Venezuela's Chavez Names Successor as He Leaves for Cuba

reply to post by Erongaricuaro

I take your point about Doctors being more accessible in your experience among the 3rd world nations. I'd imagine that is comforting to the local population. All things being equal though....I'm exceptionally happy with the system we have here ...by comparison. I may be able to find a man with medical training in Nicaragua or Honduras in the most out of the way spots......but will he have access to X-ray, labs to culture infection samples (So I get the right antibiotic and not a compounding infection from the wrong one?) or admitting privileges if whatever I thought I had turns out to be complicated? ......or am I more likely to get comfort care if it's above the capabilities of the local clinic?

We all make the best of what we have, to be sure...and I wouldn't knock the system other nations have. Until of course, others made sport of knocking our system based on cost? Well... I don't value life by dollars. To be blunt? My wife collapsed several months ago in our kitchen from a combination of resistant infections, exhaustion and diabetic complications. She stopped breathing ...and CPR on my part if what I think made a difference.

In a 3rd world nation? I'd be honoring her tombstone today and raising our child alone. In the United States? We have a medical team by ambulance in less than 3 minutes...inpatient in a clean bed with attention inside 90 minutes ...and back home in comparatively good health inside a week.

^^^ That is where the difference matters and where I say,...Yeah, Western Medicine is considerably better in many ways.... I certainly won't apologize or feel bad about having the system that has defined the world's level ..in many ways...for over 50 years now.

reply to Wrabbit2000

You and your family are very fortunate, that is good to hear. Your knowledge of CPR no doubt contributed greatly to the successful outcome of that emergency, and it is very fortunate you were so close at hand in that moment. Living in a city of around 700,000 I could not count on such a rapid response for an ambulance, though in the time frame given I may be able to expect paramedics to arrive from our close-by fire station. Our one-block proximity to the city's beltway highway may also provide rapid access to a hospital in such an event, though others less well-located may not fare as fortunate.

We have been half-heartedly planning a vacation to Cuba for several months now. Although we have not yet visited the country I have been receptive to data and small-talk in its regard. One tale concerns a visitor asking a local why he had not seen or heard ambulances dashing through Havana during his visit. The reply he received was that all residents received fairly extensive medical training throughout their normal schooling that all were prepared to handle most any situation and stabilize the stricken so they may be transported to the necessary facilities in a less urgent fashion. I have no first-hand knowledge of the validity of that but it played into other accounts one hears of their medical prowess, along with the Cuban diet and lifestyle being fairly healthy overall. Again, your knowledge of CPR may have the vital contributing factor to the successful outcome of your personal family crisis.

A recurring theme throughout my posts concerns observations based on my relocating outside the US after more than half a century living there. That I had become critical of the American lifestyle may be tiring for many readers but I try to draw the contrasts of living outside of my native home objectively. I have had major surgery done over the years in the US and am a walking example of its effectiveness, on the other hand I have only received routine care for minor ailments and injuries outside of there after leaving. I would have not qualms about having most procedures performed where I live now and would expect first-class accommodations here in that I maintain valid health insurance coverage I have had over decades, the difference in cost assures me exceptional private care and service above what many local persons would normally receive in their general hospitals, so I have that bias. Fact is, crossing the US border into other parts of the world does not denote a departure from civilization into savage regions, as many minds perceive it to be.

Cost and availability of healthcare in many parts of the US becomes a deterrent to seek routine care and becomes a deciding factor for many to self-medicate at home or put-off seeing a physician for ailments that can become more serious. I could not expect to walk into my doctor's office and be able to see him without an appointment. That is, however, standard procedure where I live now. Any principal avenue has a number of generic pharmacies a few blocks apart with a physician on duty for examinations, consultations, and minor treatment. The cost is low, most often there is no waiting, and people do not deprive themselves the opportunity to consult with the doctor. Though a prescription is required for antibiotics and many strong medications a lot of routine products are available over the counter that would require a prescription in the US, however the availability and affordability of physicians encourage the people to receive that routine professional care and examination when other circumstances might encourage them to forego it.

Cuba has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with state of the art equipment and professionals. But it is not the same has saying that the Cubans themselves benefit a lot from it because it is very expensive for the average Cuban.

