Latin American Communist profanes Venezuela's Heritage (notice picture of Bolivar in the background and crucifix in his hand). [REUTERS].
It seems that Chavez has learned a lot from Fidel. Castro used the crucifix for his own propaganda purposes in the Sierra Maestra and when he entered Havana in 1959.
Quote from this Link:To curry favor with the peasants, Castro catered to their religious prejudices. His own religious education alerted him to the tremendous propaganda value that religious mysticism and ritual exercise over the masses. During the whole of his two-and-a-half year stay in the Sierra Maestra, Castro never once failed to display the conspicuous, colorful crucifix he wore around his neck. During his "March On Havana" escorted by the "heroes of the Revolution," the famous "Barbudos" (bearded ones) Castro ordered them to display brightly colored medallions and other religious ornaments on their uniforms.