What is with Hugo Chavez?

This isn't a political rant - I'm really trying to stay away from politics. But Hugo Chavez is such a hypocrite.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214973,00.html

Here's my comment. Chavez is saying he will donate, or greatly discount the price on, heating oil for families in Alaska and the Northeast. A fine gesture...until you consider the other side of the coin.

According to one list I looked at, Venezuela ranked 76th in per capita GDP - behind Mexico, Poland and Libya. In fact, they were in the lower half of world countries that were measured. According to another measurement, Venezuela was ranked 68th in a poverty index. And even worse, Venezuela ranked 100 in a global corruption index - behind such countries as Iran, Cuba, China, Russia...
http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/dec/19rank.htm

My question is this: Does Chavez really care about Americans, or is this simply deft politics? Why is he so concerned about people in the wealthiest country in the world, when millions in his country live below the level of poverty?

Mr. Chavez should spend his time and money on his own people, folks that are living in tin-shacks and exposed to dirty water and disease. Only then will his generosity be viewed as sincere, from his heart.