Just on CNN

Dan says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:43:

what's going on here... Chavez trying to make a new image for himself?

it is good that the captrured are being released I'm happy for them... I just wonder why Chavez is helping.

God Bless America!

alezzz says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:45:

yeah that's what he wants

---Music is the strongest form of magic.---

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:48:

These two women are already ontheir way to Venezuela on a Red Cross helicopter. Chavez and Cordoba pulled that one off.

Colombiche says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:50:

Like I said, quien se va a aguantar a Chavez dando pantalla.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:54:

Gotta' be pretty embarrassing to see them carted off to Venezuela where Chavez and his ever-present Cuban advisers can make political hay at the expense of Colombia.

Oh well, 40 more years or 400,000 more soldiers...

Albatross says on Jan 10, 2008, 08:57:

He did kinda sleaze his way in there... Chavez 1, Uribe 0.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:00:

Maybe it's a tie at the moment. Chavez lost over New Year's and Uribe won.

Simon says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:04:

2 down, about 2,098 more hostages to go.



BTW, Mr. Tinto, I currently do live in Cali and if you somehow have access to our IP Adresses you can look and verify this.

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:05:

I'd say it's 2-1 for Chavez.

webmanco says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:07:

I said, 0-0 Colombia perdiendo, depending on other countries to resolve internal affairs.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:11:

Whatever the score, Chavez is playing the game of bread and circuses, and that never ends well.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:13:

"Chavez and Cordoba pulled that one off."

If you say so. I guess that pardons the fact that he allows FARC to operate on Venezuelan soil. What a hero. Simon Bolivar reincarnated.

Y esa asquerosa vieja traidora esta bien engrudada de la mierda de las farc. Ojala algún día la ahorquen en la Plaza de Bolivar con Marulanda y el resto de esas ratas

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:13:

i think chavez made some hay with his acceptance of the last election defeat...& now it seems he has one upped all of you who hate him so...

Simon says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:19:

Have you guys noticed that Chavez never has anything bad to say about those ruthless murderous thugs, the FARC? Even when they backed out last week and lied to him about having Emmanuel in their custody and made him look bad in front of the world, he still didn't show even the slightest bit of aggravation towards these despicable narco-terrorists!

But Uribe who dared to put a stop to Chavez interfering in Colombia's sovereignty is now his mortal enemy!

So guess whose side Chavez is on?

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:27:

"I'd say it's 2-1 for Chavez."

I'd like to think this was about the hostages and not Chavez' political gain. Ridiculous huh?

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:35:

Yes, of course, billy. The only thing that matters is that these two women are free and that Emmanuel can reunite with his mother now.

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:38:

No hostages ...even sadder.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:43:

That's it, let's cheer for the farc and chavez. They are the true Bolivarian heroes of Latin America! Let us give thanks to them for all they have done for Colombia.

chavez and the farc are the enemies of the Colombian people. This meager gesture of releasing two out of hundreds of their prisoners is a cynical ploy for political gain at best.

cordoba and her farc pals should be hung on national television while chavez should face a firing squad in his own country. I hope the Venezuelan people don't turn out to be as spineless as the cubans when it comes to ridding themselves of a dictator.

tasco66 says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:47:

Great news…apparently the Farc is able release hostages without having an international left wing commission with Oliver Stone & Co. to supervise the whole process…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:52:

See how simple it was to do it this way, instead of that ridiculous circus they put on last week.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:57:

well, the guerrilla didn't have any other option isn't it after what happened with that little boy they didn't want to look under the International community any worse, so i don't how much influenze of Chaves....or they,re trying to repair their "image"

engage brain before opening mouth

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:58:

chavez is a politician...arguable little better or worse than uribe & bush....but unlike those 2 he was one tough paratrooper & not a chickenhawk like bush

it's arguable also whether he is smarter than uribe...but not bush who has shown himself to be about 43rd smartest usa president...

rikito is smarter than bush

tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 09:59:

"i think chavez made some hay with his acceptance of the last election defeat."

Fortunately he had no choice. Maybe there is some hope for Venezuela yet.

elk says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:00:

Two Hostages have been freed!


an. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Two hostages held by Colombia's biggest guerrilla group have been freed after as long as six years in jungle camps in a deal brokered by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Two Venezuelan helicopters bearing Red Cross emblems picked up hostages Clara Rojas, a former vice-presidential candidate, and ex-congresswoman Consuelo Gonzales de Perdomo, from members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. They are expected to land in Venezuela by 2 p.m. New York time, Chavez said.

``Minutes ago I spoke directly on the telephone with Clara and Consuelo,'' Chavez said today in comments broadcast by Venezuelan state television. ``I want to thank the Colombian government for its cooperation.''

The successful release may help Chavez save face after a previous mission unraveled last month before television cameras from around the world. Chavez said the two women are in ``good condition'' and that he will maintain contact with the rebels in a bid to free more hostages.

