Although former U.S. Congressman, Joseph Kennedy III has been criticized for his Citgo commercial last year promoting discount heating oil provided by the Hugo Chavez Venezuelan government as a PR ploy, his latest commercial goes way beyond mere syrupy praise. Kennedy is now using the most recent Citgo commercial as a launchpad to blast the U.S. government and "Big Oil" as you can see in this video. After an introduction similar to the previous commercial showing poor people suffering from the cold, Kennedy goes on the attack:
...Yet our own government cut fuel assistance. And the Big Oil companies with oil and money to burn all said "no" when we asked for help. All but one. Citgo. Owned by the Venezuelan people, is donating millions of gallons to non-profit Citizens Energy...
Actually Citgo is owned by the Chavez run Venezuelan government, not the "people." As for the Venezuelan people themselves, it turns out their plight is getting even worse under the corruption ridden Chavez government. This widespread corruption has even been recognized in the the latest issue of the liberal New Republic. Alvaro Vargas Llosa has this to say about life under Chavez in Slum Lord:
After an extensive visit to the slums of this capital, I am convinced that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez lost the recent referendum that would have extended the time he could remain in office not because his countrymen value democracy so much, but because his social programs are crumbling. In the barrios of Petare, Catia, Baruta and other places, the nationalist/populist model is collapsing.
Through a network of "missions," the government has been using oil revenue to provide food, housing, cars, education and health care for millions of Venezuelans. In theory, Venezuelans are enjoying the "social justice" denied to them during decades of rule by the country's elites. In real life, the missions are plagued with corruption and inefficiency, and are severely hampered by the insecurity and the shortages that have become the hallmark of Venezuelan society.
...Corruption has eroded the prestige of the Habitat mission through which the government supposedly dishes out checks to poor Venezuelans so they can buy a house. It is not unusual for an aspiring homeowner to find out that a mystery person has cashed the check using his or her name. "The same people who hand out the checks cash them for the benefit of their relatives," explains Eladio, who told me a nephew recently suffered such an experience.
..."The government led Venezuelans to believe that they could become a consumer society without producing anything," says Luis Ugalde, the president of Andres Bello University, "and the results are now speaking for themselves."
When I asked Beatriz, a social worker who spends her time in Catia, to talk to me about Chavez's missions, she responded, "One cannot speak about that which doesn't exist." That strikes me as an appropriate way to sum up Venezuela's nationalist/populist model.
Perhaps Joe Kennedy needs to personally speak to the Venezuelan people he loudly touts on his Citgo commercials to find out for himself what life is actually like for them down there. Somehow I don't think they are too happy with the idea that Chavez is wasting their oil on PR gimmicks to ingratiate himself with American leftists like Kennedy while life for the average person in Venezuela continues to deteriorate.
—P.J. Gladnick is a freelance writer and creator of the DUmmie FUnnies blog.














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Not surprising at all that
January 23, 2008 - 07:21 ET by motherbeltNot surprising at all that high oil prices have now been elevated to a "crime against humanity." That's pretty much the Democrats' SOP.
Kennedy could have done that the whole thing, advising citizens to call if they need help with their heating bills; the government has programs for that. But he just couldn't forego accusing oil companies as criminals, or throwing in a plug for Chavez. But he didn't.
Because this isn't a public service announcement, it's a political statement.
What Joe Kennedy doesn't tell you!
January 23, 2008 - 07:28 ET by PShannonOnly 50% of the home heating fuel allotment that Citizens Energy receives from the Marxist dictator Chavez goes to the "poor and elderly."
The other 50% is sold on the open market to the highest bidder.
How do you think Citizens Energy is able to pay "Young Joe" $400,000 per to be its figurehead and spokesman?
Peter Smith is Citizens Energy's president, runs the company and gets an equally generous compensation package.
Apologies for the bad
January 23, 2008 - 07:45 ET by motherbeltApologies for the bad "phraseology"...poor editing, LOL
I should have said
Kennedy could have done that the whole thing, advising citizens to call if they need help with their heating bills (the government has programs for that); without accusing oil companies as criminals, or throwing in a plug for Chavez.
PS: Hey, Joe, speaking of energy, how's that wind farm coming along?
Chavez & Kennedy
January 23, 2008 - 07:11 ET by DontabAny chance to slam big business and line their own pockets is so typical of their ilk. Kennedy the humanitarian, my ass, he's positioning himself for future political gains!
Just another traitor
January 23, 2008 - 07:26 ET by Army Bratwho thinks he's a patriot. Pathetic punk. Amongst the lefts finest.
Happy Trails...
All year long
January 23, 2008 - 07:30 ET by ThisnThatKennedy's been doing this all year long. He has a series of these commercials, all bashing the U.S., and promoting his (Kennedy's) big-hearted generosity. He also shows his version of "real-life" people who are in dire straights, until White-Knight Kennedy and Venezuela show up.
