Democratc Congressman Charles Rangel condemns Chavez - says a personal attack on Bush by a foreign head of state is an attack on all Americans

[incanada1234 0]

I just want to say something if Bush is the Devil, Chavez is the Devil’s Excrement

Nice.

I wonder how much Steven would adore Chavez if HE lived in Venezuela.

[Mirorgate 0]

puhleeze.. the last Ven elections were SO transparent and correct. hell.. Jimmy Carter gave the thumb of approval

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Chavez is a thug; can't stand him.

Same could be said about Bush.

I don't disagree with that. I'm no fan of Bush. I think Chavez is worse, though. I guess the devil you know is better, eh?

Why do you take it personally with regard to Chavez? I think he's much needed change in South American politics and I'm glad somebody finally thumbed their noses at our foreign policies.

I don't take it personally at all. I dated a Venezuelan in college who was in Maracaibo for one of Chavez's coup attempts. His stories were horrifying. Unfortunately I don't remember all of the details; I just came away with a strong dislike for Hugo Chavez. The guy's a scumbag.

Everyone has their own version of the truth. I don't think the guy's a saint, but we've erected dictators in South America that make him look like a boy scout, and most South Americans haven't forgotten that fact. To them, Chavez is a hero. It's really all subjective.

Pinochet anyone?

[Mirorgate 0]

Pinochet anyone?

have you read/seen what they are doin to that guy now?

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

Pinochet anyone?

have you read/seen what they are doin to that guy now?

I read an article(soeey, no link, consider hearsey if you wish) that Chavez has like a 70 or 80 percent approval rating.

Daniel

:energetic:

[almaty 19]

Pinochet anyone?

have you read/seen what they are doin to that guy now?

I read an article(soeey, no link, consider hearsey if you wish) that Chavez has like a 70 or 80 percent approval rating.

Daniel

:energetic:

gas is 11 cents a gallon...he is well liked by the poorer citizens

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Chavez is a thug; can't stand him.

Same could be said about Bush.

I don't disagree with that. I'm no fan of Bush. I think Chavez is worse, though. I guess the devil you know is better, eh?

Why do you take it personally with regard to Chavez? I think he's much needed change in South American politics and I'm glad somebody finally thumbed their noses at our foreign policies.

I don't take it personally at all. I dated a Venezuelan in college who was in Maracaibo for one of Chavez's coup attempts. His stories were horrifying. Unfortunately I don't remember all of the details; I just came away with a strong dislike for Hugo Chavez. The guy's a scumbag.

Everyone has their own version of the truth. I don't think the guy's a saint, but we've erected dictators in South America that make him look like a boy scout, and most South Americans haven't forgotten that fact. To them, Chavez is a hero. It's really all subjective.

Excuse me, to who Chavez is a hero? not for me nor for the vast majority of venezuelan people and that is the truth and not a version of the truth. Chavez is just a chatterbox that just like to talk against nations that are stronger than our nations, after all he needs somebody to blame for his ineptitude, somebody has to be responsible for all the disgrace that this world lives, and Bush is, acording to the venezuelan comedian that sometimes pretend to be president, this one to blame.

I just want to say something if Bush is the Devil, Chavez is the Devil’s Excrement

The majority of Venezuelans don't agree with you. This is from a year ago, but I'm sure it's not far off.

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, a strong critic of the Western nation especially the United States enjoys according independent polling firms solid support from Venezuelans. The oil production from Venezuela is critical for the Western hemisphere to maintain stable supply of oil.

Nearly 72 percent of Venezuelan voters support President Hugo Chavez, a new poll released July 26 by Caracas-based polling firm Datanalisis shows.

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3825.asp

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Pinochet anyone?

have you read/seen what they are doin to that guy now?

I read an article(soeey, no link, consider hearsey if you wish) that Chavez has like a 70 or 80 percent approval rating.

Daniel

:energetic:

People have short memories. Usually what happens when you have a particularly inept or inefficient government, or period of stagnant economic growth and high unemployment - there's a tendency to look at the past with 'rose-tinted' spectacles by idolising strong leaders.

That happens in the US too - I read somewhere that people polled on what characteristics they liked about GWB, came back fairly strongly with things like "strong" and "decisive". So to some extent I think there's a tendency (certainly in our current climate) admire characteristics like that, as opposed to whether or not they are morally or ethically responsible.

Similarly, old people who complain about how "things were so much better when they were young" ignore the fact their own era, just as the present one - probably had just as many problems.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Pinochet anyone?

have you read/seen what they are doin to that guy now?

I read an article(soeey, no link, consider hearsey if you wish) that Chavez has like a 70 or 80 percent approval rating.

Daniel

:energetic:

People have short memories. Usually what happens when you have a particularly inept or inefficient government, or period of stagnant economic growth and high unemployment - there's a tendency to look at the past with 'rose-tinted' spectacles by idolising strong leaders.

