Venezuela on a dangerous path towards dictatorship

[Munin]

" Testing time for Chavez as nation decides if he can rule on and on

By David Usborne in New York


The people of Venezuela have a second chance tomorrow to tell Hugo Chavez, their leader since 1999, whether they like him so much he can keep the keys of the presidential palace pretty much for as long as he likes, or whether they have had as much of him and his so-called Bolivarian revolution as they can take.

With voting in a constitutional referendum to end term limits for the President as well as other elected officials to begin at dawn tomorrow, tensions in the streets of Caracas and other big cities have been palpable. Polls suggest that the President goes into the referendum with a very slight edge.

Tens of thousands of red-shirted Chavistas, supporters of Mr Chavez, flooded the avenues of the capital on Thursday, a day after the President claimed on television that his security forces had foiled an attempted coup against him by renegade soldiers, but gave scant details.
... "

Testing time for Chavez as nation decides if he can rule on and on - Americas, World - The Independent


Dictatorship or not?

Venezuela ousts EU politician for insulting Chavez - CNN.com

 

[Toro]

Hopefully, the people of Venezuela will defeat Hugh at the ballot box again.

 

[Sunni Man]

Hugo Chavez is one of the best leaders in the world today.

The people of Venezuela are lucky to have someone who cares about them.

Not like the duds we have running our country.

 

[Munin]

Hugo Chavez is one of the best leaders in the world today.

The people of Venezuela are lucky to have someone who cares about them.

Not like the duds we have running our country.

I don't know, I think mr Chavez will have his hands full with protests when he doesn't have his oil-income anymore.

Thx to his the oil in Venezuela mr Chavez had a big budget, but that will change soon. His socialist vision might be in trouble (certainly when he doesn't have to expect aid from the west)

 

[Munin]

Hopefully, the people of Venezuela will defeat Hugh at the ballot box again.

Yeah, but then there is the fear that he will just write it in the constitution himself without referendum. It could become a tricky situation, it would not the first time that he tried to coup the country : Chávez celebrates the 17th anniversary of his failed coup attempt - Daily News - EL UNIVERSAL

 

[xsited1]

Chavez is already a dictator. He's going to get even more dangerous since oil prices are low and his country is going bankrupt.

I found this story amusing:

Chavez to Cupid: Valentine's Day should be delayed
By RACHEL JONES – 1 day ago

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Cancel the candlelight and return the roses. President Hugo Chavez wants Venezuelans to postpone Valentine's Day until after a referendum Sunday.

In return, Chavez promises a "week of love" beginning the next day — assuming he wins the vote, which would let public officials run for re-election as many times as they want.

"We're going to be in battle," Chavez said. "After achieving our great victory, the week of love begins."

Chavez had already put a damper on Valentine's Day with a dry law that took effect Friday afternoon, barring stores, restaurants and bars from selling alcohol.

Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old businessman, said that prompted him to cancel plans for a romantic dinner with his girlfriend of two years.

"You should be sharing with your partner, going to eat at a restaurant, and then, well..." he said, trailing off.

Some Chavez supporters said the appeal is sensible, and will allow people to focus on the vote.

"We need a dry law, so we all have our wits about us," said Carmen Teresa Morejon, 63, who planned a nice dinner at home Saturday with her family.

In any case, Chavez argues his plan is a good deal for his people.

"I'm giving you a week in exchange for a day," he said. "That's not bad, is it?"

The Associated Press: Chavez to Cupid: Valentine's Day should be delayed

 

[Toro]

Hilarious.

And remember when Hugh banned the Simpsons and replaced it with Baywatch?

Simpsons called inappropriate for Venezuelan children

What a nutter.

 

[Sky Dancer]

Chavez is a fascinating character.

 

[cbi0090]

Hugo Chavez is one of the best leaders in the world today.

The people of Venezuela are lucky to have someone who cares about them.

Not like the duds we have running our country.

You can't be serious?

 

[editec]

Who here can really speak to us about the goings on of Veneszuelan life?

Anyone?

 

[cbi0090]

Who here can really speak to us about the goings on of Veneszuelan life?

Anyone?

I've been there quite often and my wife has family there. The place is going to hell in a hand basket.