Perhaps more than any other action, the creation of the Bolivarian Circles has heightened the impression -- consistently denied by Chávez -- that he is building his own political army. As a result, the groups have become a critical point of confrontation between the president and his opponents. Opponents now say they've had enough of the Bolivarian Circles and are demanding that the president disarm and disband them as the first step toward the reconciliation that he promised following the April 11 coup attempt. The debate over the fate of these groups might go a long way toward resolving -- or deepening -- the political crisis engulfing Chávez.***
Shouts of "Assassin, Assassin," and "Chavez Must Go" rose from the anti-government ranks. Protesters demanded the president step down or agree to a referendum on his rule. Chavez supporters - many wearing the red berets made fashionable by the army paratrooper-turned president - held banners labeling the president's opponents "fascist dictators."
Ricardo Vannini, a 46-year-old businessman taking part in the anti-Chavez protests, blew on a whistle as he marched toward the whitewashed halls of Congress. "I grew up with democracy and I never saw divisions like the ones we have now," Vannini said. "Chavez has planted hatreds that are scaring off investment."***