Recently President Chavez of Venezuela verbally attacked the President of the United States on sovereign soil and has vowed to bring down America. Did you know that the country of Venezuela is the sole owner of CITGO gasoline? Yes that’s right, if you’re buying your gas at the Navy Exchange you’re putting money in this radical extremist’s pockets. I have personally been to Venezuela and have seen the poverty in which the citizens of that country must live. Shanties built on hillsides from scrap metal and boxes, before you enter the city of Caracas. The money flowing into that country from the oil sales is definitely not flowing down to the citizens of that country.

I do not accept the fact that Americans need oil so bad that we would support this individual and condone his actions toward a sitting president of this country and while visiting this country. You may or may not agree with President Bush, but you must, in your heart and as a citizen of this great country, stand up for what you know is right. Contracts can be cancelled and I urge those responsible for contracting with CITGO for the Navy Exchange to cancel this contract immediately. Not only out of respect for the office of the president but also for our troops and their families who deserve better.

I urge every active duty and retired military member to boycott your Navy Exchange until they have taken action to contract with someone else. If you need to verify my comments go to snopes.com, it’s all there.

Pete Sill

Oak Harbor