Hugo Chavez, the paranoid leader of Venezuela, is trying to piss off as many leaders as he can.  IN the latest episode, he has insulted the Mexican President, and warned Vincente Fox to "not mess with me".

This was precipitated by Fox and Mexico's support of a free trade zone for all the Americas, one that Chavez  opposes.  And in so doing, Chavez called Fox an American "puppy".

The problem is that anyone with any degree of objectivity knows that to be completely false.  Indeed, sometimes Fox and Mexico actually go out of their way to antagonize the US for the simple reason that they want to be treated as an equal to the US, and hence must stand up just to flex their muscles.

And indeed, Chavez, in his myopic stupidity cannot even realize that Mexico does not, as he does, cut off their nose to spite their face.  Mexico has greatly benefited from NAFTA, and would like to see this free trade extended to the whole of the Americas since it has been so good.  But Chavez, and his one trick pony attitude of "If it is American, it must be bad" has trashed the agreement and insulted Mexico all in one idiotic statement.

Trash talking America is one thing.  Indeed, it is the "French" thing to do, and many Americans practice it as well.  But Trash talking your potential allies and insulting them is not the way to gain influence in your hemisphere.  Nor to conduct an economic policy.  Eventually his house of cards will fail, and the people will kick him out of office.  It is inevitable.

And when that happens, you can guarantee that 2 things will occur.  The CIA will be accused of having a hand in it, and it will be Bush's fault.

Maybe for an extra kicker, Pat Robertson will get some credit too!