'We are Happy That the Government of a President That Brought Terror and Violence to the World Has Gone'

A warm farewell wish from Speaker Pelosi? The Kos Kidz? Hollywood? Nah, from Sean Penn's best bud, the jug-eared freak Hugo Chavez.

"ADIOS Senor Bush," Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said today in a speech noting the inauguration of US President Barack Obama but predicting little change in bilateral relations with Washington.

"We are happy that the government of a president that brought terror and violence to the world has gone," Mr Chavez said in reference to departed former president George W. Bush.

But in his speech in the eastern Venezuelan city of Barcelona, Mr Chavez said he would continue his leftwing "revolution" regardless of the arrival of Mr Obama.

When they drag his worthless carcass out in a bodybag, I'll be sure to return the well wishes.