And Hugo Chavez got his way!

Hugo Chavez finally managed to impose his will on the people of Venezuela. He tried once in December 2007 and was beaten. It actually took a firm stand by the Military to get him to acknowledge he had lost the referendum. 

So what he did was start to prepare the next one. This time round he got his way. He will be able to stand for re-election for as long as he wishes. And he will win. I was in Venezuela when he won the first election in 1998. Ever since he has followed the same route as most demo-dictators. He has called for a ballot every odd year he has been in power. For one reason or another. He is permanently in campaign.

He makes believe he is a democrat. My foot! He uses and abuses all the powers and monies of Venezuela in his personal favour. He has “invested” in the people of Venezuela more than the total debt of Latin America and Africa added together. Has the situation of his people changed? Not really. It is true than some people now have access to health treatment and education, if the system he has implemented can be called education and health care.

But the majority of Venezuelans are nevertheless happy. He provides beer ( Polarcita), entertainment in the form of baseball, and doesn’t expect them to work for a living. What more could the people hope for? It is usually an accepted fact that countries have the leaders they deserve. 

I will go one step further. I think countries, if given the choice, usually elect leaders who are exactly like themselves! Hugo Chavez is not a democrat, he is not a serious leader, he is not even funny or amusing: exactly like the majority of Venezuelans!