T&T: Chavez's socialist paradise

"Trying to stem massive capital flight, President Hugo Chavez imposed the credit card ban and other foreign currency exchange controls in January 2003, during a two-month general strike led by the opposition that crippled the economy.

"Under the restrictions, individuals and businesses must obtain government permission to buy foreign currency. Critics say the controls are hurting businesses that rely on dollars to pay for imported goods. Venezuela gets about 60 percent of its raw material abroad."

Somehow, they never seem to learn that economic stimulation and growth only comes with capitalism and free-market policies. Now Venezuelans are happy to know they can spend a whole $2,000 U. S. per year on credit cards when they travel outside their country. That's so exciting to know.