[Cincinatus' Wife]

Venezuela Gov't Steps Up Anti-Referendum Offensive (criminal investigations ordered)***CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's government on Wednesday stepped up its offensive against an opposition bid to hold a referendum on his rule, calling for a criminal investigation into a group that collected pro-vote signatures.***

Hugo Chavez – Venezuela

Chavistas: Venezuelan street toughs: Helping "revolution" or crushing dissent?*** "Comandante" Lina Ron, who considers herself a modern version of "Tania," a woman who fought alongside Cuban revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, says she is a willing martyr for Chavez's cause. She was arrested after leading a violent pro-Chavez counter-protest against demonstrating university students.........."We salute Lina Ron, a female soldier who deserves the respect of all Venezuelans," he (Chavez) said recently. ***

Venezuela Court Postpones Coup Ruling After Violent Pro-Chavez Riot*** Government supporters had threatened to riot if the officers were not sent to trial and punished. "These coup plotters should be tried, otherwise the country is going to burst at the seams," leading pro-Chavez militant Lina Ron told reporters before the court decision was known. But the president's foes have warned that if the officers are sent for trial it could trigger an opposition backlash and inflame tensions in the armed forces, where the April coup revealed deep splits over Chavez's rule. ***

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Ron, who Chávez himself once described as "uncontrollable" for her sometimes violent street activism, may have done more than anyone else to change the image of Venezuelan women.
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Yet the activism also has ominous aspects. While the circles are intended to repair streets, tutor children, and assist the disabled, some red-bereted, motorcycle-riding members have also gained a reputation for violence. And while most see Venezuelans' new activism as a healthy development, protest marches and demonstrations have repeatedly turned violent, resulting in dozens of politically related deaths over the past two years.

Of course, the communist-loving CSM is not going to mention any of the Bolivarian Circles' specific crimes, but keep everything really vague.