Don't quit your Day-o job

“Belafonte Says Bush Is 'Greatest Terrorist in the World,' Praises Venezuelan Dictator

Sunday, January 08, 2006



CARACAS, Venezuela — The American singer and activist Harry Belafonte called President Bush "the greatest terrorist in the world" on Sunday and said millions of Americans support the socialist revolution of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.

Belafonte led a delegation of Americans including the actor Danny Glover and the Princeton University scholar Cornel West that met the Venezuelan president for more than six hours late Saturday. Some in the group attended Chavez's television and radio broadcast Sunday.

"No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people ... support your revolution," Belafonte told Chavez during the broadcast.

The 78-year-old Belafonte, famous for his calypso-inspired music, including the "Day-O" song, was a close collaborator of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. He also has been outspoken in criticizing the U.S. embargo of Cuba.

Chavez said he believes deeply in the struggle for justice by blacks, both in the U.S. and Venezuela.

"Although we may not believe it, there continues to be great discrimination here against black people," Chavez said, urging his government to redouble its efforts to prevent discrimination.

Belafonte accused U.S. news media of falsely painting Chavez as a "dictator," when in fact, he said, there is democracy and citizens are "optimistic about their future."

Dolores Huerta, a pioneer of the United Farm Workers labor union also in the delegation, called the visit a "very deep experience."

Chavez accuses Bush of trying to overthrow him, pointing to intelligence documents released by the U.S. indicating that the CIA knew beforehand that dissident officers planned a short-lived 2002 coup. The U.S. denies involvement, but Chavez says Venezuela must be on guard.

Belafonte suggested setting up a youth exchange for Venezuelans and Americans. He finished by shouting in Spanish: "Viva la revolucion!"”

“I love it when grade B celebs turn into grade A victicrats just to keep their names in the papers.”

“Excellent thread title! Otherwise, more non-news to me...”

“Grade B? Nigal, didn't you see Beetlejuice? Banana Boat was a pivotal song in that classic movie.”

“In the words of Janet Jackson, "What have ya done for me lately?". BTW- Beetlejuice was a classic that is in my top 10 movies of all time.

"We've come for your daughter Chuck."”

“who the hell is US Vile Bears...stop hiding behind your troll and show us who you are...78 year old singer?...well if a senile washed up has been said so it must be true (with no disrespect for his music, i do like me some harry belafonte)”

“Bellafonte's statements are ridiculous, but referring to Chavez as a dictator is a gross oversimplification. He is democratically elected and hasn't nullified the Democratic process. Of course, Bellafonte's silliness makes that oversimplification sound like an astute observation in comparison.”