Friend of the People or Out for Himself?

Hugo Chavez, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is probably one of the best marketing people in the world. Within his country, he has mobilized the poor by spreading cash around and seemingly improving their lives. I say 'seemingly' because an increase in infant mortality in 2004 and 2005 as well as an increase during Chavez' presidency in the percent of people earning less than $2 a day do not seem to me to be improvements. But, people who had nothing now have subsidized grocery stores, Internet access and medical care by doctors. On a daily physical basis they are probably somewhat better off and, as a result, will probably return to Chavez to office for as long as he wants.

However, on a political basis the people are moving into a world led by a dictator. Consider the new constitution: no congressional oversight of the army, eliminate term limits for the president, eliminate a two chamber legislature. Or, the blacklisting - and subsequent denial of rights, jobs and benefits - to those who signed a petition calling for Chavez' recall. Or, the packing of the Supreme Court. Or, a law allowing the government to suspend radio and tv stations that don't toe the line.

Chavez' role in Latin America is also worrisome. Here, he can spread money around, but is not responsible for the well-being of the people in Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, etc. There is a growing anti-American feeling in Latin America. Chavez is exploiting it and is becoming the leader of the region. We don't seem to be very interested in actions which might seriously influence events in the region in a positive way; we seem more interested in words..

Since we get about 14% of our oil from Venezuela, our continued dependence on oil has caused worries in our government. But Venezuela's oil requires specialized refineries, which exist in the US and in very few, if any, other places. Venezuela also owns Citgo with its 14,000 gas stations here. So, it is unlikely that Venezuela will stop selling us oil any time soon. Does this mean we should continue ignoring Venezuela?