[A. Pole]

You've hit on the real reason that thugs from Havana to Tehran are so upset over Chavez's ouster. These things can no longer be kept secret from oppressed people. This may be 1989 all over again.

1989?!! Was Chavez elected? Was Chavez removed by the military coup? Please explain.

[jalisco555]

By 1989 I was referring to the year that the Eastern European communist dictatorships were overthrown one by one by people who had lost their fear. I have a feeling that this year might see a similar phenomenon as dictatorships in Iran, North Korea and elsewhere might be overthrown by popular uprisings. Wishful thinking perhaps but Venezuela might be the spark.

And to respond to an obvious question, I know that Chavez was elected (after he failed to take power in a coup in the early 90's). However, he quickly made it clear that he intended to become "president-for-life" on the model of Castro.