Chavez's first attempt to rescue the hostages fizzled after Colombian President Alvaro Uribe revealed the guerrillas didn't hold a child they'd promised to free in deal he'd worked out. Uribe said Emmanuel, a boy born in captivity to Rojas about three years ago, had been let go in 2005 and is living in Bogota with foster parents.

Military Operations

The group of international observers today is much smaller. Last time, Chavez invited delegates from a half dozen countries and journalists who spent days holed up at a Colombian airport waiting for the mission to set off. Among them were Argentine President Nestor Kirchner and U.S. film maker Oliver Stone.

Colombia's Foreign Minister Fernando Araujo said Jan. 7 the government wouldn't tolerate the presence of international humanitarian commissions that enhance the credibility of the guerrillas while casting Uribe in an unfavorable light.

Colombia ceased military operations and attacks on guerrillas in the area where the two women were released, Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said in a statement released last night.

``Hopefully now that they are free the focus can turn to less famous captives,'' said Rupert Stebbings, head of international sales at Interbolsa SA, Colombia's biggest brokerage.

More Captives

The two hostages released were part of a group of 45 people, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. contractors, being held by the guerrillas. There are an estimated 700 other hostages that the FARC has kidnapped for ransom to raise money for its more than four-decade fight against the government.

Rojas, 44, was kidnapped in 2002 along with French- Colombian candidate Betancourt while campaigning against Uribe. Gonzales, 57, has been a hostage since 2001.

Relations between Venezuela and Colombia have soured since Chavez began negotiations with the FARC, as they are known, to swap a group of 45 hostages for 500 jailed rebels. Uribe withdrew his support in November when the Venezuelan leader made a phone call to Colombia's army commander in violation of their agreement. Chavez then said relations with Colombia were ``in the freezer.'' although the next round of negotiations culminating in the collapse on Dec. 31 went ahead.

To contact the reporter on this story: Matthew Walter in Caracas at mwalter4 at bloomberg.net ; Helen Murphy in Bogota at hmurphy1 at bloomberg.net .
Last Updated: January 10, 2008 11:55 ES

bickerss says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:06:

bizzare - I see the news on an australian news paper - so get online and ask my Colombian friends; and all of them say ''What? when" I dont know""

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:09:

I'm listening to Caracol Radio they're broadcasting only news and interviews related with the release.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:12:

I hope the DAS is on alert to never allow Oliver Stones imbecilic ass into Colombia. That windbag needs to keep his mouth shut on topics about which he is ignorant.

cassini77 says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:30:

This is very,very strange.
I thought all people here would enjoy the freedom for the two hostages.
I was naive.
Some of you would have preferred that the hostages would no be freed or that they would be killed.
Why do you not say clearly that you don't give a damn?
Poor bastards ...

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:38:

I'm glad they're free.

Now it's time for the FARC to release the other hundreds or thousands and stop kidnapping more.

I'm really not sure this helps Chavez in any way. It makes it look like he's taking direction from the FARC, rather than the other way around, which I can't imagine any national leader wanting.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:40:

Being happy for the release of the hostages and feeling that chavez and the farc are scum are not mutually exclusive.

Despising the enemies of Colombia hardly means that we don't give a damn about the hostages. That is a presumptuous and incorrect assumption on your part.

docwilliam says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:40:

Two freed!!! I hope the rest will come soon!

"There's no time to panic"

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:46:

I believe most people are truly happy for the release of these two women, regardless the political spectrum where they find themselves.

I agree, let's just be happy that these two women have been released today and hope that this will be a new beginning or at least a tiny little step towards the release of the rest of the people the FARC is holding.

I don't really care if it was Piedad Cordoba/Hugo Chavez or Uribe/Bush or Sarcozy/Madre Teresa or Cassini/Rikito combination that was able to pull this one off....that's something we can continue discussing tomorrow. And the next ten years after this on PBH.

Cheers,
Desi

tasco66 says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:47:

Cassini naïve you are for believing Farc and Chavista propaganda…everyone is happy that the hostages are free, and we all hope this will lead to many more releases…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

JoseRamone says on Jan 10, 2008, 10:57:

I'm very happy to read about this hostage release. I'm also hopeful Chavez can leverage further releases before somebody picks his sorry ass off.

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:01:

don't worry jose...pat robertson...winner of the iowa caucuses a couple of decades ago...is working on it....you can count on it because he's a good christian

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:07:

At the beginning of last year that idiot had apparently said that God had told him that there would be a massive terrorist attack on the US in 2007 with potentially thousands or even millions of dead. When nothing materialized by the end of the year, he told his sheeple followers that God spared the US because of their prayers.

When will people stop believing in ridiculous fairy tales and the corrupt, lying and immoral preachers, priests, rabbis, etc. that spread the lies?

Honestly, believing that there is an invisible superhero who loves and protects us is about as ridiculous as the scientology belief that we are all troubled by the ghosts of aliens that were killed in a volcano by the space overlord.

