Choke on it, Hugo.

WCAX: Citgo signs coming down in response to Venezuelan leader's remarks

(Johnson City, NY) - Seven weeks after Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez lashed out at President Bush during a United Nations speech, the Citgo signs at some convenience stores in upstate New York and Pennsylvania are disappearing.

Citgo is Venezuela's state-owned oil company.

Chavez's remarks inspired calls for a boycott of the company in the United States. Citgo signs are coming down at several Kwik Fill and Red Apple stores operated by United Refining Company in the Binghamton area.

A United Refining spokesman told Binghamton radio station WNBF the move is — quote — "because of Chavez and what he said at the UN."

United Refining is based in Warren, Pennsylvania.

A qualified "congrats" to United Refining. It's the money that counts, not just the signs...