Chávez, Extending Control, Seizes Assets of Oil Contractors

[liamfoley]

Regarding silencing of the media, that is a typical Chavez accusation, there is NO proof that any broadcasters were involved in illegal behavior if there is then point to it, link to reliable sources. Given air time to anti-Chavez groups is not "instrumental in an illegal military coup" unless you don't believe in free speech IPI (International Press Institute) :: Venezuela.
By not respecting term limits and bribing people to change the constitution he has taken away one of the last checks on power, torture of opponents and beating up opposition politicians is a daily occurrence in your socialist paradise. Check out the extensive criticism of Venezuela in Amnesty International reports, unless you believe those can be swept under the carpet just because he is doing something you agree with (interesting morality). What was behind his expelling Human Rights Watch? Are they an Imperialist Running Dog?
Would you like to account for the millions of dollars that have disappeared in the social programs? All into the pockets of Chavez appointees? The corruption and human rights abuses go on and on ...
You can dismiss his critics as imperialist Yanquis but how about opening your eyes, or maybe you might consider moving to your socialist utopia. Or maybe you prefer comforts such as free speech.

[Thac0man]

No, I know many, though through her. It is a sounder basis than most here have for arguing their case. Observation, rather than ideological fanaticism.

But thats not what you are doing. You yourself said you refused to listen to any more criticism of Chavez. Therefore you refuse to discuss the man or his policies in a rational and analytical manor. My own criticisms have been factual, yet the defence of the man seems to be near hysterical.

I have no problem with many of Chavez programs, I just question the manor in which they have been funded and the ultimate reasoning behind them. Questioning that in every other democracy seems sane and reasonable to do (but in Venezuela would be illegal for me to do as a foreigner).

We are on page 10 of this thread, and no one who leaps to Chavez defence has addressed the core issue of Venezuelas economy. The economy is a the cornerstone off all Chavez reforms, so how come it being ignored so studiously? I find it worrying that any "democratic" politicisn should be immmunised from criticism to such a degree. Surely that is reasonable concern?

[liamfoley]

But thats not what you are doing. You yourself said you refused to listen to any more criticism of Chavez. Therefore you refuse to discuss the man or his policies in a rational and analytical manor. My own criticisms have been factual, yet the defence of the man seems to be near hysterical.

I have no problem with many of Chavez programs, I just question the manor in which they have been funded and the ultimate reasoning behind them. Questioning that in every other democracy seems sane and reasonable to do (but in Venezuela would be illegal for me to do as a foreigner).

We are on page 10 of this thread, and no one who leaps to Chavez defence has addressed the core issue of Venezuelas economy. The economy is a the cornerstone off all Chavez reforms, so how come it being ignored so studiously? I find it worrying that any "democratic" politicisn should be immmunised from criticism to such a degree. Surely that is reasonable concern?

I second that