Democracy shaky in S. America

Christian Science Monitor ^ | April 16, 2002 | Howard LaFranchi with Phil Gunson

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Alberto Garrido, a Caracas political consultant and author of several books on Chávez, says the military only allowed Chávez to return to power in exchange for some commitments - in particular, the disarming of civilian groups known as "Bolivarian circles," which were becoming a kind of pro-Chávez militia. The resignation of the board of Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, must also have been part of the deal, he believes, and "there must have been a deal on the [Colombian] border and the issue of Chávez's support for the FARC," Colombia's Marxist guerrillas.

WASHINGTON AND CARACAS, VENEZUELA - The bizarre roller coaster of events in Venezuela over recent days - the precipitous resignation and arrest of embattled President Hugo Chávez on Friday, followed by his triumphal return to power Sunday - is another sign of the troubled state of democracy across Latin America.

For the mostly poor supporters of the red-bereted, populist Mr. Chávez, his brief removal after deadly riots last week was a military coup dressed up by the country's ruling elite as a popular uprising - and suspiciously supported by the United States.

For the middle and upper classes who reject Chávez as a bygone Latin dictator whose model is Fidel Castro's communist Cuba, his fall was a kind of Venezuelan spring, the work of a civil society galvanized by the rise of a megalomaniac.

But no matter how one looks at it, Venezuela's turmoil suggests trouble in a region where leaders are still too often looked to as saviors. As long as democratic institutions remain weak and regard for leaders swings from euphoria to rejection, analysts say, Latin countries will continue to experience turmoil like that in Venezuela.

"When civil society sees its hopes for democracy go down in flames with a 24-hour government that showed no respect for the rule of law, it's hard to speak hopefully of democracy's prospects," says Elías Pino Iturrieta, director of historical studies at Andrés Bello Catholic University in Caracas.

Mr. Chávez, a former Army colonel who led a failed coup in 1992 before his election as president in 1998, was increasingly isolated before the weekend's events. He was faulted for growing belligerence toward his critics, including an array of non-governmental groups, the media, and some new opposition political parties. In the region, Chávez is not alone in difficulties. He is the second South American president to be removed from office in six months - following Argentina's Fernando de la Rua in December - at a time when leaders from Mexico's Vicente Fox to Peru's Alejandro Toledo have seen their once Olympian popularity plunge and doubts about elected leadership grow.

By Sunday, Chávez was looking much like his old self, delivering a long speech on national television from the same presidential desk where businessman Pedro Carmona, with the backing of the military's top brass, had declared himself president hours before. In his return speech, Chávez got at least one thing right: He said the country is deeply divided.

Spontaneous demonstrations both for and against Chávez popped up around the capital, Caracas, into Monday morning. There were reports of clashes among different military services.

Chávez comes out of the experience considerably weakened, most analysts agree, but they add that the groups that oppose him have lost even more in prestige and power.

Alberto Garrido, a Caracas political consultant and author of several books on Chávez, says the military only allowed Chávez to return to power in exchange for some commitments - in particular, the disarming of civilian groups known as "Bolivarian circles," which were becoming a kind of pro-Chávez militia. The resignation of the board of Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, must also have been part of the deal, he believes, and "there must have been a deal on the [Colombian] border and the issue of Chávez's support for the FARC," Colombia's Marxist guerrillas.

A power struggle over PDVSA's direction is what touched off demonstrations last week that turned deadly - at least 14 people were killed - and led to Chávez's brief ouster. Oil is a touchy element of the national psyche for the world's fourth-largest oil producer - and the third-largest supplier of crude to the US.

there is a silver lining to Venezuela's upheaval, it is that in a strange way Chávez "was saved by democracy," as Mr. Garrido says. He notes that a group of 19 Latin American leaders refused to recognize Venezuela's short-lived junta, invoking a democracy charter signed last year with the Organization of American States that requires sanctions against any coup in the region. The same cannot be said for the US, which called the coup a popular revolt that Chávez brought on himself.

But Mr. Pino notes that many of the country's prodemocracy forces did not support the new government after it became evident they had been used to promulgate what some called a "Chamber of Commerce coup."

"These groups were suspicious and then completely disheartened when what they saw replacing Chávez was a circle from the business elite with no respect for the rule of law," he says. One of Mr. Carmona's first acts was to suspend the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, and even the country's Chávez-inspired constitution.

One problem for the majority of Venezuelans - who oppose Chávez, polls before last week's events showed - is that the constitution was tailored to allow him to remain in power until 2021. "From his arrival in office Chávez worked to undermine the democratic pillars in that he never accepted give-and-take and pushed to concentrate power," says Miguel Díaz, director of the South America Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. But a pro-democracy civil society never let up on him," he adds, "and I assume they won't rest until Venezuela gets a better government."

