New king down south…
January 18th, 2007 | by Craig R. Harmon |Venezuela’s National Assembly has given initial approval to a bill granting President Hugo Chavez the power to rule by decree for 18 months.
Anyone want to bet that, during that 18 months, one of the “political … changes” (see quote immediately below) is to essentially extend those 18 months to a period ending no sooner than his natural life (notice below his plans to scrap term limits on the presidency? It’s alright, though. He’ll be a benign despot. That is to say, a socialist one. Too bad if you happen to own a Corporation producing “essential” products and services because private ownership isn’t big on Chavez’s favorite things.
Mr Chavez said he wants to approve “revolutionary laws” to enact sweeping political, economic and social changes.
He has said he wants to nationalise key sectors of the economy and scrap limits on the terms a president can serve.
The opposition boycotted the election. This had two effects. Chavez’s landslide win and absence of oppositional representation in the National Assembly. Which means Chavez can pretty much do whatever he wants. [Some may want to slip in retorts about the resemblance to Bush's first six years as President]
By the way, to begin his socialist fun-fest:
Mr Chavez has said he wants to see major Venezuelan power and telecoms companies come under state control.
He also called for an end to foreign ownership of lucrative crude oil refineries in the Orinoco region.
Hard to believe but Chavez has critics:
Critics of Mr Chavez say he is trying to build a totalitarian dictatorship with all institutional powers consolidated into his own hands.
but they are of no importance:
National Assembly President Cilia Flores said “there will always be opponents, and especially when they know that these laws will deepen the revolution”.
Welcome to the kingdom of Venezuela.
3 Responses to “New king down south…”
By Paul Watson on Jan 19, 2007 | Reply
Craig,
In answer to the question, “No, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”
And you’re quite right, this is a move very much in the wrong direction and anyone who’s serious about democracy should oppose it.
So, when does the CIA assassinate him and replace him with a right wing dicatator who disappears his enemies like they did in the 70s, do you think?
By Jersey McJones on Jan 19, 2007 | Reply
I don’t see why they’re bothering to do this. It’s Nixonian overkill. All he has to do is keep on being Hugo and letting the opposition boycott (like it matters) all they want and he’ll be El Presidente for life. They must be getting paranoid over there.
Gee, maybe Paul’s unto something there, huh Craig?
So, which do you prefer - rightwing dictator, or leftwing dictator?
JMJ
By Craig R. Harmon on Jan 19, 2007 | Reply
Jersey,
I prefer no dictator at all.