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Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, the real deal?

Is Hugo Chavez a just and fair ruler?

  • Yes-Venezuela is experiencing political utopia

    Votes: 1 25.0%

  • No-Overthrow him, have him killed, invade!

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • More good than bad

    Votes: 3 75.0%

  • More bad than good

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    4
  • Poll closed .
SFG75

SFG75

Well-Known Member
This is one interesting guy. On one hand, he has extended literacy efforts and medical care to far-off, remote villages in Venezuela. On the other hand, he isn't a notable defender of the freedom of speech or protest. He is especially irked when such efforts are aimed at him.:rolleyes: He's been a thorn in the side of Washington for quite some time now and is paranoid that we will invade and knock him over, as if there is a shortage of annoying rulers in the world to us, he flatters himself too much.

Jorge Castaneda of the Washington post has a fascinating editorial about Chavez and how the U.S. should handle him.
 
I voted yes. He seems very sincere and has certainly made great strides in dealing with social issues. Not to mention most of Venezuela adores him. I have faith that he will give up his "rule by decree" power eventually and establish social democracy. The U.S. government is obviously terrified of him because he challenges the status quo.

I assume your free speech comment is about his refusing the renew the license of a certain tv station. I think he's been extremely lenient with them. They broadcast anti-Chavez programming all day long and he has the power to take them off any time he wants, but he's letting them continue until their license expires in May, when he'll refuse to renew it (completely legal). How long do you think an all anti-Bush tv station would last in the US?

I wouldn't doubt that the U.S. is taking some sort of action against him. They've consistenly assisted in overthrowing governments in South America. Even helping Pinochet overthrow the democratic government of Chile and establish a dictatorship. Chavez should watch his back. Condoleeza Rice was just on TV saying he is destroying the country (I'm convinced she's halfway retarded).
 
Claybugg-You ever read any Noam Chomsky? You gotta check out Year 501 sometime, a great read about American influence in South American politics.
 
I vote more good than bad, because I feel that his strides in his country are worthwhile and excellent. He, however, violated some of the basic rights I feel everyone should have: freedom of speech is important. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't exercised here.

Clay, you have some good points on American involvement in Latin America. We've been interfering for many years--since T. Roosevelt's era, and never have we been accepted as a good influence.
 
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