Venezuela's government took over three more banks Friday, adding
to a growing list of smaller banks in the oil-rich country that
have been seized by the government this week on charges that its
owners illegally used deposits for their own enrichment.  The
growing scandal has unnerved depositors about which banks are
safe, posing a threat to the broader banking system. It has also
become a potential political liability for President Hugo
Chávez, because the owners of the seized banks were seen as
close to top officials.  Employees of a bank seized earlier this
week seek severance pay. Associated Press  Finance Minister Alí
Rodríguez said the government would take over operations at
Baninvest, Banco Real and Central Banco, saying the banks had
violated banking rules. He didn't offer details. He said the
government would shut the banks temporarily to "rehabilitate"
them.  Speaking on national television after banks and financial
markets closed for the weekend, Mr. Rodríguez tried to reassure
Venezuelans that the