[speechlesstx]

Yep, Hugo Chavez is dead according to the AP.

What's next for Venezuela? What will Sean Penn, Danny Glover and Naomi Campbell do without him?

[cdad]

Maybe Sean will run for office down there. It seems his career here isn't worth much these days.

[paraclete]

Perhaps they will get another man of the people, or as suggested the US will drop a candidate in

[speechlesstx]

Apparently, Chavez was infected with cancer by the U.S. according to his number 2 guy. Well, if so there are some guys in Iran that could use an infection.

First to mourn Hugo, Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y:

Jose E. Serrano ‏@RepJoseSerrano

Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empowering the powerless. R.I.P. Mr. President.

Next up, British MP George Galloway:

The death of Hugo Chavez at just 58 is a body blow for the poor and the oppressed, throughout Latin America and the wider world.

And then Jimmy Carter:

Statement From Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
On the Death of Hugo Chavez

Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Hugo Chávez Frías. We met Hugo Chávez when he was campaigning for president in 1998 and The Carter Center was invited to observe elections for the first time in Venezuela. We returned often, for the 2000 elections, and then to facilitate dialogue during the political conflict of 2002-2004. We came to know a man who expressed a vision to bring profound changes to his country to benefit especially those people who had felt neglected and marginalized. Although we have not agreed with all of the methods followed by his government, we have never doubted Hugo Chávez's commitment to improving the lives of millions of his fellow countrymen.

President Chávez will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment. During his 14-year tenure, Chávez joined other leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean to create new forms of integration. Venezuelan poverty rates were cut in half, and millions received identification documents for the first time allowing them to participate more effectively in their country's economic and political life.

At the same time, we recognize the divisions created in the drive towards change in Venezuela and the need for national healing. We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chávez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life.

But at last, a more fitting tribute.

Hugo Chavez's death is a body blow for the poor and oppressed throughout Latin America

[tomder55]

I can smell the sulfur

[tomder55]

Sean Penn lost a friend .
As for the next Latin American dictator the left will fall in love with... I predict it will be Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina(CFK) . Already the 12ers of Tehran were making gestures towards a future relationship with Argentina since Chavez took ill. She is about to strike a deal with Iran over the 1994 terror bombing of a Jewish center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people .A panel investigated it ,and criminally blamed Hezzbollah ,and Iran for the attack. Many of the Iranians named are in line for leadership in the regime,including Amad Vahidi ,the Minister of Defense ,and a possible successor to the Mahdi Hatter . Interpol issued arrest warrants.
But the 2 nations have increased relations on all fronts in recent years .Argentina is a major supplier of Agriculture commodities to Iran .
CFK has also ramped up rhetoric over the Falkland Islands ,and may make a move to seize them soon.

[smoothy]

I visualize Hugo bent over a table in Hell getting his butt reamed for enternity by the Devil himself. Problem is the sick SOB probibly would be enjoying it.

[fredg]

He was a threat to America, hated America, but sold us Millions of Dollars worth of oil. He loved Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea.
There is already a man to take his place, according the TV News, who might be just the opposite in actions.

[speechlesstx]

There's his VP who is just as like him (see above where he blamed the US for infecting him with cancer), and another Chavez guy, National Assembly leader Diosdado Cabell. One of the two will likely be interim president until a "special election" where hopefully a decent opposition candidate might have a chance.

[tomder55]

where hopefully a decent opposition candidate might have a chance.

no chance... but Jimmy Carter will be there as an observed to certify the results.Yeah that's right... I blame Carter for rubber stamping Chavez' reign of terror.

[paraclete]

no chance... but Jimmy Carter will be there as an observed to certify the results.Yeah that's right .... I blame Carter for rubber stamping Chavez' reign of terror.

Get real! What could an observer have done to prevent the will of the people? Tom, you guys love democracy only when it fits within your plans and supports your capitalist extortion of under developed countries. Chavez made a difference, as Carter said; he didn't always agree with his methods. What Chavez did was to expose american hypocrisy and that didn't earn him any brownie points and he made it plain america doesn't rule South America and you hate him for that. Like all of america's enemies he made friends with those that america dislikes. They are a select club.

What we could hope for now is that Venezeula will move forward and be more open with its relationships with all countries in the americas

[speechlesstx]

get real! what could an observer have done to prevent the will of the people? Tom, you guys love democracy only when it fits within your plans and supports your capitalist extortion of under developed countries. Chavez made a difference, as Carter said; he didn't always agree with his methods. What Chavez did was to expose american hypocracy and that didn't earn him any brownie points and he made it plain america doesn't rule South America and you hate him for that. Like all of america's enemies he made friends with those that america dislikes. They are a select club.

What we could hope for now is that Venezeula will move forward and be more open with its relationships with all countries in the americas

Chavez amassed a two billion dollar fortune off his people. Get real clete, Chavez was about Chavez and his economy is a disaster now.

[smoothy]

The murder rate in Chavez's Utopia land quadrupled... it made Juarez Mexico seem like the Vatican for safety.

Venezuela's Economy Under Chavez, by the Numbers - Real Time Economics - WSJ

[paraclete]

Yes undoubtedly there were bad points but he lifted millions out of poverty even if it was at the expense of capitalists. What dictator doesn't raid the public purse, we have come to expect it and how do we know american presidents don't raid the public purse as well after all look at your debt

[smoothy]

Yes undoubtedly there were bad points but he lifted millions out of poverty even if it was at the expense of capitalists. What dictator doesn't raid the public purse, we have come to expect it and how do we know american presidents don't raid the public purse as well afterall look at your debt

What millions? The middle class has all but disappeared, and far more people are in poverty than before his reign as dictator... the so-called poor never saw a dime of oil revenue... Hugo kept that 2 billion for himself.

Inflation was rampant... and still is... and no poor person has ever prospered under that...

[ebaines]

This just in... Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead! ;)

[speechlesstx]

Yes undoubtedly there were bad points but he lifted millions out of poverty even if it was at the expense of capitalists. What dictator doesn't raid the public purse, we have come to expect it and how do we know american presidents don't raid the public purse as well afterall look at your debt

Key word, dictator.

[excon]

Hello Steve:

Key word, dictator.

Key word, elected.

Excon

[speechlesstx]

Ah, so you're a fan, too.

[excon]

Hello again, Steve:

I didn't know calling a spade a spade meant that I was a commie..

Clearly, you wingers don't care much about the language. Bummer for you.

excon