Anybody surprised that Chavez is trying to declare himself president for life?

Question

Chavez Would Abolish Presidential Term Limit
'We Are Going to Deepen This Revolution,' Venezuelans Told at Swearing-In Ceremony

By Juan Forero
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, January 11, 2007; Page A21

BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 10 -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, sworn in to another six-year term on Wednesday, said he would seek a constitutional amendment that could extend his tenure as he hastens his country's transformation into what he calls "21st-century socialism."

Answer 1

shocker. hey, isn't that was castro did? yep. the shocker is that megaliberals and fools (like cindy sheehan) admire the guy.

Answer 2

Actually, I think term limits are anti-democratic. The people should be able to vote for whomever they wish.

Also, the cubans under castro are much better off than most caribbean residents. They have higher literacy rates, much lower poverty rates, and medical care that is the envy of all latin america. Their human rights experiences are no worse and far better than many in Latin America. In fact, USA unfortuantely supported some of the biggest rights violators - likely contributing to the anti-americanism and socialism.
Venezeulans are benefitting, also.

So, in America, we are free to have the same exact presidents year after year, this past time even unelected. And, more and more of us are losing health insurance, more of us are falling into poverty, our wealth is going for killing people and enriching the bushes.

So, let's look at results. Not time to pity the Venezuelans yet.

In another similar vein, I noticed Kaddafy said there is no need for elections in Libya because that would be a step backward as now, 'the people' are in charge. And he said this with a straight face. Libyans, of course, are doing better than they have in decades and much better than most of the rest of North Africa.

So maybe we've more to learn. I wish all peoples of the world freedom from despots and fair control of the wealth the create (for others.)

Answer 3

Typical of a demagogue. I have visited Venezuela recently and seen the extremes of wealth and the extremes of poverty. Hugo should address the needs of the poor rather than pose as a savior of the poor in the South Bronx.

Answer 4

At this point he is still supported by a majority of people in Venezuela and has democratic legitmacy. As long as that is the case we cannot complain because Venezuela is an independent country that has a right to choose its own leaders. It is not that he has suspended democracy, this move simply scraps term limits. It allows him to serve an indefinite period of time as long as he is still supported by the people in future elections. As long as a majority of people in Venezuela support his rule, there is nothing wrong with the fact that Hugo Chavez is in power even if we disagree with him.

Answer 5

he has same mentality as castro. he is devoted to his cause and he is an absolute idealistic dictator. he is convinced only he knows what is best for his nation. he will do everything possible to complete his "mission." so yes, he will seek to keep office for about as long as fidel has managed to do unless he gets assassinated or gets some bad beverage like the guy in great briton. many ways his enemies can get to him. and this guys has some extremely formidable enemies. in fact, i would bet serious money somebody gets to him with a couple of years at most. he is too close.

Answer 6

Chavez thinks himself to be the next Fidel Castro. Screw him and his Argentine Oil.

Answer 7

No not at all, all dictators are stupid and selfish and chavez is not an exception.

Answer 8

he can stay for life as far as I am concerned.

Answer 9

Not surprised at all.

Answer 10

Nope, why would it?