That happens in the US too - I read somewhere that people polled on what characteristics they liked about GWB, came back fairly strongly with things like "strong" and "decisive". So to some extent I think there's a tendency (certainly in our current climate) admire characteristics like that, as opposed to whether or not they are morally or ethically responsible.

Similarly, old people who complain about how "things were so much better when they were young" ignore the fact their own era, just as the present one - probably had just as many problems.

Yep. Chavez hasn't exactly been very good with his own self promotion when it comes to the U.S., however, people need to keep in mind that he's one of the few leaders in this world who's dared to be critical of the Bush Administration. I find that kind of boldness refreshing...especially in light of the prevailing attitude among Americans who "don't give a f##k what the rest of the world thinks about us." What a different tune they play when the shoe is on the other foot.

[Mirorgate 0]

The majority of Venezuelans don't agree with you. This is from a year ago, but I'm sure it's not far off.

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, a strong critic of the Western nation especially the United States enjoys according independent polling firms solid support from Venezuelans. The oil production from Venezuela is critical for the Western hemisphere to maintain stable supply of oil.

Nearly 72 percent of Venezuelan voters support President Hugo Chavez, a new poll released July 26 by Caracas-based polling firm Datanalisis shows.

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3825.asp

You do realize that he has stacked the governing body in his favor, changed the Ven constituion at least once for his own benefit, and has used dead ppls ID's to stack the ballot when last election came about? Not to mention the continuous cry wolf scenario of how he has proof that the US was involved in the weekend coup of his presidency, yet yrs later still has yet to come forward with said proof?

He's a blow hard, and doesnt really care about the ppl of his country, only what others thinkin his narrow world view, and what he can gain in support for "standing up to the great evil Mr Bush".

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The majority of Venezuelans don't agree with you. This is from a year ago, but I'm sure it's not far off.

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, a strong critic of the Western nation especially the United States enjoys according independent polling firms solid support from Venezuelans. The oil production from Venezuela is critical for the Western hemisphere to maintain stable supply of oil.

Nearly 72 percent of Venezuelan voters support President Hugo Chavez, a new poll released July 26 by Caracas-based polling firm Datanalisis shows.

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3825.asp

You do realize that he has stacked the governing body in his favor, changed the Ven constituion at least once for his own benefit, and has used dead ppls ID's to stack the ballot when last election came about? Not to mention the continuous cry wolf scenario of how he has proof that the US was involved in the weekend coup of his presidency, yet yrs later still has yet to come forward with said proof?

He's a blow hard, and doesnt really care about the ppl of his country, only what others thinkin his narrow world view, and what he can gain in support for "standing up to the great evil Mr Bush".

As to his constitutional reform... (How is this controversial?)

Current Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez promised in his 1998 presidential campaign that he would break the old puntofijismo system and open up political power to independent and third parties.

The term originates from Punto Fijo, Rafael Caldera's house at the time in Caracas, where representatives of the Democratic Republican Union (URD), Social Christian (COPEI) and Democratic Action (Acción Democrática, AD) parties signed a pact that, according to some politicians, bound them to limit Venezuela’s political system to an exclusive competition between two parties. Some claim that the accord allowed the rising Venezuelan democracy to survive in the 60's the invasions and guerrillas funded by governments from extreme right wing (Rafael Leónidas Trujillo) to extreme left wing (Fidel Castro).

Eventually this pact became a political distribution of power between the two main political parties that signed it originating a bipartite system. Citizens, intellectuals, journalists and media started to demand a reformation of all the political system to transform Venezuelan democracy to fit a growing democratic society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puntofijismo

[Mirorgate 0]

The majority of Venezuelans don't agree with you. This is from a year ago, but I'm sure it's not far off.

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, a strong critic of the Western nation especially the United States enjoys according independent polling firms solid support from Venezuelans. The oil production from Venezuela is critical for the Western hemisphere to maintain stable supply of oil.

Nearly 72 percent of Venezuelan voters support President Hugo Chavez, a new poll released July 26 by Caracas-based polling firm Datanalisis shows.

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3825.asp

You do realize that he has stacked the governing body in his favor, changed the Ven constituion at least once for his own benefit, and has used dead ppls ID's to stack the ballot when last election came about? Not to mention the continuous cry wolf scenario of how he has proof that the US was involved in the weekend coup of his presidency, yet yrs later still has yet to come forward with said proof?

He's a blow hard, and doesnt really care about the ppl of his country, only what others thinkin his narrow world view, and what he can gain in support for "standing up to the great evil Mr Bush".

As to his constitutional reform... (How is this controversial?)

Current Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez promised in his 1998 presidential campaign that he would break the old puntofijismo system and open up political power to independent and third parties.

The term originates from Punto Fijo, Rafael Caldera's house at the time in Caracas, where representatives of the Democratic Republican Union (URD), Social Christian (COPEI) and Democratic Action (Acción Democrática, AD) parties signed a pact that, according to some politicians, bound them to limit Venezuela’s political system to an exclusive competition between two parties. Some claim that the accord allowed the rising Venezuelan democracy to survive in the 60's the invasions and guerrillas funded by governments from extreme right wing (Rafael Leónidas Trujillo) to extreme left wing (Fidel Castro).

