Venezuela's poor were the biggest losers in the election there.

That is the way I see it. Not ending the term limits makes it possible that a member of a right-wing party in Venezuela could win the next presidential election there and reverse the socialist reforms Chavez has instituted. The power of the right-wing capitalist elite there is still strong and all Chavez intended to do was to protect socialism. Once again somewhere in the world, the right wins again.:puke:

I don't believe there is a true democracy on the planet at this time.

The people are the biggest winners.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/12/1/2815/51383

thanks for posting it :hi:

can vote liberal again and the next "gal" can win. What is most important for a country like Venezuela is that it not become a dictatorship even with a benevolent dictator..that would be a step back.

He already has all the support and power to establish his vision, whatever that may be.

The people of Venezuela should ALWAYS have the option to overturn socialist policies (or free market policies for that matter).

They should also always have the option to limit the power of any leader (no matter how popular he or she is).

Checks and balances, competition, etc., you know the drill.

When good policies are enacted, like Chavez's they should override the will of the people. Look at how powerful the capitalist pigs are, and how good they are at pulling the wool over the peoples eyes. Hell they just caused Chavez to lose an election he should have won.

Checks and balance should only be used to stop CONservative policies - not Liberal/Socialist ones.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

Not just the elite, EVERYONE who wanted to vote had the chance to. And they decided that they liked term limits. I'm sure there are plenty of other socialists in Venezuela willing to run for President. And if the people want to elect one of them and continue socialism, they will.

They are fooling no one. I knew Chavez would lose. I said on Saturday night that he'd either lose or win a very narrow majority. Even the poor had some problems with all the proposals. Venezuelans lived under military dictators for years and like democracy. They also like his social programs but he was trying to change too many things at the same time.

Here's a report
http://www.plenglish.com/Article.asp?ID={7AE5530D-E618-4A2E-B8F7-686307FEEB70}&language=EN

<snip>
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez recognized the results of the referendum that rejected his projected constitutional reform, and affirmed the vote was a sign of democracy in the country.

The proposal was divided into two blocs, the first of which had 49.29 percent of votes in favour and 50.07 percent against, while in the second bloc, the NO obtained 51.05 percent, and the YES 48.94 percent.

In addition, the electoral power informed there were 44.11 percent abstentions.

When addressing the country shortly after the results were revealed early today, Chavez asked the opposition to conduct its victory properly, and called upon his followers to continue efforts for the consolidation of the process of changes.

According to the president, the vote corroborated the Venezuelan democracy grows with each electoral process and political action.

I went to bed last night thinking the referendum has passed and come home from work and see all this. Like someone said..Chavez is smart..he'll keep working to insure Democracy in Venezuela!

Viva Chavez!