NPR: Hugo Chavez: President for Life?

Hugo Chavez: President for Life?

Some stories just don't come as a surprise at all.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wants to eliminate current limits on his re-election and extend presidential terms ... so, basically, he could be president for life. The Los Angeles Times reports that Chavez proposed 33 radical changes to Venezuela's constitution to the National Assembly on Wednesday.

He also wants to end the autonomy of Venezuela's Central Bank, which would give him access to billions of dollars he currently can't get his paws on.

"It's not that I want to enthrone myself," Chavez said. "This shouldn't surprise anyone. It's done this way in any number of countries."

Riiiiiight. That and a $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee.

9:22 AM ET | 08-16-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Can we call him a tyrant now?

Sent by J.O. Keener | 11:10 AM ET | 08-16-2007

You can tell he's been hanging out with Fidel.

Sent by Jorja | 1:21 PM ET | 08-16-2007

By proper definition, I don't believe we can call him a tyrant yet. Though our present administration could-given their talent to bend and re-mold specifics-with the always helpful input from the media of course. Next, we declare him a threat to Latin America, go in there to get him out, with a conviction that says we'll be welcome with open arms and glory. Then, the administration can declare another country liberated from tyranny, and send the special interest groups to evaluate the damage done by giving benefits to those poor and oppressed Venezuelan people. We in turn can feel proud about being, "free responsible citizens of the world", get fuel a few cents cheaper for
awhile, and log on to history books another triumph for the Republic. As a democracy, we in America, should be grateful our government has national referendums before our leaders take action. We can rest assured, and shouldn't worry about the idea of damage to the country when a leader disregards the Constitution, attempting to change its function and real meaning to the people. We are safe.

Sent by Gerson Rodriguez | 2:37 PM ET | 08-16-2007

While this doesn't look good, it does not exempt him from having to be reelected. A properly elected leader, enacting the will of the people is not a tyrant... even if he's on his 20th term.

Sent by ACougar | 3:29 PM ET | 08-17-2007

Surprise, surprise. If you'd asked any democratic-minded Venezuelan in 1999 about the potential for this to happen you would have known it was inevitable. The opposition's warnings were largely ignored by liberal press worldwide. US interests in petroleum made our country look the other way. Don't kid yourself that any elections will be real. He's got complete control of the process. Just ask any of the thousands of Venezuelans now residing in Florida.

Sent by MacCuellar | 10:18 AM ET | 08-21-2007

Please, not even FDR was good enough for three terms, let alone to be reelected indefinitely. But then again, what can one expect from a bloody coup leader? Unless one has very racist double standards as to what constitutes democracy in the US and abroad, that is.

Sent by Cristina Vargas-Irwin | 8:58 AM ET | 08-27-2007

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