was disbanded in 1950.
It's part of US Naval Forces Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). It's headquartered at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, FL. It operates throughout Central and Latin America.
Its purpose involves "conducting varying missions including a range of contingency operations, counter(ing) narco-terrorism, and theater security cooperation activities."
Former USSOUTHCOM commander Admiral James Stevenson called the move a message to the entire region, not just Venezuela.
National War College commandant General Robert Steele said:
"The United States' obsession with Venezuela, Cuba and other things indicates they are going to use more military force, going to use that instrument more often."
US bases infest Latin America. Seven operate in eastern Colombia. It borders Venezuela. Chavez was justifiably concerned. He called stationing US forces nearby "a threat of war at us."
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