News & Politics - Hugo Chavez proposes constitutional changes allowing indefinite re-elections

elisheva · 08-16-2007, 08:02 AM

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Chávez plan would allow his indefinite re-election
By Simon Romero
Thursday, August 16, 2007

CARACAS: President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela outlined a proposed overhaul to his country's Constitution that could allow him to remain in power indefinitely through perpetual re-elections, an intensification of his efforts to assert greater state control over political and economic institutions.

Taking aim at opponents who say he is assuming too much power, Chávez said, "I recommend they take a pill, what do they call it, a Valium."

During a meandering, theatrical speech at the Venezuelan National Assembly on Wednesday, he said, "We have broken the chains of the old hegemonic oligarchy."

He also laid out a dizzying array of other proposed changes to the Constitution, all to be put before a congressional vote and a national referendum.

He called for a six-hour work day, the power to designate military regions for "defense reasons," the creation of regional governing entities that would be managed by vice presidents appointed by the president and demarcating Venezuelan sovereignty in parts of the Caribbean, possibly by building artificial islands.

The president's opponents see such proposals as window dressing to accompany Chávez's re-election ambitions, which include expanding presidential terms from six years to seven. Manuel Rosales, the governor of Zulia State and the main opposition candidate in the presidential election last December, said in televised comments that after Chávez's call to abandon term limits, the other proposals were "adornments."

Criticism of the effort to change the Constitution has sharpened around fears that Chávez could use it to diminish the power of elected governors and mayors, of which a handful in the country still oppose him.

Seemingly undeterred by the criticism, which he described as lies coming from counterrevolutionaries, Chávez delivered a speech sprinkled with references to Machiavelli, Aristotle and more recent Italian Marxist philosophers like Antonio Gramsci and Antonio Negri.

State television championed his proposals Wednesday, and supporters gathered before television cameras near the National Assembly to chant "Fatherland, Socialism or Death!"

Jose Orozco contributed reporting.

Okay, Chavez is freaking scary. I do not understand at all the Western college kids who think he's the coolest thing since free beer (except perhaps that they like that he thumbs his nose at Bush and they think he's some sort of working class hero, which, um, no).

migamoo · 08-16-2007, 10:00 AM

I never understood that as well. I never could say that I liked the guy, but there have been times I think he's really trying to help his country. Other than that, yeah, this is a bit scary.

Lexis · 08-16-2007, 11:07 AM

He's one of those leaders that does the occasional thing that seems to make life a little better for his people but then takes ten steps backwards.

But to be fair, the PM in the UK can pretty much stay in power as long as he wants until the public (or backstabbing cabinet members) boot him (or her) out on her ass so I don't suppose Britain can really get too steamed.

COOLCAT200 · 08-16-2007, 11:13 AM

I personally do not like Chavez at all and cringe when I see American Actors go And pose with him.

Jacob1983 · 08-16-2007, 01:28 PM

Chavez is a dictator in disguise. He's also an America hater too.

Indian Summer · 08-16-2007, 05:40 PM

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Originally Posted by Jacob1983 (View Post)

Chavez is a dictator in disguise. He's also an America hater too.

I disagree to an extent. I do think Chavez is leaning toward the corrupt side of single rule, which makes him close to a dictator, but I don't think he's crossed the line- yet.

And not approving of Bush's regime or his foreign policy stances hardly makes him an "American hater." It makes him in line with most of the world.

Jacob1983 · 08-16-2007, 09:44 PM

Chavez is a dictator, hands down. It's no contest. To put Bush in the same league as Chavez is idiotic. Bush isn't the one that wants to be president forever. That would be Chavez. American haters such as Cindy Sheehan and Sean Penn are best buddies with Chavez. Chavez is not a good guy. The more power Chavez gets, the worse the world will be.

Indian Summer · 08-16-2007, 09:50 PM

Who's putting Bush in the same league as Chavez? But Chavez certainly isn't an America hater just because he hates Bush. It must be nice to be able to oversimplify matters in your mind so that anyone who disagrees with Bush and the war- like Sheehan- are "America haters." I think Bush is more of an American hater than Sheehan or Penn- since when is wanting to save the lives of soldiers a sign you hate the country?

