Carter with Deng Xiao Peng
Carter with Ceausescu
He never met a communist he didn't like!
The president's other face***Mr. Chavez was democratically elected with an overwhelming majority in 1998. This mandate allowed him -- through several referendums -- to dissolve Congress, create a Constitutional Assembly that drafted the current constitution, and to be elected once again -- as first president of the newly christened "Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
But democratic legitimacy demands consistently playing by the rules. And once re-elected, Mr. Chavez revealed his true nature: the former paratrooper head of the failed military coup d'état of 1992. Soon showing a total disregard for democratic institutions, he moved to gain a stronghold on the country's legislative and judicial systems, and to involve the military in a myriad of civilian affairs, even selling food at cost on the streets.
The President has systematically harassed the media, intimidated his opposition, and alienated critical sectors of Venezuelan society, such as the Church, businesses, the middle class, civilian organizations and NGOs -- those who now march in the streets calling for his ouster. His violent speeches are loaded with diatribes against "them." Anyone who is not a loyal supporter is accused of being a fascist, sometimes in scatological terms. (Despite his claims, Mr. Chavez's "little blue book," as he calls the constitution, does allow for civil disobedience; Article 350 should grant the general strike legitimacy.) ***
Carter with Deng Xiao Peng
Carter with Ceausescu
He never met a communist he didn't like!
Stronger than a lame duck...
Able to create respect as a diplomat out of abject failure...
It's...
SUPERJIMMY!!
(Cue Superman theme)
Jimmy Carter is not an idiot. He plays the role well though. It's time to admit that he is a frustrated communist at heart. How much damage did he do to this country during his presidency? How much has he done since. Fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me.