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:12:

I was channel surfing a while ago and came across CBN or the 700 Club or whatever it's called. I think Pat retired and his son has taken over the reins.

elmodefoque says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:18:

From what I gather, Chavez has no chance in hell of getting invited to thanksgiving dinner by you guys.
I will refrain from making any disparaging comments against the president of my country.

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:22:

pat robertson also successfully got god to move a hurricane up the east coast of states & spared his beloved virginia a few decades ago...

...& as recently as 2 days ago it was only by the blessings of god that more people didn't die in the masssive traffic accident in florida

...pat was on the 700 club today tinto...he's a hoot to watch & one the best money raisers

webmanco says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:25:

Elmo Cual presidente o País, USA or México :-)

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

tomtom33 says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:26:

I'd be happy to invite him if we can cook his goose.

elmodefoque says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:36:

de venezuela.
todo wayuu tenemos double citizenship. venezuela y colombia. tengo mucha familia entre maicao, riohacha y maracaibo

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:40:

So that means you've got triple citizenship befitting a triple HP?

elmodefoque says on Jan 10, 2008, 11:42:

jijijijijijiji un requete triple HP jijijjjji

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:12:

Clarita and Consuelo are in Venezuela....changed from a helicopter to a military plane in Santo Domingo (Tachira)...smiling and apparently in good health. Piedad Cordoba was also there with them and the Venezuelan minister.

scotty says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:27:

does anyone really think that Chavez give a chit about any hostages anywhere, this is all Chavez public relations at work.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

juancegomez says on Jan 10, 2008, 12:57:

I'm happy that these two people have been released and that their families will feel that a heavy burden has been lifted, but I'm not too optimistic about what comes next, considering the circumstances...wait and see, as always.

In the meanwhile, the media circus is beginning to get tiresome and repetitive...and this is before Hugo Chávez holds the inevitable press conference.

tasco66 says on Jan 10, 2008, 13:36:

Looks to me like the new axis Farc-Chavez is working well after a false start…the Farc make the kidnappings and Chavez organises the release…to the political benefit of both…when it comes to propaganda, Marxist revolutionaries are unbeatable…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 13:46:

If Chavez' had any class or brains, he would play down his participation in the release and look a bigger person because of it, but we know he doesn't have either, so he will have a big self glorification party and look small for it. Having said that, if that's the price we have to pay for the hostages being released, then Chavez' and the traitor Cordova can make fools out of themselves every day of the week.

imdarkangel says on Jan 10, 2008, 13:55:

Viva chavez!
the nobel award
:0)

LilaM says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:10:

Sweet video

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer." Ed. Cunningham

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:16:

What a great video. This is a very happy moment for Colombia.

cassini77 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:32:

Viva Chavez y Piedad!

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:40:

Que viva el dictador verdad? Imbécil.

Deje de ser ridículo. Cuando ese hijueputa deje de apoyar a los criminales de las farc, capaz llegara a merecer vida.

Porque es que los Europeos se tragan los cuentos de las ratas farc y su amigote el dictador?

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:42:

Let's hope Chavez can show half the dignity, during his innevitable press confrerence, that those two hostages and their families have just shown in the video above, but don't hold your breath.

tasco66 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:48:

Yep, the French are always for negotiating (paying off) the terrorists, no wonder they take Chavez for a hero…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

cassini77 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:48:

Communicado de la FICIB

La FICIB (Federación Internacional de Comités Ingrid Betancourt para la liberación de los rehenes de Colombia) comparte la dicha de Clara y Consuelo y, desea para ellos que vuelvan a encontrar, muy pronto, una vida normal, entre sus familiares y amigos.

Queremos transmitir, en especial, a Clara toda la simpatía de muchos municipios, ciudades y regiones que decidieron nombrarla, como a Ingrid, Ciudadana de Honor, con el fin de apoyar nuestros esfuerzos.

Desde el principio, los Comités reunidos en la FICIB han luchado por todos los rehenes. Esta primera liberación, después de seis de lucha, es para nosotros, a la vez una gran satisfacción que una motivación renovada a doblar nuestros esfuerzos, con el fin de que sean liberados lo más rápido posible las demás personas que están aún privadas de libertad, como Ingrid Betancourt.

Agradecemos al presidente Uribe y a los responsables de la Guerrilla el haber hecho posible, por la buena voluntad de ambos, la liberación de Clara y Consuelo y dirigimos nuestros más calurosos agradecimientos a Piedad Córdoba, Hugo Chávez y todos los jefes de Estado cuya acción determinada ha estado en la base de esta liberación.

Deseamos que esta buena voluntad y estas acciones determinadas continúen y se amplíen para lograr, tan rápido como sea posible, una solución definitiva al problema de los secuestrados, que dé al Pueblo colombiano, un día no lejano, una esperanza seria de vivir en un país en paz.

