Chavez Runs for Re-Election

**scotchedpommes** · 08-14-2006, 01:19

[You assume that Don hasn't actually informed himself of the facts before
commenting?

]

Venezuela coup linked to Bush team. Another article of note.

**JAG** · 08-14-2006, 01:36

Where are the facts that all of you are using to discredit and bemoan Chavez?! Ah yes, you don't have any and havent presented any, just as normal then.

Chavez is making lasting, real and incredible change to the lives of the poor in the country he has been democratically elected in more times than GWB and in far more open and fair elections too.

Let us hope that he continues to gain election and a mandate to continue his reforms and progression and to call Chavez a dictator is to call every other democratically elected leader a dictator too.

**Tribesman** · 08-14-2006, 02:00

OK Jag , What are your views on the long term effects of the price fixing on agricultural products when coupled with the land appropriation and re-distribution before the proper education program is in place ?

**Hepcat** · 08-14-2006, 02:34

Acoording to Wikipedia Chavez has entailed the launching of massive government anti-poverty initiatives, the construction of thousands of free medical clinics for the poor, the institution of educational campaigns that have reportedly made more than one million adult Venezuelans literate, and the enactment of food and housing subsidies. There have been marked improvements in the infant mortality rate between 1998 and 2006.

If this is the case then why shouldn't he be re-elected? It is not as though he has a policy of conquering any neighbouring countries.

I think he has been re-elected because he has been a good leader. Correct me if I am wrong, but he doesn't seem like a tyrant to me.

**lars573** · 08-14-2006, 03:08

Well I think he's a damn sight better than anyone the US woud have approved of. But he's a blow hard, a rabble rouser, a saber rattler, a populist and a socialist. He also wins elections and runs the country by cutting out the upper classes. Plus he's a bit of a strong man. In other words he's just what the country needs, right now. He lacks some clear goals for lasting economic development. To me he gets more points for actually doing something rather than relying on trickle down.

**Tribesman** · 08-14-2006, 03:47

Where in Chavez' programs do we see encouragement of entrepenurial endeavors? Assistance in development of roads/bridges/ports/commercial space? Assistance for professional degrees and job development?

If such programs exist, with a trend towards private ownership or assumption of control by private citizens, that would signal something different.

Just wondering Seamus , do you actually know anything about any of the programs or development projects at all ?

You know , start up loans , tax breaks things like that .
The take up on the co-op scheme is quite interesting .

Oh and Rabbit , I see you still cannot get your facts straight on poverty levels , would you like some help ?

**Seamus Fermanagh** · 08-14-2006, 18:35

Originally Posted by Tribesman

Just wondering Seamus , do you actually know anything about any of the programs or development projects at all ?
You know , start up loans , tax breaks things like that.
The take up on the co-op scheme is quite interesting.

Actually, I am aware of only some of what is going on there, hence my questioning tone. I admit to being skeptical of anyone who combines socialism with anti-USA sabre-rattling, but was not entirely dismissive.

I am aware of:

Education and Public Health programs emphasizing coverage on the Ven' poor.

Sweetheart deals with Cuba (in part to reciprocate for assistance with above).

A flight of external capital, especially during Chavez' first term.

I assume that some slate of business incentives has been proposed/implemented, but am unaware of the specifics.

Admittedly, too much US media coverage on Chavez' centers on his "show-off" moves. I've only read one or two columnists (8-10 pieces total) who've addressed Venuzuela and Chavez with any real depth.

From these assessments, I am convinced that:

Chavez was legitimately -- and very popularly -- elected.

Opposition to Chavez, by boycotting the election entirely, screwed the pooch and handed him whatever official power he lacked to date.

Chavez strikes me as much more of a Peron-type than a Castro-type.

Chavez' legitimacy makes him a force to be respected if not admired. We are likely to be dealing with him -- on one level or another -- for decades.