In one commercial, he shows a family that "has to sleep close to a smokey wood stove" just to stay warm. Humbug. I heat my whole house with a wood stove. Very economical, especially if you can get free wood. Why didn't Kennedy simply buy four cords of wood for this family? Lot less expensive than two tanks of oil; and uses renewable resources, too.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
A smart move by Citgo
January 23, 2008 - 08:04 ET by TexasOptimistYeah, the ideology stinks, but still this is a smart move by Citgo. Like it or not, the bashing of "big oil" will win favor with a lot of Americans.
I am a conservative who is willing to think for himself.
Don't be so sure it's working, Texas Optimist
January 23, 2008 - 09:05 ET by RJFor some time now, CITGO is the only oil company that advertises here in CT. That suggests they're not doing so well, even in a very Blue state..
Here's a ?
January 23, 2008 - 08:10 ET by stonecutterIf this is a true charity,How much oil can Joe buy with all the advertizing dollars he's spending to promote what great guys he and Hugo Chavez are....hmmmm?Just another "not for profit" guilting people and corperations into donating towards high salaries and more soliciting for money.
Good point, stonecutter.
January 23, 2008 - 08:54 ET by motherbeltGood point, stonecutter. Liberals are always good at spending other people's money.
Hey Joe...here's an idea! Why don't you pitch in with Chavez to help the "little people"? Now I know you can't match him gallon for gallon, but how about establishing the "Joe Kennedy Heating Oil Fund"? Salt it with a few million of your own, and go out and solicit donations.
I especially love his "Citgo. Owned by the Venezuelan people"
Good grief! The guy is either hopelessly naive or downright disingenuous. Does he actually think the Venezuelan people took a vote and decided to donate some oil to the US??? Citgo is "owned by the Venezuelan people" in the same way that Communist governments called everythting they owned "the People's" whatever.
ROFL. Nice to know Kennedy is also buying into and disseminating Chavez's propaganda.
KENNEDY & CHAVEZ
January 23, 2008 - 08:38 ET by Der AlteLittle Joe is what Lenin called a "useful idiot" and he is just a puppet for Hugo. Stay in th family compound Little Joe. Thay way you woun't make stupid statments and prove what an idiot you really are!
→ Not a real Kennedy
January 23, 2008 - 08:51 ET by Cool ArrowTake a look at the picture.
Looks to me like one of the Kennedy women had a fling with Ted Danson.
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
one of the Kennedy women
January 23, 2008 - 08:59 ET by Jack BauerYou're right. I was watching Curb Your Enthisiasm last night and Ted was on. Dead ringer.
Is that a real Clinton quote? Mindboggling.
Clinton AIDS Quote
January 23, 2008 - 09:08 ET by Cool ArrowYes, I taped the 01/22/08 slugfest and was surprised during the second playthrough when she said that about HIV/AIDS.
Seems Hollywood wil make up comments and put them in Ronald Reagans mouth to do a hit piece, but Hillary makes thoughtless comments, and it's passed over.
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
I'm the last one that would
January 23, 2008 - 09:23 ET by motherbeltI'm the last one that would give HRC a break, and she certainly didn't phrase it very well, but I think what she meant was that people now live with AIDS for years, like diabetes, instead of dying from it.
mother -- don't waste your
January 23, 2008 - 09:32 ET by Jack Bauermother -- don't waste your compassion on a Clinton! Just treat them like they treat others!
Interesting factoid.
About 250,000 Americans die of diabetes annually, compared to about 23,000 who die of AIDS.
Maybe if 10 times as much money were spent on diabetes as Aids, that wouldn't happen. Or maybe just the same.
Jack, don't think I'm
January 23, 2008 - 09:42 ET by motherbeltJack, don't think I'm defending her; I'm not. And I agree with you that the money spent on AIDS far outstrips that spent on more prevalent and deadly diseases. That's because AIDS is a political, not a medical issue (the CDC can't even track it like they do other contagions like TB, or other STD's.)
I just figure there's plenty to excoriate her for without nitpicking something like that. And, no offense, but to me, that's nitpicking.
→ OK MB
January 23, 2008 - 09:54 ET by Cool ArrowBut could you tell me which political party has made AIDS a political disease rather than a public health issue? An issue due honest scientific scrutiny?
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
Cool, what gave you the
January 23, 2008 - 10:21 ET by motherbeltCool, what gave you the idea that I was supporting that? Or were you just emphasizing the point?
→ I know MB
January 23, 2008 - 10:23 ET by Cool ArrowMy tagline isn't an attempt to say Hillary is unfeeling about AIDS, but that Dems can say somewhat innocent things in passing that would be front page if a Republican had said them.
My understanding of her words is exactly the same as yours. But it's good for some fun for a day or two.
Sorry, didn't really mean to attack, but rereading, I see it did come out that way.