LilaM says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:50:

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer." Ed. Cunningham

cassini77 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:51:

Mensaje de Yolanda PULECIO de Betancourt y de Astrid Betancourt

La liberación de Clara y de Consuelo es un gran alegria para nosotros.

Queremos transmitirles todo nuestro afecto y deseamos que acompañados de sus familias se recuperen muy rápidamente de todas las secuelas ocasionadas por esta cautividad terrible

Agradecemos y saludamos la voluntad sin falta del Presidente Chavez y de la Senadora Piedad Cordoba en el mantenimiento de sus gestiones humanitarias con vistas a la liberación de todos los rehenes, y esto a pesar de los obstáculos encontrados hasta ahora y a venir.

También nos alegramos, que todos los esfuerzos emprendidos por la comunidad internacional y en particular por Francia, España y Suiza desde hace casi 6 años, hayan ayudado a conseguir la liberación de Clara y Consuelo..

Pedimos a las Farc que sigan en la vía de las liberaciones humanitarias, de igual manera que lo han hecho hasta ahora, mostrando asi a la comunidad internacional su sincera voluntad de resolver la situacion de los rehenes, y concluir de esta manera a un acuerdo humanitario

Le pedimos al gobierno Colombiano que de manera prioritaria tome en cuenta la vida y la libertad de lo rehenes ante cualquier otra consideracion.

Con el apoyo de Francia que no ha cesado desde los casi 6 años de cautividad de ingrid, y el definitivo apoyo del Presidente Chavez, tenemos la esperanza de poder tener rápidamente Ingrid en nuestros brazos …

Yolanda Pulecio de Betancourt y
Astrid Betancourt

cassini77 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:55:

Tasco66 is very sad and we are many to be happy. Why?

tasco66 says on Jan 10, 2008, 14:58:

Looks to me like the Betancourt family is making some progress…it’s the first time I see them not criticising Presidente Uribe in a public declaration…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:09:

I just looked at some photos on the Miami Herald website. Piedad Cordoba looks like a whore -- her butt, her boobs and her rolls of fat are busting out of a bright red, cheap-looking tracksuit.

I suppose it's a little better than the hideous T-shirt she wore for the FARC hug fest of a month or two ago, but she really needs to invest in a mirror. Or her hero needs to give her one of his big, red boxy shirts.

Colombiche says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:12:

I wish I could bitch slap Piedad Cordoba.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

tasco66 says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:14:

I am happy for the released hostages and their families, and you are happy for the political gains Chavez and the Farc hope to achieve out of this...BIG distinction…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

LilaM says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:16:

jajaja colombiche siiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. además creo que el saco rojito era talla xs jejeje

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer." Ed. Cunningham

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:24:

"Looks to me like the Betancourt family is making some progress…it’s the first time I see them not criticising Presidente Uribe in a public declaration…"

Maybe they are learning from Doña Clara de Rojas how to show a little class.

Colombiche says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:25:

Sorry, I am having a bad day at work. I think it's my stupid boss that I really want to bitchslap but Piedad Cordoba will be a reasonable substitute.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:26:

"La FICIB "

who gives a shit about what they have to say?

manINred says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:34:

you're still at work?

I suppose that's something to be happy about, freed hostages. now for the more important task of FARC demobilization!

Colombiche says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:36:

That's why I'm having a bad day, lots to do, working overtime. Where is my overtime pay? Oh wait, there is none.... okay, keep going.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

Man Tequila says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:43:

Guess not all the hostages are in the jungle. Still, hope this release leads something bigger than Chavez making hay.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

manINred says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:46:

oh that's harsh! non-union Canada for you ;)

Sr Tertius says on Jan 10, 2008, 15:56:

I'm very very happy for the hostages, particularly because it coincides with some good news for me (nothing comparable, OBVIOUSLY! but still).

Ah, but I couldn't help reading the inevitable political commentary here and elsewhere.

There's a prediction that's itching in the back of my brain, because I really hope it doesn't become true, but I'm afraid it may. In the next few months Clara Rojas and Consuelo Perdomo are going to get some press, and one of them or both may take the cause of the kidnapped as their own, and they'll get the treatment Piedad Cordoba received from the Colombian public, because inevitably they'll have to confront Uribe if they are going to take that cause. I can almost read the insults and the references to Stockholm syndrome's and crap like that.

Although I hope they take the cause, I also hope that the public will react with more dignity than I expect. I wouldn't mind, in fact I'd love to be wrong.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

imdarkangel says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:08:

ColombianoGringo if you dont like it to bad
call me w/e you want i quite frankly dont give a damn
Chavez did alot for Colombian Citizens

go ahead and hate and call him a dictater w.e
but remember that he was elected by the people
and as a Colombian i am thankful for his humanitarian act.

go ahead and keep on hating

slguy says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:11:

SrT, I don't think Piedad pisses people off because of confronting Uribe. Seems to me people hate her socialist, Farc-loving guts for kissing those animals' asses.

