The answers to some of the following questions can be found at the CIA World FactBook entry for Venezuela at cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ve.html

1.  What type of government does Venezuela have?

2.  What political philosophy does Hugo Chavez follow?

3.  Who generally controls Venezuela's oil resources?

4.  Who generally controls the U.S.'s oil resources?

5.  Explain what Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is doing for some Americans.

6.  How does Mr. Chavez feel about the U.S. government and President Bush in particular?

7.  What motive do you think Chavez has for giving Americans heating oil?

8.  a) Despite their need, why didn't tribal leaders in 4 communities of Alaska's Aleutian Islands accept the discounted oil from Chavez? 
b) How did Ms. McGeese, a mother of 3 from the Bronx, NY, feel about Chavez's heating oil program?
c) Should Americans accept free/discounted heating oil from Venezuela?  Explain your answer.