Eventually this pact became a political distribution of power between the two main political parties that signed it originating a bipartite system. Citizens, intellectuals, journalists and media started to demand a reformation of all the political system to transform Venezuelan democracy to fit a growing democratic society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puntofijismo

uuuhhh that wasnt it.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The majority of Venezuelans don't agree with you. This is from a year ago, but I'm sure it's not far off.

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, a strong critic of the Western nation especially the United States enjoys according independent polling firms solid support from Venezuelans. The oil production from Venezuela is critical for the Western hemisphere to maintain stable supply of oil.

Nearly 72 percent of Venezuelan voters support President Hugo Chavez, a new poll released July 26 by Caracas-based polling firm Datanalisis shows.

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/3825.asp

You do realize that he has stacked the governing body in his favor, changed the Ven constituion at least once for his own benefit, and has used dead ppls ID's to stack the ballot when last election came about? Not to mention the continuous cry wolf scenario of how he has proof that the US was involved in the weekend coup of his presidency, yet yrs later still has yet to come forward with said proof?

He's a blow hard, and doesnt really care about the ppl of his country, only what others thinkin his narrow world view, and what he can gain in support for "standing up to the great evil Mr Bush".

As to his constitutional reform... (How is this controversial?)

Current Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez promised in his 1998 presidential campaign that he would break the old puntofijismo system and open up political power to independent and third parties.

The term originates from Punto Fijo, Rafael Caldera's house at the time in Caracas, where representatives of the Democratic Republican Union (URD), Social Christian (COPEI) and Democratic Action (Acción Democrática, AD) parties signed a pact that, according to some politicians, bound them to limit Venezuela’s political system to an exclusive competition between two parties. Some claim that the accord allowed the rising Venezuelan democracy to survive in the 60's the invasions and guerrillas funded by governments from extreme right wing (Rafael Leónidas Trujillo) to extreme left wing (Fidel Castro).

Eventually this pact became a political distribution of power between the two main political parties that signed it originating a bipartite system. Citizens, intellectuals, journalists and media started to demand a reformation of all the political system to transform Venezuelan democracy to fit a growing democratic society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puntofijismo

uuuhhh that wasnt it.

What did he change in the Constitution that was to his own personal benefit?

[Mirorgate 0]

uuuhhh that wasnt it.

What did he change in the Constitution that was to his own personal benefit?

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Venezuela

specifically one part here (there are others)

A unicameral and marginalized legislature

The new constitution also converted the formerly bicameral National Assembly into a unicameral legislature, and stripped it of many of its former powers. Thus, the new single-chamber National Assembly dropped the prior traditional arrangement of the bifurcation of legislative powers between a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate. In addition, the legislative branch's powers were substantially reduced and transferred to the President of Venezuela.

and also here

A strengthened and recallable presidency

It also increased the presidential term of office from five to six years and introduced a presidential two-term limit. The document also introduced provisions for national presidential recall referenda — that is, Venezuelan voters now were to be given the right to remove their president from office before the expiration of the presidential term. Such referenda were to be activated upon provision of petitions with a valid number of signatures. The new provision was activated for the first time when such a referendum was held in 2004, but it failed to receive majority support. See Venezuelan recall referendum, 2004. The presidency was also dramatically strengthened, with the power to dissolve the National Assembly under certain conditions.

but he wants to change that again so he can be in office for third term as the grape vine goes.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

uuuhhh that wasnt it.

What did he change in the Constitution that was to his own personal benefit?

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Venezuela

specifically one part here (there are others)

A unicameral and marginalized legislature

The new constitution also converted the formerly bicameral National Assembly into a unicameral legislature, and stripped it of many of its former powers. Thus, the new single-chamber National Assembly dropped the prior traditional arrangement of the bifurcation of legislative powers between a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate. In addition, the legislative branch's powers were substantially reduced and transferred to the President of Venezuela.

and also here

A strengthened and recallable presidency

It also increased the presidential term of office from five to six years and introduced a presidential two-term limit. The document also introduced provisions for national presidential recall referenda — that is, Venezuelan voters now were to be given the right to remove their president from office before the expiration of the presidential term. Such referenda were to be activated upon provision of petitions with a valid number of signatures. The new provision was activated for the first time when such a referendum was held in 2004, but it failed to receive majority support. See Venezuelan recall referendum, 2004. The presidency was also dramatically strengthened, with the power to dissolve the National Assembly under certain conditions.

but he wants to change that again so he can be in office for third term as the grape vine goes.

It was ratified and voter approved by over 71 percent of the voters. I don't claim to know all the underpinnings of Venezuelan politics, but whatever you're trying to pin on him pales, PALES in comparison to Bush's desire for increased Presidential powers.