Okay, so what is so bad with Hugo Chavez that normally sane

[Cleita]

DUers go off on him? Is he really a dictator? Is he a commie and is that so bad? Why is it so hard for Americans to get that he was legitimately elected, that his people want him to be their leader.

This is the same thing that happened with Salvador Allende in Chile. He was elected by the choice of the people, yet others and outsiders like our government, took it upon themselves to assassinate him and overthrow a democratic government.

I remember arguing with people that if Allende screwed up that he would be voted out of office in the next election. The same will happen to Chavez. How would Americans like it if some other countries covert operatives would come here and assassinate George W. Bush? Even the most rabid Bush hater wouldn't like it. Yet they would be more legitimate in the fact that Bush was never elected, but siezed power through cheating.

In another thread Chavez was referred to as a tinpot dictator, which I don't believe he is but this is the perception some have of him.

[EFerrari]

1. I think that no matter how much the average DUer understands

how compromised our so called press is, it's hard not to be "contaminated".

Myself, I keep having this fantasy that I move to Caracas and teach English and learn Spanish. :)

I absolutely LOVE Hugo's sense of humor. And it may be that his image doesn't read well up here because of cultural differences.

He's about the bravest person I can think of in the public sphere. :shrug:

[roody]

2. A friend who went to the World Social Forum in

Caracas said that they scream for Chavez as if he were a rock star.

[EFerrari]

3. He is a rock star. Last leader we had with that appeal was JFK. n/t

[Lost-in-FL]

4. I don't know much...

about Chavez. I have to say I don't like the guy since TO ME he is like **, except that Chavez actually care for humanity.
I heard rumors in the internets that he gave himself more powers. I might not like the guy BUT... and a big BUT!! Knowing how for many years the USA Military Complex has gone imposing their own sanctioned dictators in Latin America, it won't surprise me a BIT if Chavez intentionally extended his powers or decided to make himself a "president" for life. Why? Cause knowing what I know about Iraq and their present situation, if I was Chavez I would do the exact same thing but of course ONLY if there was an imminent threat from the Pentagon. Look at Iraq, a country that is standing on top of the richest oil reserves is almost now a 3rd world country BECAUSE OF US!! With that said, I give Chavez the benefit of the doubt and I think he made a very smart decision if with this action he is looking to protect Venezuela's citizens. Of course, I think is a slippery slope, a very risky decision on his part. I shouldn't say I agree to this power grab, but I understand the motive. I hope I didn't lost you all...