From the NYT:
BOSTON (AP) -- Citgo has suspended its free heating oil program for low-income residents, Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph Kennedy announced Monday.
Kennedy said the Venezuelan government's Texas-based oil subsidiary cited falling oil prices and the world economic crisis for forcing the company to reevaluate all of its social programs, including the heating oil program aimed at 400,000 households in 16 states....
Of course I feel bad for these low income individuals since they are likely suffering disproportionally more from the economic downturn, but it goes to show one should not rely on the revolution, you'll become disillusioned with it.
On another note my first impression is that Chavez is realizing all these free gifts (oil, homes, surgeries, loans, etc..) are expensive with little benefit. With the looming financial crisis at home he is starting to make cuts, I just wonder if he is going to be asking for repayment of loans soon (i.e. Cuba).
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