CARACAS: In two weeks, Venezuela could be starting an extraordinary experiment in centralized socialism fueled by oil. By law, the workday would be cut to six hours. Street vendors, housewives and maids would have state-mandated pensions. And President Hugo Chávez would have significantly enhanced powers and be eligible for re-election for the rest of his life.
A new constitution, expected to be approved by referendum Dec. 2, is both bolstering Chávez's popularity among people who will benefit and stirring contempt from economists who declare it demagoguery. Signaling new instability here, dissent is also emerging from among his former lieutenants, some of whom say the president is carrying out a populist coup.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/16/america/venez.php?WT.mc_id=rssfrontpage
2007-11-16 17:58:09 · 9 answers · asked by Valdez 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I would say Chavez is about the best thing to ever happen to Venezuela and the whole of South America since the beginning of this century. He has taken his country out of the octobus grip of the capitalism and exploitation from the west. He has also spearheaded alot of movements alongside his neighbors to help the countries of South America reduce their dependency on western aid and institutions that have really not helped the people but have been shown to generate more poverty and wider gaps between the rich and poor. So what if the constitution allows for a person to run in unlimited terms. That is still democratic because if his presidency ends and he runs again, the people will be the ones to decided if they want him again or not. It will take decades to completely rid western capitalism and exploitation of South America and Chavez knows this and that is why he is supporting laws that, with his popularity, will enable him to democratically pursue his Bolivarian goals as long as needed to completely free South America from the tentacles of Western Imperialism.
2007-11-16 18:10:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I'm all in favor of sound social policy that benefits the majority of the population: if that's populist, then so be it. The problem with Chavez, and others like him, is the non-stop America-bashing rhetoric and the love of his own voice! There will be problems getting rid of him in the future, if he bypasses the current checks and balances within the system.
The Venezualan people may well be tired of their former politicians and unknowingly give Chavez more power than he needs to do his job.
2007-11-17 02:16:29 · answer #2 · answered by Bart S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will absolutely congratulate Hugo Chavez on his next fixed election victory in that banana republic of his. Tin horn dictators like Chavez, Castro, Hussein, et cetera are always good for a laugh, especially when they come out with a new Constitution every 2 months (Bush should just write us a new Constitution). I hope Chavez thanks god every night that it is not 25 years ago because if we still had a real man like Reagan running America, Chavez would have been a grease stain long ago (I am all for CIA assassination squads). The only thing I agree with that socialist Nancy Pelosi on is that we both loathe Hugo Chavez.
2007-11-17 02:13:50 · answer #3 · answered by Matthew R 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chavez is like that anti social kid in school that never played nice with others. There are a few like him around the world. They are shut out from all the cool circles. Look at Kim Jong Ill, North Korea may as well not even exist. They do nothing to contribute to the global society, and neither does Chavez or Castro. Their people would be much happier if they were allowed to join the world in a global community.
2007-11-17 02:12:20 · answer #4 · answered by Some_guy_from_town 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Socialism and Marxism are much the same. A close cousin to Communism.
No True Socialist, Marxist or Communist nation can maintain a fair economy or society for long. The leaders have too much power. Power corrupts. Only potential TYRANTS even WANT to be the "leader" of such a nation.
Get rid of the evils of an elitist society, eliminate corruption in the Government, police, and military. Give the citizen an education and the opportunities of a "free market" and "free enterprise" and you will do well.
I DON'T congratulate either tyrants, or the stupid people who vote for them.
2007-11-17 02:29:42 · answer #5 · answered by Philip H 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Fueled by oil? Don't forget Global Warming.
Uhm well - congrats anyway and, bring it on.
We heard some hymns already two years ago.
Loking forward to an opera after the overture.
2007-11-17 02:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by Adam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chavez is the last of a dying breed the South American commie strongman - a Castro wannabe.
2007-11-17 02:08:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
No, the man is nothing more than another corrupt third world dictator. I feel sorry for the Venezuelan people.
2007-11-17 02:03:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Im not american decent but I will not congratulate him for nothing...Im even glad the King of Spain told him to"SHUT up" in last week convention in Spain! LOL.. Too cocky and to overzealous!
2007-11-17 02:04:19 · answer #9 · answered by Nina 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