Latest Breaking News
In reply to the discussion: Report: Chavez's cancer has 'entered the end stage' [View all]dotymed
(5,610 posts)citizens of Venezuela know how much good President Chavez has done for them. He has had to occasionally suspend press "freedom" that was controlled by elite natives and an American government colluding with oil companies. President Chavez was overwhelmingly elected and re-elected by huge margins while international election committees confirmed their validity.
Read "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins. Maybe that will give you a different perspective of what the few, courageous, populist leaders in South America have had to overcome (usually CIA assassination) to really help the indigenous people. Even after America committed one successful coup (for a few days) against President Chavez and a few foiled attempts, the vast majority of Venezuelans demanded his return to rule.
Sure he has very powerful, wealthy, corporate and American Govt. sponsored enemies yet he is still very popular with the majority of his constituents.
Imagine that you wanted to make your country a place where everyone was equal. Yet your country had been ruled as a corporate satellite for centuries. All of the wealthy (1%) and the most powerful country in the world were dedicated to keep your country under their control (4th largest oil supplies)...yes he had to shut down some press (like a populist American President might have to temporarily shut down a press that kept abdicating his demise despite the huge support of the 99%) and do some distasteful things to ensure the continuation of his anti-elitist policies.
Do some real investigating, not using American sources. The truth would surprise most Americans. Personally, I never thought he would survive this long. IMO, he is one of a handful of South American leaders that remained true to their vision of a fair and just homeland. He has survived longer than any in recent memory.