But anyway, I'm not understanding your "dictator" claims, seeing as he's been reelected rightfully, and he's trying to legally pass this measure, not demand it. What, exactly, makes Chavez fit the definition of dictator?

migamoo · 08-16-2007, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob1983 (View Post)

American haters such as Cindy Sheehan and Sean Penn are best buddies with Chavez.

So, not supporting Bush and his war makes people "America[n] haters?" Wow.

Jacob1983 · 08-17-2007, 01:50 PM

Chavez has a long of anti-American quotes. Why are you guys defending a power hungry dictator especially one who spreads anti-American speech 24/7?

What makes Chavez a dictator? Let's see. How about the fact that he wants to remain the leader of his country indefinately? Is that good enough for you? The man is making laws which will make him the ruler of his country until he dies. Sounds like a dictator to me.

Indian Summer · 08-17-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob1983 (View Post)

Chavez has a long of anti-American quotes. Why are you guys defending a power hungry dictator especially one who spreads anti-American speech 24/7?

He's made speeches against Bush, not America. Regardless of whatever campaign speech you have stuck in your head, the two aren't the same.

At times, Chavez has been more helpful to America than Bush has, or at least he's attempted to be. Chavez was the first to offer foreign aid following Katrina, both in the form of oil and money. Bush was too proud and refused it, even though it's clear that the region could've benefited from it- and still could.

And in the winters, Chavez has signed deals with many northeastern states to provide oil for heating for dirt cheap, which is also more than Bush has done.

Quote:

What makes Chavez a dictator? Let's see. How about the fact that he wants to remain the leader of his country indefinately? Is that good enough for you? The man is making laws which will make him the ruler of his country until he dies. Sounds like a dictator to me.

...What? Do you even know what makes a dictator? Chavez is trying to pass legislation so he could be perpetually re-elected. That doesn't mean he'd run unopposed, and if the legislation passes, it will be because others think it's a good idea. If anything, it makes him more on par with a Prime Minister. What you're implying is similar to saying Teddy Kennedy is a dictator in Massachusetts since he's held political power for decades. That's not the case, though, as Massachusetts has continually elected him.

Jacob1983 · 08-17-2007, 02:14 PM

Summer, it's sad you support and defend anti-American dictators. I guess it's understandable since you're a native born American.

You may hate Bush but at least he isn't trying to be president for the rest of his life.

Chavez is a power hungry dictator. Stop defending the man.

Indian Summer · 08-17-2007, 02:32 PM

I'm thinking you mean not a native born American, but as I previously stated, I don't support or defend him- I hope he's not reelected again. However, him having made many, many mistakes in his country doesn't make him a dictator, or unAmerican. It makes him an ineffective, dangerous leader.

But answer me this- if Chavez was anti-American, why did he offer to help out after Hurricane Katrina? Why did he provide oil for northeasterners who were going to freeze in the cold, snowy winter of 2005, when our own government didn't do anything to help?

Anyway, I suggest you actually familiarize yourself with what a dictator is- while Chavez isn't a good President, and he's certainly power-hungry, he definitely doesn't qualify for that title, as he's not suggesting a day when the people can't elect someone else.

COOLCAT200 · 08-17-2007, 07:38 PM

Here is a place you can read about the Criticisms of Hugo Chavez Criticism of Hugo Chávez - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

flagpolesitta43 · 08-18-2007, 01:01 AM

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Summer, it's sad you support and defend anti-American dictators. I guess it's understandable since you're a native born American.

I love my country, it's been my home all my life and I love it. Which is why when something is wrong I speak up and try to fix it. If someone you love is going down a destructive path do you sit by and say ok, I love them so I'll just sit by and watch, because I don't want to say anything negative about them?

I can't speak for everyone else, but that's where I'm coming from. I think to just accept everything makes you pretty neglectful to your country and makes you pretty unpatriotic. The country doesn't run itself...we're suppose to run the country.

Anyway...sorry for the OT post but I just felt the need to rant about that.

...I have very mixed feelings about this. I've always wanted the freedom in this country to be able to re-elect leaders as many times as we wish, but I don't have much faith in it working in Venezuela, especially with Chavez. Plus, all politicians are full of it, so switching them up seems like a good idea...I can go back and forth with this line of thinking all day, but I'll just leave it at the fact that I'm torn.


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