Complicating Sean Penn's narrative?

In an earlier post I noted how Hugo Chavez may have made it difficult for Sean Penn to write a glowing review of his leadership--because Chavez is cracking down on the consumption of alcohol (one of Penn's favorite vices).

Now the LA Times has publishd--on its Opinion page--a new potential complication any who would engage in hero-worship with Chavez on the dais.

Venezuela has become a major hub for international crime syndicates. What attracts them is not the local market; what they really love are the excellent conditions Venezuela offers to anyone in charge of managing a global criminal network.

A nation at the crossroads of South America, the Caribbean, North America and Europe, Venezuela's location is ideal. Borders? Long, scantly populated and porous. Financial system? Large and with easy-to-evade governmental controls. Telecommunications, ports and airports? The best that oil money can buy. U.S. influence? Nil. Corrupt politicians, cops, judges and military officers? Absolutely: Transparency International ranked Venezuela a shameful 162 out of 179 counties on its corruption perception index. Chavez's demonstrated interest in confronting criminal networks during his eight years in power? Not much.
(LA Times)

The piece goes on to emphasize that human trafficking represents one of the criminal elements of greatest concern to the nations watching Venezuela.


Hat tip to Power Line.

*****

How long do we have to wait for Sean Penn's report on Venezuela?

It's been a few weeks since Sean Penn took his journalist's tour of Venezuela. So how long before he writes something about it?

It will be interesting to see if Penn ends up addressing President/dictator Hugo Chavez's decision to crack down on vices such as smoking and drinking--vices that I believe that Penn favors as features of his personal life. In fact, I'm pretty sure I remember something about Penn seeking out a watering hole in Venezuela during his visit.

I can't remember where I read the watering hole bit, but this YouTube video touches on Venezuela as well as Penn's affinity for adult beverages:




*****

Classic (Updated)

clipped from article.wn.com

The guy on the right is probably a greater danger to the world, oddly enough.

Sean Penn seems to be taking his sweet time publishing his story on Hugo Chavez. If this keeps up I'll start thinking he's either afraid for his life or that Chavez won't invite him back.

Update:
It seems reasonable to ask whether the photo above (assuming it's not Photoshopped!) reflects a chink in the argument that a secularist will not cooperate with a religious extremist.

Remember how there was no way that a Baathist like Hussein would cooperate with Sunni extremists?

Ace reporter Sean Penn in the Hugo Chavez retinue

I'll have to see what Penn ends up reporting. It had better be good or maybe Chavez will have him locked up.

La Grita, Venezuela: Aboard the presidential jet, a grinning Hugo Chavez put a hand on Sean Penn's shoulder, praised his acting and added: "And he's anti-Bush!"

OK, so maybe Penn isn't the most objective journalist ever ...

The Oscar-winning actor has previously condemned the Iraq war and called for US President George W. Bush to be impeached, but he revealed little about his thoughts on Venezuela, saying he came as a freelance journalist after reporting stints in Iraq and Iran - and was saving his conclusions for print.
(Gulfnews)

And maybe saving them for after he's away from Chavez?