Reply #16: Well, the situation is complicated [View All]

The restrictions of rights in a state of emergency and the presidential powers are quite disturbing to me - even if the people approve them. On the other hand the populist initiatives are ground breaking and will change lives.

And the recent history of Venezuela puts the authoritarian elements of this thing into some context. We're still talking about an economy largely dominated by abusive plutocrats in bed with corrupt Western powers - not an opposition to be trifled with - and you can bet they don't plan to roll over. But Hugo would still be better advised to cut the authoritarian business for the sake of his revolution, IMO.

The biggest irony is that we wouldn't be hearing a peep of criticism from the American media and power brokers if it weren't for the socialist and populist elements of the new constitution. The authoritarian pieces give them ammunition to criticize, but their real concerns are with the rest of the package. You don't hear the same critics harping about executive powers in the 30 other dictatorships that we prop up. Go figure.