[Cincinatus' Wife]

Venezuela tries to pull politics out of the classroom *** Youngsters have been quick to adopt the political positions of their elders, and unlearning takes time. This is especially true in Caracas, where a "Berlin Wall" of political difference separates the poor, pro-Chávez barrios in the west from the glitzy, anti-Chávez east. Schools fall in line with neighborhoods, like so many political chips.***

Hugo Chavez - Venezuela

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez greets a boy during the commemoration of the 220nd birthday of Venezuelan liberator Simon Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, July 24, 2003. (AP Photo/Fernando LLano)

[MayDay72]

Haven't we seen this before? [Hint: Chile] A developing Latin American nation with a vibrant and growing middle class...On their way to competing with the 'big boys' on the 'global stage'...Then their political arena and economic policies are hijacked by 'progressives', 'socialists' and their 'fellow travelers'...Chavez's shining example of a utopian paradise: Cuba...Venezuela was on course to joining the ranks of the the industrialized nations [U.S., U.K., etc.] in a few years...That is not the case now...If they keep Chavez at the helm they will be lucky if they can compete with North Korea or Somalia in the near future...