Bruce is a mining nuts and bolts sort of guy (operations, etc.). He
plainly didnt get the job (permit) done, so they asked him to step
aside because what they need now is a bells and whistles (money) guy
to hedge for the future. They keep saying all this stuff about "the
permit is any day now" (read the Reuters article) but of course
they'll say that, and it means absolutely nothing.

They know that the permit has got "nothing to do with deserve" (as
Clint Eastwood would say), but is hinging on politics. So, what does
Bruce get them at this point? Nothing. Any effect he could have had
has long since exasperated. Thompson is a money guy and I theorize
they brought him in because they know the likelyhood of the permit
arriving tomorrow is the same likelyhood of it arriving in 2 years.

And, I wouldn't be surprised if Chavez nationalizes and robs them of
all they (we) have. In the event of that, who would you rather have as
CEO? An guy experienced in mining or a guy experienced in finances?

Thompson is an omen, but I woulnd't say it's a good one...