Just my opinion.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:18:

you hit it on the head darkangel...some people love to hate.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:20:

I predict you're wrong Sr. T.

I hope they will take up the cause of the kidnapped with great dignity and effectiveness.

Sr Tertius says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:20:

I'm still confused about what has Piedad done to materially help FARC? She took some pictures in very poor taste, but shit, if that's what takes to get people free, I'd kiss Ivan Marquez's curly beard!

But that's a different issue. Look at Yolanda Pulecio, whose only sin is to critizice Uribe's strategy, and some people are sending her death threats on public forums. I'm afraid you'll see public opinion turn around on these two women in a matter of weeks. I hope, again, that I'm wrong.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:23:

"people are sending her death threats on public forums"

Death threats in a public forum (meaning the internet, right?) mean next to zero, except some little punk is mouthing off.

When the severed horse head appears in your bed it's time to worry.

slguy says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:35:

Please, T. Who said anything about materially helping FARC? Why isn't sympathizing with an organization of drug-dealing, murderous terrorists worthy of scorn?

Next I suppose you'll be denying that she is a FARC sympathizer.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 16:47:

what's wrong with drug dealing?

robi666 says on Jan 10, 2008, 17:03:

Who knows how they have perceived the whole process. Who knows what the FARC let them know about the war, politic, peace process with the paracos, Uribe, Chavez, USA, the last election.
They could think and know just what FARC let them... sort of brainwashing.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Sam Salmon says on Jan 10, 2008, 17:34:

"When the severed horse head appears in your bed it's time to worry."

Si Verdad!

' a la orden!'

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 10, 2008, 17:37:

imdarkangel

If you consider the harboring of the farc in Venezuela to be helpful to the Colombian people, then I see you why you idolize him.

I am also Colombian and I see the man as an evil bastard hell-bent on wrapping Colombia up in his "revolution". He has consistently taken actions detrimental to Colombia's best interests. For example, his threats to suspend all trade with Colombia out of spite for Uribe are certainly not good for the Colombian people. This was a direct attempt at manipulating the government of Colombia with a gross disregard for Colombian sovereignty. He does the same things he accuses his enemies of doing. Isn't he always harping about Venezuelan sovereignty? The man is nothing more than a dangerous hypocrite.

If you choose to idolize this dictator, you have the right. However, if you think that Chavez has altruistic motivations in his dealings with Colombia, then you are a deluded fool.

imdarkangel says on Jan 10, 2008, 18:12:

dictator lol
he was chosen by his people
they tried one time to overthrow him but failed .
anyways im not gonna argue with your political views bye

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 18:18:

Lest you start thinking Chavez is the second coming of Ghandi, just remember that he led his own unsuccesful coup against the democratically elected governament in 1992.

imdarkangel says on Jan 10, 2008, 18:26:

BillyB you been watching to much of bushit propaganda

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 18:33:

Are you saying it is not true what I posted above? Are you that ignorant?

Excerpt from Wikie

Coup attempt of 1992

Chávez calls for the surrender of all forces on national TV.Main article: 1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts
After an extended period of popular dissatisfaction and economic decline[12] under the administration of President Carlos Andrés Pérez and the violent repression known as El Caracazo,[13] Chávez made extensive preparations for a military coup d'état.[14] Initially planned for December, Chávez delayed the MBR-200 coup until the early twilight hours of February 4, 1992. On that date, five army units under Chávez's command barreled into urban Caracas with the mission of assaulting and overwhelming key military and communications installations throughout the city, including the Miraflores presidential palace, the defense ministry, La Carlota military airport, and the Historical Museum. Chávez's ultimate goal was to intercept and take custody of Pérez, who was returning to Miraflores from an overseas trip.

Chávez held the loyalty of less than 10% of Venezuela's military forces;[15] still, numerous betrayals, defections, errors, and other unforeseen circumstances soon left Chávez and a small group of rebels cut off in the Historical Museum, without any means of conveying orders to their network of spies and collaborators spread throughout Venezuela.[16] Further, Chávez's allies were unable to broadcast their prerecorded tapes on the national airwaves in which Chávez planned to issue a general call for a mass civilian uprising against Pérez. As the coup unfolded, the coup plotters were unable to capture Pérez: fourteen soldiers were killed, and 50 soldiers and some 80 civilians injured in the ensuing violence.[17] Nevertheless, rebel forces in other parts of Venezuela made advances and were ultimately able to take control of such large cities as Valencia, Maracaibo, and Maracay with the help of spontaneous civilian aid.[dubious – discuss] Chávez's forces, however, had failed to take Caracas.[18]