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
mother -- oh I know yuo're
January 23, 2008 - 10:06 ET by Jack Bauermother -- oh I know yuo're not defending her! Unless you've been grabbed overnight by the pod people!
→ Jack
January 23, 2008 - 09:40 ET by Cool ArrowDiabetes and Smoking and Alcoholism. Three more reasons my tax dollars shouldn't pay for Universal Health Care.
It's possible I could be convinced catastrophic health issues should be addressed by the Government to some extent, but it makes no sense to promote at risk lifestyles with a government safety net.
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
→ Motherbelt
January 23, 2008 - 09:35 ET by Cool ArrowShe seems to be doing a lot of that lately. I especially liked her trivializing Dr. King in favor of Lyndon Johnson.
I know what she meant. She meant "here's a disease that just keeps on giving. Now that it's a chronic disease, think of all the AIDS babies I can parade in front of the camera to get my healthcare package through."
Who cares what she meant, her attitude means Universal Health Care.
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
You're right about the LBJ
January 23, 2008 - 09:41 ET by motherbeltYou're right about the LBJ thing..and she neglected to mention that he wouldn't have gotten it passed, if not for the support of Republicans in Congress. More Democrats voted against it, and some of them even filibustered.
Civil Rights Heroes
January 23, 2008 - 09:50 ET by Cool ArrowHRC was smart enough to avoid Senator Everett Dircksen (R) Indiana. It might have drawn attention to her own party's shameful history.
Thankfully, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic disease - Hillary Clinton
Looks like little Joe
January 23, 2008 - 09:15 ET by midnight cowboyLooks like little Joe is just following family tradition of supporting dictators.
Wasn't it Joey's grandfather who was a Nazi appeaser and sympathizer when he was ambassador to the UK in the 1930's? And wasn't it good old grandad who said democacy is finished? The same family patriarch who made millions bootlegging?
It seems with little Joe the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Wasn't it Joey's
January 23, 2008 - 09:38 ET by Jack BauerYes. It was him.
He was a virulent anti-Semite, and wanted the US to make an accomodation with Hitler, prior to the outbreak of WW2 because he was convinced Britain was finished.
He picked the wrong side, and it destroyed his Presidential ambitions. Hence he spent the next 20 years plotting for his son to run.
I am not absolutely sure of
January 23, 2008 - 10:03 ET by ahusserI am not absolutely sure of this but I believed he pissed off the Brits so bad that he was recalled. It didn't stop him years later from buying Chicago votes for his son allowing John F. to win a very tight election.
Yes...
January 23, 2008 - 13:56 ET by celatorI remember reading about this as well.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
What Joe isn't telling you...
January 23, 2008 - 10:10 ET by Hunter12...Yet our own government cut fuel assistance. And the Big Oil companies* with oil and money to burn all said "no" when we asked for help. All but one. Citgo. Owned by the Venezuelan people, is donating millions of gallons to non-profit Citizens Action...
* However, the Little Oil companies, which my Uncle Teddy was crucial in setting the dividing line between Big and Little right above where our own oil company sits, will continue to reap the bonanza of high oil prices. Yeah, we could put our money where our mouth is and sell or give away the oil we produce, but yatching and boozing takes a lot of money and there are more and more Kennedys ever year.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
CITGO DONATING OIL TO "POOR"
January 23, 2008 - 10:11 ET by jjd123Hey, Joe, shoudn't this be the way that oil is distributed to the poor? Shouldn't the big oil companies donate some of their huge profits for the public good? I don't see anywhere in the U.S. Constitution that says We The People must give oil to the "poor".
If JFK were alive...
January 23, 2008 - 13:48 ET by celatorIf JFK were alive, he would take this goofball nephew of his out behind the woodshed and slap the bat-snot out of him.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
→ Maybe celator
January 23, 2008 - 13:51 ET by Cool ArrowBut I'm thinking if JFK were alive today he'd be scratching on the lid of his coffin shouting "Let me out of here"!
Yes...
January 23, 2008 - 13:58 ET by celatorHe he.. he may at that!
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
Where's Sean Penn?
January 23, 2008 - 13:53 ET by EllisWyattI'm wondering when Sean Penn will star in a commerical for Shit-go.
BTW, for those of you who are boycotting CITGO like me, did you know that Hess Oil has a subsidiary in the US Virgin Islands (HOVENSA), that is "a joint venture between a subsidiary of Hess Corporation and a subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A?"
http://www.hess.com/...
I've been boycotting Hess too since I discovered this.
If you're not outraged at the media, you haven't been paying attention.
Wow!
January 23, 2008 - 17:48 ET by HermanoI did not know about Hess. But they do have those cute little trucks at Christmas time that include batteries.
I look forward to the day
January 25, 2008 - 18:56 ET by fiddledancer@restI look forward to the day when oil is no longer needed. Princes, principalities and fat cats will then be just plain folk.