A Stitch in Haste

The more things change...

President Hugo Chávez said on Sunday that Venezuela was not planning to halt oil exports to the United States. The statement may ease fears in energy markets over fallout from Venezuela's legal battle with Exxon Mobil over compensation for the nationalization of a large oil project.

Mr. Chávez's conciliatory tone stands in contrast to recent comments made by him and other officials here in which they threatened to stop exporting oil to the United States. They said the Bush administration and Exxon Mobil were conspiring to wreak economic havoc in Venezuela.
...
But the move seemed to be meant more for consumption within Mr. Chávez’s political movement here, which faces growing discontent over corruption charges and food shortages.

...the more they same the same.

Shoppers in oil-rich Venezuela often can't find basic food items in stores but the government of President Hugo Chavez on Sunday turned up a huge stash of milk and chicken in a private health clinic.
...
Chavez has repeatedly complained that private clinics charge too much for services and has threatened to take them over.

Just another day in the glorious socialist paradise.