Chávez, alarmed, soon gave himself up to the government. He was then allowed to appear on national television to call for all remaining rebel detachments in Venezuela to cease hostilities. When he did so, Chávez quipped on national television that he had only failed "por ahora" (for now).[19] Chávez was catapulted into the national spotlight, with many poor Venezuelans seeing him as a figure who had stood up against government corruption and kleptocracy.[20][21] Chávez was sent to Yare prison; meanwhile, Pérez, the coup's intended target, was impeached a year later. While in prison, Chávez developed a carnosity of the eye, which spread to his iris. The clarity of his eyesight was slowly corrupted; despite treatments and operations, Chávez's eyesight was permanently damaged.[22]

imdarkangel says on Jan 10, 2008, 18:53:

u could look up all the wikipedia fun facts
!Im just saying he was chosen in a democratic way.!
Venezuelan coup attempt of 2002 that was a joke you saw how the Venezuelan citizens fought the pro-US Carmona government to bring back the real president


anyways scholors billyb and colombiangringo yall are to smart.
making the world a better place by educating a ignorant person like myself THANK YOU

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 18:56:

we can start with you telling us what "scholors" is.

webmanco says on Jan 10, 2008, 19:01:

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

imdarkangel says on Jan 10, 2008, 19:29:

sorry for the typing mistake
scholars
anyways im done with this useless post bye

diabloblas says on Jan 10, 2008, 19:36:

don't worry too much...as soon as bush mediates a peace between the palestinians/israelis ...he'll turn his talents towards farc/uribe/chavez...

...i for one have faith in bush because he has a direct line with god

robi666 says on Jan 10, 2008, 20:20:

One goes one comes... :-(

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

billyb says on Jan 10, 2008, 20:29:

Maybe they're different facets of the same mind playing tag team with each other.

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 10, 2008, 22:30:

Tinto, she wasn't going to a fashion show. I saw the tears in her eyes when she was hugging Clara and Consuelo at he airport in Caracas. That's what I saw, not her clothes or her extra pounds.

slguy says on Jan 10, 2008, 22:40:

I saw the same thing Tinto saw- just before i heaved.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

Sr Tertius says on Jan 11, 2008, 00:28:

Mr H: Agree, and I don't expect anything substantial about death threats on the internet, just like I don't expect anything substantial from "sympathizing" that is restricted to words. Words mean nada. Given that, what's the whole Piedad-bashing thing all about? Are the hugs and kisses she gave to FARC people **while negotiating with them** getting everyone's panties in a bunch? I think is worthy of far more scorn the fact that she wears shirts a few sizes below appropriate.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

cassini77 says on Jan 11, 2008, 01:11:

It is unworthy to attack Piedad because of her clothing or her extra pounds. It is a kind of racism that shows the degree of intolerance reached by some people who do not have any strong argument.
Her actions and particularly this deliverance speak for her.
Thanks to her Colombia was not entirely absent from this event.

billyb is very funny when he writes : "Maybe they are learning from Doña Clara de Rojas how to show a little class". He would do right by beginning to put himself into practice this advice. And his clones too.

cassini77 says on Jan 11, 2008, 01:15:

Without the FICIB (Federación Internacional de Comités Ingrid Betancourt para la liberación de los rehenes de Colombia), I think that practically nobody in Colombia would be concerned by the fate ot the hostages. Colombian, open your eyes.

scotty says on Jan 11, 2008, 02:45:

i have no love for chavez or the rebels but i am sure happy the hostages are free.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

podborski says on Jan 11, 2008, 04:08:

it's interesting that despite all the moaning and complaining about Uribe's tough stance against FARC, especially regarding the hostages, hostages are released while he is in power.

Reminds me of when Reagan was ridiculed (in the press anyway) for his tough stance vs the USSR, yet look what happened.

I think it's called vindication in both cases : )

tasco66 says on Jan 11, 2008, 05:01:

The FICIB is just bringing international attention on one hostage: Ingrid Betancourt…which in turn raises the stakes for her release…The French will have to pay dearly to have the opportunity to see their president do a photo op with her…

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

Albatross says on Jan 11, 2008, 05:25:

"I just looked at some photos on the Miami Herald website. Piedad Cordoba looks like a whore -- her butt, her boobs and her rolls of fat are busting out of a bright red, cheap-looking tracksuit." - Tinto

I thought the same thing... what a freakin' circus... could Chavez have looked more opportunistic posing for the cameras with the grandaughter of Consuelo Gonzalez in his arms ?... oh wait, Bush's "Mission Accomplished" charade aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Funny how even after years as a hostage, Rojas still outclassed just about everyone around her.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

hongo_joe says on Jan 11, 2008, 05:59:

I thought Cordoba was a disgrace/ embarrassment for Colombia. Apart from the the way she was dressed - which was ridiculous. Why was she hugging Farc- totally unnecessary. She stands in front of Clara Roja and her mother when Chavez was speaking. I thought she tried to slip Chavez the tongue when they greeted (I think they are or will soon be doing it - sorry for the image)

Corroncha!!

billyb says on Jan 11, 2008, 06:29:

"Without the FICIB (Federación Internacional de Comités Ingrid Betancourt para la liberación de los rehenes de Colombia), I think that practically nobody in Colombia would be concerned by the fate ot the hostages. Colombian, open your eyes."