For example, in my country there are a lot of people that have surgeries done in Cuba because they pay less money to get a surgery and plane trip to Cuba than they would pay for the same surgery in a public hospital at home.

I'm in Canada and if ever my wife or I get some serious medical problem, we will be going directly to Cuba for treatment. Canada and the US will give you pills or the mechanics will come in to operate and remove everything they can rather than actually try to find out what is wrong with you and treat that. The US is the last place I'd go for treatment. Pharmaceutical companies don't like me, and that's fine.

I've been to Cuba twice and not just in the resorts. Nicest people in the world. Most educated people in the world and that's obvious when you talk to them. Also honest almost to a fault. Forget the American propaganda. Some Americans manage to go there; I've met some down there, and they love it. If you're American and you have a chance to go there, do it. See for yourselves (they won't stamp your passport). Although Cubans are not too enthusiastic about Americans... They'd all love to visit the US to compare with what they see on TV, but never met a Cuban who'd actually like to live in the US...

I've heard that if a second cancer surgery is needed its usually a death sentence.The man who told me that passed after the second operation.I don't believe Chavez will last out the year.

I personally hope Chavez recovers.

I don't think he's a saint, and it's particularly troubling that he "names his successor," which implies a dictatorship.

I'm not saying that our "democratic republic" is any better though. If anything I would say that having a dictator like Chavez is more desirable than having our system because he has used his position to make a difference for the common people of his country at the expense of the privileged class. Our dempublican oligarchy does just the opposite.

As for Chavez going to Cuba for his health care, there is no question in my mind why Chavez would want Cuban doctors working on him. Cuban doctors are in high demand for good reason.

reply to post by sonnny1


Funny how you use a video to paint a picture of something without having actually been there, etc.

Typical first-rate American ignorance at its' finest, people!

Hmm, not too many "democratically" elected leaders go through the imperial necessity of naming their own successor, perhaps those cries of election fraud were not vain?

Here's hoping Venezuela does well in the transition, that it's people thrive and that Hugo and his friends and family suffer as little as possible. If I was him I'd go bass fishing for a final lark, best bass fishing in the world in Cuba. .

Originally posted by ajmusicmedia
but never met a Cuban who'd actually like to live in the US...

LOL, The route from cuba to key west is one way. How many mothers have risk their kids live and their own coming to the US on a raft? How bad must it be for you to take such risks?

FYI, Never expect to get the truth from anyone who lives under a dictatorship. They are in constant fear of being exposed and the consequences is not just prison.

Originally posted by VaterOrlaag
reply to post by sonnny1

 

Funny how you use a video to paint a picture of something without having actually been there, etc.

Typical first-rate American ignorance at its' finest, people!

Funny how you cant talk about the legitimacy of the video, all the while taking a poke at "American Ignorance".

ANYONE with "Money" can get first rate treatment, even in Cuba. Who are you kidding?

reply to post by interupt42


These are generally criminals who have a choice between life in jail or fleeing to the US. When given a choice, they tend to stay where they are.

Originally posted by Snoil
Hmm, not too many "democratically" elected leaders go through the imperial necessity of naming their own successor, perhaps those cries of election fraud were not vain?

Here's hoping Venezuela does well in the transition, that it's people thrive and that Hugo and his friends and family suffer as little as possible. If I was him I'd go bass fishing for a final lark, best bass fishing in the world in Cuba. .

Actually, in most countries, if the leader were to go and get a dangerous operation, he/she would designate a successor as, in most countries, there is no clear successor to the leader. In the US, it's simple, the Vice President takes over. Elsewhere, it's not so clear-cut.

The people who cry against election fraud in Venezuela are the rich who were always opposed to the poor. They used to let them believe they could not vote and refused to share the income from oil sales with them. Chavez simply let the poor get their fair share. That's why he's hated so much by the people who used to rake in everything.

Originally posted by ajmusicmedia

Originally posted by Snoil
Hmm, not too many "democratically" elected leaders go through the imperial necessity of naming their own successor, perhaps those cries of election fraud were not vain?

Here's hoping Venezuela does well in the transition, that it's people thrive and that Hugo and his friends and family suffer as little as possible. If I was him I'd go bass fishing for a final lark, best bass fishing in the world in Cuba. .

