Our Founding Fathers warned against 'true' democracy for the very reasons Venezuela is failing- factions fighting factions in a mad scramble to vote themselves power. Americans should take note.
Chavez Accused of Threatening Bankers *** CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan opposition leaders accused President Hugo Chavez of threatening the nation's bankers to make them abandon a general strike aimed at toppling him. The National Banking Council said Wednesday that its members will return to normal operating hours on Monday. For two months, thousands of people have waited in long lines while banks opened just three hours a day. Other sectors, including workers in the state oil company, will remain on strike. "This is a government that, one way or another, acts with pressure and repression. This influenced the decision," said strike leader Carlos Fernandez.
Chavez had threatened to fine banks and withdraw the armed forces' deposits from private institutions if they didn't resume activities. Bankers said they provide a public service, which influenced the decision. "We owe the public," Nelson Mezerhane, the council's vice president, said after a Wednesday council meeting. "They have their earnings and money in our institutions." Fearing effects of the work stoppage - shortages of food, medicine, fuel and cash - could hurt their cause, many businesses plan to reopen next week. The possibility of having to declare bankruptcy by remaining closed also prompted owners of shopping malls, restaurants, franchises and schools to soon open their doors to the public. ***