See Cassini, there is where you show your ignorance of Colombia (once again), we Colombians care about all the hostages, the FICIB cares about only one.

LilaM says on Jan 11, 2008, 06:56:

well desi about what you just said...., she wasn't going to a fashion show. I saw the tears in her eyes when she was hugging Clara and Consuelo at he airport in Caracas. That's what I saw, not her clothes or her extra pounds....

Well what I actually saw is that she is acting like Chavez del 8 wife, jejeje that makes me dislike her more than ever....

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer." Ed. Cunningham

billyb says on Jan 11, 2008, 07:00:

I didn't even pay attention when that skank was on, what i liked was the families hugging, not interested in polticians hamming it for the cameras.

slguy says on Jan 11, 2008, 07:06:

SrT, you, who adores using words, discounting the power of words?

Sorry, but you're sounding a mite silly on this point. It's only words????? Isn't that what the diplomcay, the negotiation you always espouse, involve?

Why don't you just come out and admit that you are a FARC supporter, and be done with it? To take the position that Piedad is unworthy of scorn simply because she's hugging and kissing those animals is....unseemly, for anyone who truly believes that murder, drugrunning, extortion, kidnapping, etc are not acceptable behavior.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 11, 2008, 07:33:

"Without the FICIB (Federación Internacional de Comités Ingrid Betancourt para la liberación de los rehenes de Colombia), I think that practically nobody in Colombia would be concerned by the fate ot the hostages."

That is the most ignorant statement I have read in a long time. Sure, Colombians would not give a shit about the fate of our kidnapped countrymen if it were not for the enlightenment of a bunch of Frenchmen who can't even keep their cities under control. Honestly, I think the muslim immigrants that will soon take over your country would be more enlightened than the imbeciles that believe all the propaganda spewed by the farc and their buddy chavez.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 11, 2008, 07:38:

I agree that it is silly to attack Putad Cordoba for her clothes and her weight. The reason to despise her was made very apparent when she so happily hugged the farc criminals. Did she forget that these scum are part of the criminal mafia that kidnapped these women to begin with. It's not like these were some heroes who liberated them. She has clearly sold out to the farc and generalisimo chavez and that makes her nothing more than a traitor who should be hung alongside marulanda and his merry men.

Sr Tertius says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:09:

I love words, just like I love music, but they don't change the world as some romantics may think: They're just fun.

BTW, I forgot to mention the horse head left on Piedad's bed:

http://www.elpais.com.co/historico/sep282007/NAL/nac08.html

Where do you get the idea that I am a FARC supporter? I've been very clear about where my support lies, and if you are not going to believe me, then I'm not going to wast time trying to persuade you. I don't take the position that you describe: I don't think someone is "unworthy of scorn simply because she's hugging and kissing" anyone. I just take a cold objective look at the facts:

The government had not been able to free a single high profile hostage.

The government asks Cordoba for help.

Cordoba asks the government if it is okay to bring international attention to this, including Chavez on board.

The government says yes.

She does.

With government permission, Piedad talks to a number of people, including FARC people. After her conversation with Trinidad in the US, he asks FARC to give up the idea of getting him back to Colombia if that hurts negotiations. She takes some pictures with FARC members in a meeting approved by the Colombian government in Caracas.

Chavez gets further involved and shit breaks loose.

At the end of the day, 3 hostages are free.

Did I get any of the facts wrong? Did I miss any relevant fact? And by relevant I mean anything that changed the outcome of the process. Isn't this essentially what happened? So what's the deal with Piedad? And you read from this that I am a FARC supporter?!

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

tasco66 says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:09:

"It is unworthy to attack Piedad because of her clothing or her extra pounds. It is a kind of racism that shows the degree of intolerance reached by some people who do not have any strong argument."

Now that’s funny coming from a guy who’s only argument a few days ago was that he had a higher IQ than other PBH posters…(something obviously nobody believed on this board)!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

diabloblas says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:14:

well said tertius...

..my feelings on this & just about every other debate...is that the truth is always in the middle ...& politicians are going to be politicians no matter where & when

..but i am for the people..no matter where my homeless body happens to be.

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:19:

OK, I will rephrase this because everyone is picking on me and it's making me cry:

- Red is a power color and it's also the color of Chavez's "revolution"
- There are hundreds of other shades of color Ms. Cordoba could have worn that didn't convey the message of 1) I'm powerful, 2) I want you to see me and 3) I fully support Chavez. She was not the focus of the day, the hostages were.
- For a politician in the international spotlight, she made a very bad choice in clothes. Disregarding the color for a moment, they looked cheap, inappropriate and very ill-fitting/unprofessional for a woman with her body type and job title.
- In some of the staged photos, she is front and center in her tight, bright red clothes. Clara Rojas is BEHIND her. Those photos speak volumes about Cordoba and her exaggerated sense of self-importance.