Actually, in most countries, if the leader were to go and get a dangerous operation, he/she would designate a successor as, in most countries, there is no clear successor to the leader. In the US, it's simple, the Vice President takes over. Elsewhere, it's not so clear-cut.

The people who cry against election fraud in Venezuela are the rich who were always opposed to the poor. They used to let them believe they could not vote and refused to share the income from oil sales with them. Chavez simply let the poor get their fair share. That's why he's hated so much by the people who used to rake in everything.

My personal hero is Lincoln and I can even admit he was only human and full of faults. The Andrew Jackson thing was a horrible result for the US. But moving forward to today... Multitudes of Venezuelans protested his last election as pure fraud, and thousands were 'disappeared' for doing so. You think they were all "Banksters, Zionists, MJ-12, CIA, Jewish Bankers, etc?": They were regular people looking for a voice. People run off their farms for Chavez' own purusit of personal wealth. Naming a successor by definition is an end to people controlling their own destiny. If you want to rearrange that in your own mind to fit your own view, so be it.

Originally posted by ajmusicmedia
reply to post by interupt42

 

These are generally criminals who have a choice between life in jail or fleeing to the US. When given a choice, they tend to stay where they are.

HaHa. Yes, Cuban dictator courts normally give you an option either go to prison or take a raft. Even in the 80's when Fidel dumped his mentally ill patients and non political prisoners to America via the Mariel boatlift did those people have an option. They were never asked if they wanted to go they were just thrown on boats, fortunately for them they most likely did want to come over.

Communism and dictatorship only work via intimidation and force not via the option to opt out.

reply to post by Erongaricuaro

o need for the Americans here to grapple for medical superiority. American medicine is the most expensive throughout the world so thereby follows it is the best, right?

Blasphemy!

Isn't what all the rules and regulations were for?

And it's not the best in the world?

Doh!

reply to post by Xcathdra

I have been wondering for some time now, and maybe someone can answer the question, is if Venezuela is so much better with the way Chavez is running it, then why does he need to go to Cuba for surgery?

I have often wondered that myself, and good luck getting an answer conversely if American healthcare is so gawd aweful why do Canadians, and Mexicans, and other nationals come to the states for care?

I wish the best for Hugo Chavez. The socialist revolution he started is so important to South America as they try to cut off United States empire`s control over them.
Although, it looks like his cancer has become pretty serious. Yeah, he does not want people to worry about him so much or hurt the progress of the revolution so that would explain why he does not give a lot of details about his health. Yet, it appears that he may be in his final days. I am sure he has at least a few more years of good health left before be really starts to breakdown but his future as a leader is in serious question.

He is making a smart more by naming someone to lead the revolution once he can no longer lead due to health problems. He must be feeling a mixed bag of emotions currently. He is at the height of socialist revolution in South America but he will not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

reply to post by neo96


actually my father went to mexico for eye surgery four years ago. Eye surgery, they were replacing his lenses because of his bad cataracts. Anywho, fast forward to today and he is fine. The only difference was the price tag. When I lived in El Paso that was common practice. Other than my father my grandmother went there for hip replacement and my aunt for dental work.

Not sure if it is better or worse just my experience.

reply to post by bknapple32


If he hadn't pissed of so many American politicians? That's funny. A moronic liberal who believes every world leader should bend over and kiss the feet of imperial America.

Secondly, why would he go to America for health treatment? Cuba has an excellent health system which is more than capable of treating Chavez. If he went to the US he'd probably just get plutonium poisoning - it's not just the Russians that like doing that.

Moreover, travelling to Cuba for treatment has another purpose. The US has trampled all over Latin America for hundreds of years. Chavez will not tolerate being a surrogate puppet, and by relying on his Latin American brothers for support, instead of the slave master to the North, he sends a message of solidarity with Latin America.

reply to post by Wrabbit2000


The new guy is a former bus driver and trade unionist. During the first Chavez election campaign he was a campaign coordinator. Later he was promoted to the position of foreign minister and more recently to vice president. It seems Chavez has been grooming him for the top spot in the case of his demise.

That is of course after the election which would occur in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution. It seems as if the "pariah state" is more democratic than the good old U.S of A.