It is quite obvious that Mr. Tareck El Aissami would lose his job if he expressed himself otherwise. I would like to ask him if he remembers who said once in a televised speach that the Catholic Church is a tumor? Also, that Cardinal Castillo Lara, one of the greatest spirits and peace-minded men that ever lived in Venezuela, could be found in hell...? Did I misunderstand hearing during another public speach that priests are devils dressed in cassocks? What about the sacrileges of churches, acts that have never been clarified, or the repeated attacks with teargas bombs at the residence of the papal nuncio in Caracas that never were even investigated by the authorities? What about the constant threats to imprison bishops and priests who dare speak up against a totalitarian regime? If anybody wants to know more, just study the facts of increaing oppression over the past ten years in Venezuela. The present government's aim is to turn Venezuela into a communist state, another Cuba, by the end of this very year 2009, and the Catholic Church is one of the biggest and most arduent defenders of human rights.

Always interesting to note, yet not surprising, is the oppositions tactic to comdemn and attempt to reverse the accusations, without providing a single bit of evidence. And it's usually this baseless, reverse accusation that will get the headline in the MSM.

The Bishops are on target and know exactly what they are saying. Hugo Chavez wants to be another Castro. The Bishops are speaking the truth. If the truth is not recognized it must be because El Assami does not want to see it. There is no hatred in the truth. Don't forget that Christ was not always popular for speaking the truth.

At least this bishop had the "cojones" to tell it like it is when discussing Hugo Chavez's Marxist dictatorship. I wish we had more "manly" bishops like this one throughout the world.

Just another attempt by the oppressive regime of Chavez to silence the Catholic Church who is trying to represent only what the Church beliefs and teachings are. Chavez fears the people will stay with the Church, and not "worship" him as he desires.