Let's hope Chavez is not taking a page out of the Russian business book....

"...The Russians are having a field day, as they kill off all the US investors in their country in the midst of market declines, while at the same time consolidating financial power. The timing and execution is perfect since they camouflage actions under the financial crisis cover. The process of ruining, exiling, or imprisoning the old oligarchs is well along. Boris Berezovsky, Oleg Deripaska, and Mikhail Fridman are each on the defensive, their wealth having dwindled. The 25 wealthiest Russian businessmen have had their net worth decline by $230 billion, as Putin maneuvers around them using the $531 billion in government reserves. Clever foxes these Russians, but they risk further spread of fires under their roof. For the Russians the shell game is called right pocket left pocket. Move the asset ownership, claim zero value, send them home, then restore ownership in other Russian hands. They showed their modus operandi with energy contracts since 2005, and with PanAm Silver mine properties around 2005. In the aftermath, the world must contend with an industrial and military powerhouse led by intelligent crafty leaders with international experience. This entire game is about to have the chessboard kicked, and Putin is a chess master."