-Mr. Politically Correct

diabloblas says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:28:

thank you for that analysis doctor phil

cassini77 says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:32:

Sr Tertius, I admire you because you answer always quietly and serenely all the attacks.

You do not agree with Uribe, so you are a FARC.
You do not agree with Santos, so you are a FARC.
You do not agree with Slguy, so you are a FARC.
You do not agree with Uribe, so you are a french bastard.
You do not agree with Billyb, so you are a shit.
etc.

I think you cannot convince these guys. They have blinkers like horses.
Only two things animate them: hate and stupidity. The whole mixed with racism, xenophobia, chauvinism, machismo and sexism.

Sr Tertius says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:33:

Tinto: Since we are at clarifications... I'm no fan of Piedad Cordoba. She is an attention-grabbing politician with a heightened sense of self-importance and a poor sense of clothing.

But she got the job done, no matter how you look at it.

If we knew that through her mediation 10 more hostages could be unilaterally freed, would we stop her because of her personality flaws or her alleged sympathies toward FARC?

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

juancegomez says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:40:

I do not believe Piedad Córdoba is a FARC supporter, despite her being a Chavista.

On the other hand, the parting words of the Venezuelan Interior Minister, when he said "goodbye" to the guerrillas, are somewhat worrying, at best...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x40hfz_la-despedida-de-rodriguez-chac...

This does not make this humanitarian operation meaningless, not at all, but it does make one question a few things about this individual, at least...

tasco66 says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:43:

The Farc make the kidnappings and Chavez and Cordoba organize the releases…best propaganda arrangement in history!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

tasco66 says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:47:

Good video showing the Chavistas shaking hands with the Farc, celebrating the success of their collaboration!

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

Sr Tertius says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:48:

Yes, Tasco, that's another possibility, the wacky conspiracy theory in which, mind you, Uribe would have to be involved too.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

juancegomez says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:52:

I don't think this reaches the level of such a conspiracy theory, tasco66, but at least some sympathy and encouragement is being transmitted by the Venezuelan Interior Minister, which is still worrying in my view, despite all the positive things this liberation brings and may continue to do so, with some luck (though I'm not too optimistic right now).

tasco66 says on Jan 11, 2008, 08:59:

Why you call this a conspiracy theory? Who benefits politically from the release of these two women? Who gives a safe haven to the Farc in Venezuela?

Bravo, Presidente Uribe for the perfect operation!

billyb says on Jan 11, 2008, 09:26:

"You do not agree with Billyb, so you are a shit."

Cassini, SR. T and I disagree often (very often), but unlike I do with you, I respect him and his opinions.

slguy says on Jan 11, 2008, 11:07:

I've heard conflicting stories about who invited who into this scenario. I'm not convinced that out of the blue Uribe asked Piedad's help. You'll NEVER convince me that he ever asked El Payaso's help. My sense is that they both inserted themselves.

Piedad kissing those friggin animals is akin to a US congressman kissing bin Laden's ring. Both criminal organizations are avowed enemies of our respective countries. At least in my view, any representaive of MY government who shows affection or respect to El Quada is treasonous. I don;t see how any Colombian could feel otherwise about Piedad.

I apologize for my earlier comment SrT.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

dwr says on Jan 11, 2008, 11:27:

Prediction: Piedad becomes the main negotiating tool for Chavez to release more hostages. She gains immense popularity among the masses as a result. Piedad becomes president in 2010. The Bolivariana state begins.

dwr says on Jan 11, 2008, 11:28:

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 11, 2008, 11:30:

"I don;t see how any Colombian could feel otherwise about Piedad."

Most of us don't. She is a traitorous whore who should be hung in Plaza de Bolivar alongside her farc buddies. The fact that she was involved with this propaganda operation does not absolve her.

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Jan 11, 2008, 12:04:

Do you speak for Colombians in general, ColombianoGringo? I was under the impression that you do not live in Colombia at all.

I couldn't care less if Piedad Cordoba danced naked on national TV if that's what it took to get these people free, home and reunited with their families.

Piedad Cordoba MUST have had some support in Colombia since she is a senator...but I agree that her protagonism was in bad taste; the day belonged to Clara and Consuelo and their families.

Colombiche says on Jan 11, 2008, 12:17:

It's great that a couple of hostages were freed, but the problem goes much deeper than that. At what cost? That was a publicity stunt by Chavez and Cordoba.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

Albatross says on Jan 11, 2008, 15:59:

I think FARC would release more hostages so she would NOT dance naked on national TV.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

Robert Jorge says on Jan 11, 2008, 21:55:

Cassi, it isn't "blinkers." It is "blinders on a horse." Blinkers are on cars.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

Mario says on Jan 11, 2008, 22:00:

Don't forget about the blinkin' winker.