Even some observers sympathetic to Chávez's stated goal of building a society that serves more than a monied elite say that Chávez has been his own worst enemy, seeming to delight in antagonizing everyone from the media to the Catholic Church at home, to the US. "No one would argue that Chávez's style has helped him," says historian Samuel Moncada of Caracas's Central University of Venezuela.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Chavez strengthens his grasp on power*** As the nation returned to normal, Chávez gave a long public address Monday before a packed room of journalists, where he called for dialogue and insisted many coup participants were manipulated. Many members of the armed forces who tried to overthrow him were deceived by civilian conspirators, Chávez said. ''They were tricked,'' Chávez insisted. ``I have no feelings of revenge or hate. No. I will review each one on a case by case basis and respect everyone's human rights.'' He also blamed the media for allegedly distorting information and magnifying the extent of the uprising. ''The news media have enormous power, and they should not act as a laboratory of lies, sowing terror,'' Chávez affirmed. ``That is terrorism, becoming a nest of terror in order to create a psychological impact.''****

Cuba closely follows the events in Venezuela ***Cuba's Cuban Workers Union congratulated Chávez supporters Monday for the ''triumph of right and justice'' with Chávez's restoration of power. ''We reiterate to our Venezuelan brothers that they can always count on the sure and unconditional support of the millions of Cuban workers who feel as if the cause of the Bolivarian Revolution is ours,'' read the letter, published in the weekly newspaper Trabajadores.***

Fidel Castro - Cuba

Hugo Chavez - Venezuela

Hugo Chavez, left, is embraced by Fidel Castro in this Dec. 14, 1994 , file photo at the University of Havana, Cuba, during Chavez's visit to Cuba at Castro's invitation. Chavez, whose self-proclaimed mission was to fulfill the dreams of 19th century independence fighter Simon Bolivar of a free and unified South America, was Friday ousted at age 47. (AP Photo/CP, Jose Goitia, File)

[hchutch]

Chavez is already claiming we were involved in this mess.

That is no surprise. The question is, will we be able to topple him if he reverts to form?

[miamimark]

The one important thing to be learnt from the Venezuelan coup is that the United States has not changed its view that only Governments acceptable to Washington can be allowed to survive in Latin America. Like it or not, the United States will undermine and help overthrow even legally elected administrations if it so chooses. Bush's Betrayal of Democracy

[hchutch]

If the head of a nation-state is supporting a terrorist organization (The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia)that seeks to run operations on U.S. soil (the thread is at http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/531830/posts), then I hope we are trying to kick his butt out of power. Chavez should have cut them off right after the speech on September 20. He hasn't.

He got his wrist slapped. He has a chance to shape up. If not, then hopefully, another coup will take Mr. Chavez all the way out. I make no apologies for that position.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

The NYTimes and other socialists, certainly have their panties in a wad. They're trying to make news. It would be nice if they had been reporting on why the Bush administration didn't mind seeing this communist go. It hasn't been a secret Chavez is anti-American-pro-Castro. However, the administration publicly said they didn't want a coup.

Powell has made very pointed remarks about Chavez and his understanding of democracy. The Bush adm. has expressed concern about Chavez's supporters, his communist ties and anti-American comments. Christopher Dodd fought to keep Bush's nominee, Otto Juan Reich, from getting a hearing on his nomination as Sec. for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Over Christmas break, Bush finally gave him a recess appointment. Reich has been extremely outspoken about Castro and communism. He knows the people, the politics and the threat in this area very well.

The U.S. warned Americans about traveling to the Colombia-Venezuela border because of FARC activities. Powell had said Reich, a former ambassador to Venezuela, was the most important among the State Department's unconfirmed nominees. The Bush adm has made it clear they want to make inroads in this hemisphere. Bush has outlined an initiative to help poor nations that respect human rights, root out corruption, open their markets, and have education and health care systems. Chavez has made it quite plain he wants Venezuela to be the anti-American center and base of operations in this hemisphere.

Chavez is actively working to rally other countries to join him to counter Bush's initiative and strengthen his Bolivarian Revolution. Venezuela's oil is important to the world and the U.S. imports a lot of oil. I'm surprised Daschle, Gephardt and others on Capital Hill aren't swinging by to pat him on the back. Those congresscritters who are going to Cuba to be wined and dined by Castro ought to consider swinging by Venezuela on their communist pilgrimage to cheer Hugo on.

(April 13, 2002)The Washington Post - Washington Post Chavez's Gloomy Legacy for The Left Now Colombia's government-sanctioned guerrilla haven is gone. So is Chavez after three tumultuous years of leftist agitating, class warfare and a spasm of violence on the streets of this capital, suggesting that leftist revolutions waged even by elected leaders are not the choice of a region still highly susceptible to populist appeals. Or at least not the way Chavez carries out revolutions.

"The lesson here is that charismatic demagogues can still win elections in poor countries," said Anibal Romero, a political science professor at Simon Bolivar University here. "The economic and social instability is still with us. The field is still open for the successful appearance of these figures that, by distorting reality and securing the hearts and minds of the uneducated,win elections."

…………..Part of the problem is the way people such as Chavez, who had been on the outside of a corrupt two-party lock on power for years, play the game once they take office. After his failed 1992 coup, Chavez served a two-year prison sentence and then began a journey of discovery on horseback across Venezuela's countryside. He was accompanied by an Argentine neo-fascist, Norberto Ceresole, who believed that a leader should rule with the army at his side.

