Tipsheet

Hugo Chavez Orders Venezuelan Army to Change Country's Light Bulbs

How many people does it take to change a light bulb?  In Venezuela, it apparently takes an army.  The Latin American country is apparently using too much energy, according to el presidente Hugo Chavez.  The remedy from Chavez?  Change the light bulbs. 

"Today's mission is vital for the health and development of the nation. And it comes directly on orders from the commander-in-chief," a colonel tells his troops.  According to the latest BBC report, The Venezuelan army is being dispersed across the country to enter residences and businesses to swap out old light bulbs with new, more energy-efficient bulbs. 


Image: BBC

Unloading the low-energy bulbs into their knapsacks, the troops have been joined by volunteers from the local community council - pro-government teams set up under President Hugo Chavez.

These small groups of red-clad Chavez supporters and soldiers in green uniforms, referred to as "civic-military partnerships", are heading into San Augustin, one of the city's roughest parts.

"I've been doing this for a month," says Miriam Parra de Gonzalez, an activist with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

"People have reacted well on the doorsteps because it saves them money. The incandescent light bulbs wear out more quickly and these ones use less energy, so they last longer," she says.

"Plus we're giving them away for free!"

Oh, if only these socialists knew the true cost--and I'm not talking about the cost of light bulbs. 

But then again, who am I to talk?  I'm an American and our old light bulbs are being phased out by government mandate starting next year