Posted on 08/18/2009 7:53:56 AM PDT by rightwingintelligentsia
(CNN) -- The recent closure of 32 privately owned radio stations and a proposed law to punish "media crimes" are signs that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is moving to quash criticism of his government, according to a recent U.S. intelligence report.
Chavez's government is "moving forcefully to silence critics," said the unclassified U.S. analysis prepared by the Open Source Center, a U.S. government office that translates and analyzes reports from foreign news organizations.
The relationship between privately owned media in Venezuela and the leftist Chavez have never been rosy. Chavez has accused private television stations of supporting his brief ouster in 2002, and the president was a driving force behind denying a license renewal in 2007 to one broadcaster he said cooperated with the opposition.
But the decisions this month by the Chavez government to close 32 radio stations and two television broadcasters and to support legislation that would create prison sentences for people who commit "media crimes" have created a new level of scrutiny from outside Venezuela.
"The media crimes bill is the most blatant example of the government's steady encroachment on media freedom in an effort to establish a media monopoly and stifle freedom of expression," said the unclassified intelligence report, dated August 3.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Obama's government is "moving forcefully to silence critics,"
Chavez probably got the idea from Obama and Rahm.
FLAG@Chavez.gov ???
And CNN just figured out that Chavez is no freind of the Media??
Si, my son, I'm afraid Senior Chavez will also punish your family for your words after his supporters behind us put you against the wall."
What a wicked web the MSM weaves...
Chavez...and this too shall pass. He’s just a blip on history. A nasty, disgusting blip but still a blip.
I'm sure Obama and Raum are studying this closely.
Meanwhile in Miami, a Venezuelan economic refugee who fled with at least a million $$$ established a bakery under a special visa.green card/American citizen ship program.
He is prospering mightily.
After Obama’s slap down on health care he will be seeking revenge on talk radio and Fox news by emulating Chavez.
Jose Being Liberated:
How is this any different than what Obama’s mob is doing?
“I’m sure Obama and Raum are studying this closely.”
I’m sure their interest is more than academic.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.