Currency Reconversion, the crummy Chavez Amnesty and Happy New Year

January 1, 2008

In a day which should have been “slow” in terms of news, a couple of items should be noted:

—Chavez’ Amnesty Bill turned out to be much less than expected, as its wording left out many if not all of the most emblematic cases of political persecution, such as Henry Vivas, Forero, Nixon Moreno, Enrique Mendoza, the PDVSA workers, as well as anyone in exile. Using Chavez’ words. he would say this is an “Amnestia de mierda”… (Or in colloquial Spanish, Amnistia Chimba)

—The Minister of Finance called the “reconversion” of the currency, by which the Venezuelan Bolivar will have starting today three fewer zeroes a total success. Funny, I have accounts at two banks. One I can’t see yet, the other one is correct unless I try to see my credit card, it tells me I am not authorized to see it. But, he should be careful, as today all stores were closed, thus to claim that all systems are working has no statistical significance. The true measure of its success will be if it helps control inflation which I doubt.

In any case, it’s the New Year, a day to relax, maybe you should go visit my post on how I grow my orchids, which may be useless if you live in a wintery place, but that is exactly how I do it here, explained in detail. Enjoy!

And have a great New Year!!!

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