After his election, Chavez set out to weaken Venezuela's institutions, first by engineering a new constitution that bolstered his power and then by appointing loyal military officers to run its independent agencies. Chavez set out to run a country with a sophisticated economy, based primarily on its vast oil reserves, as a one-man show. He employed the military to carry out social projects, and passed by fiat such important legislation as a land reform measure that would confiscate private property. [End Excerpt]

[Cincinatus' Wife]

FARC: A Terrorist Regime waiting in the Wings-- Hugo Chavez's involvement.

[miamimark]

A report that the Us officials supported coup plotters in Venezuela is offending and insulting. It does not matter whether these officials preferred constitutional means or other means. The point is that they interferred in the affairs of another soveriegn state. Kudos for the people of Venezuela, you remained steadfast behind your leader. That is important.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

A report meant to discredit the U.S. It's just so much bs.

How do you support a communist? By ignoring all that Chavez is doing to tear apart the legitimate Venezuelan government?

[miamimark]

Ironic isn't it? Otto Reich was also locked up in a Venezuela jail for a few years.

I am not pro-Chavez. I am anti-US government meddling designed to usher in more IMF "reforms" and enrich the insiders in the oil industry at the expense of the "peasants."

Reich failed-again.

[hchutch]

Their leader is supporting terrorists.

Again, FARC wants to run operations on U.S. soil. Chavez has supported them and is granting them safe havens in Western Venezuela. That is unacceptable, and I certainly hope that those in charge of our foreign policy are doing something about this.

Chavez is acting in a manner that is a threat to us. I want that threat stopped. I do not care what it takes. If we have to engineer a coup, so be it. We've already had one major attack too many. I don't want any more. If our hands get dirty, I can deal with that. I find it far preferable than multiple Oklahoma City-type attacks.

[backhoe]

Again, FARC wants to run operations on U.S. soil. Chavez has supported them and is granting them safe havens in Western Venezuela. That is unacceptable,

Exactly-- these "alphabet-soup" terror groups are interelated:

The Web of Terror

Castro, the Carribean, and Terrorism

[TheGrimReaper]

Things are quite shaky in Buenos Aires (Argentina), too.
Corruption and hyperinflation still linger in Brazil.
That next "sucking sound" you hear may be the whole S. American continent swirling down the toilet.

[miamimark]

Sorry, Reich was not locked up-His friend Bosch was while Reich was ambassador to Venezuela.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

JANUARY 2002 - Venezuela's Chavez Steps up Verbal Attacks On Church-- Calls It a "Tumor" for the Country's "Revolution" ***CARACAS, Venezuela, (Zenit.org).- Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez assailed the country´s Catholic bishops, accusing them of not "walking in the way of God" because they do not openly support the political leader´s "revolution." ….In past months, Chávez has tried, unsuccessfully, to establish a Church loyal to his government (similar to that in China), separated from the bishops, with priests and former priests who subscribe to his Marxist ideology.

His criticisms against the Church grew harsher after 80,000 protesters marched last Wednesday in Caracas in opposition to his government. This was the largest protest against the 3-year-old Chávez government. As a result, the president has sped up the militarization of his regime with the appointment of Ramón Rodríguez Chacín as Interior Minister. Chacín was a navy captain who took part in the failed 1992 coup organized by Chávez himself.

The appointment followed soon after the suspension of Vice President Adina Bastidas, who was replaced by Diosdado Cabello, a retired colonel who also took part in the failed coup against democracy. Four other military men of the unsuccessful coup are now in the Cabinet. At least 50 soldiers occupy midlevel posts in government, the diplomatic corps and state-run enterprises. ***

January 2002- Opposition lawmakers attacked by supporters of Venezuela's President Chavez****CARACAS, Venezuela -- Dozens of supporters of President Hugo Chavez attacked opposition lawmakers trying to leaving Venezuela's legislature following a marathon session late Saturday. ….Supporters of the president, known as "chavistas," attacked the legislators -- shoving, hitting and in some cases throwing rocks -- after a nine-hour session that ended with a Chavez ally's re-election as president of the National Assembly. Chavez called the violence a "warning" to the opposition "and its absurd and evil intention" of trying to destabilize his government. He threatened to deploy supporters on "every street corner" to "defend the revolution," as the leftist leader refers to his policies.***

February 2002 - Chavez Tries Charm to Disarm Critics (Russian and Cuban security advisers in Venezuela) ***The official said he was also concerned at the growing role of Russian and Cuban security advisers in Venezuela. Egui Bastidas said he had experienced "the direct participation and the attempts at indoctrination by the Russian and Cuban intelligence services, who have direct and virtually unlimited access within the Helicoide (DISIP's headquarters building)." The official's lawyer, former DISIP Secretary-General Joaquin Chaffardet, said around 100 members of the Cuban intelligence services are currently operating in Venezuela. The new allegations would, if proven, further strain the already difficult relationship between the United States and Venezuela.***

April 2002 Chavistas: Venezuelan street toughs "Comandante" