Chavez Wants to Know Where U.S. $$$ is Going

The U.S. government is sending millions of aid dollars to Venezuela. What is not clear is exactly who is getting this money.

Details of the spending are contained in a 1,600-page document of 132 grant contracts, released under the Freedom of Information Act. But names and details of nearly half of those who received money have been blacked out.

US officials say this was done because the Chavez government would harass or prosecute the grant recipients if they were identified.

Fair enough except I don't think the U.S. follows it's own lead when it comes to money coming into the U.S. (not to mention the U.S. being concerned about how other countries spend their money). Does Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez have a right/reason to be concerned?

Looking at how the U.S. has sponsored coups (or shall I say regime change) in other Latin American nations and around the world, maybe so. Certainly Chavez, as President has a right to know what foreign governments are sending money where?

Washington funds activities including human rights seminars, training possible future leaders, advising political parties and giving to charities in the South American country.

As Chavez preps his reelection bid, he's taking aim at "gringo money". It remains to be seen those that live under his rule agree or disagree with his take on this form of U.S. intervention.

Speaking of Hugo Chavez, he's one of the nominees of VL's 2006 Most Influential Latino Poll. There are only two days left to cast your vote.

Via / Aljazeera.Net