Chavez wins a 4th term

[Homer]

[Boris Johnson]

[Hyperion]

Who cares? International pollsters and election oversight agencies agree that he wins these elections fairly. Yeah, he's egotistical. I don't really so why we should care. Venezuela doesn't pose any significant economic or political threat against us, and it's not like he's enacting brutal religious, ethnic, or sexual extermination policies. The majority of people think he's doing a good job and agree with his economic philosophy. Whatever. We re-elected Bush at the chagrin of the world. And he was first elected in spite of popular favor deciding Gore should win. Let's not forget that.

Venezuela's economic situation isn't dire. If it were, he'd lose. Fact of the matter is his administration has overseen a rapid reduction of the poverty rate from 50% to 25% in spite of inflation (which really isn't notable considering the country has experienced high inflation for over 20 years).

[Boris Johnson]

[Hyperion]

The difference is Venezuelans clearly value direct democracy more than we do. We don't have a recall referendum for any national office. Why have term limits if you can pull anyone from their seat?

The Legislature is no different than many European and East Asian models. Perhaps the only significant difference is that it's unicameral.

I just don't see why Chavez is hated so much. The shadiest thing about him is his close association with the Castros, but it's not like our presidents haven't formed friendships with notorious political allies (Saudis).

[Boris Johnson]

[Zeugma]

[Hyperion]

Venezuela didn't provide any coordination between police forces until 2009. We'll see what happens in the next few years. The implementation of a National Police reduced murder rates by something like 70% in Caracas - in less than three years. Blaming it on Chavez when the crime rate has been like that for centuries is just ridiculous.

Ironically Venezuela suffers from libertopianism.

[OGPhilly]

[PoS]