[knighthawk]

Ping

[ladtx]

Over the long term, it is just not possible for one man, however charismatic, to dominate a society and economy as complex as Venezuela's.

Guess Michael Shifter has never heard of Cuba or Fidel Castro. A regular paradise. ;o)

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

How is Hugo's control beginning to crack (not that it won't and not that it shouldn't)?

He's just been sworn in for the third time, seems to be able to get his way with the Venezuelan Congress and courts, holds huge sway in the oil (state-owned) oil industry, and seems to have the loyalty of the military. It seems that he will be able to make decrees over the legislature soon, and that his plan to nationalize business in Venezuela will be accepted by the Congress, too.

[marron]

I've seen the evidence that he's a nut. I haven't yet seen the evidence that he's ready to crack.

[snarkpup]

I used to work for a large telecom firm whose top management was campaining for world socialism and apparently wanted to be nationalized.

Question: What's better than being a Chief Officer of a big telecom company?

Answer: Being Minister of Telecommunications in a big government.

[paudio]

So, apparently what they call "the-21st-century socialism", which they claim as 'different from the Soviet-stlye dictatorship by emphasizing on people's participation' turns out to be the same as Lenin/Castro style after all.

[CFC__VRWC]

This guy's an idiot. As long as Chavez keeps playing the anti-American card, the people of Venezuela will support him unquestioningly, and the Russians, the Chinese and the Europeans will make sure that plenty of capital continues to flow into Venezuela for him to seize.

[Cicero]

Nonsense. He's imitating Castro and therefore he'll soon be out on his ear? It seems to me that Castro has had lifetime tenure, and I expect Chavez will have the same.

The longer a Communist dictator remains in office, the harder it is to get him out. Yes, the people of Venezuela will suffer terribly, but Chavez will continue to enjoy his power trip.

[Alia]

Ping.

[pieceofthepuzzle]

It's just amazing what a short guy with a tiny schmekel like Chavez will do in attempting to prove himself. What a pathetic jerk.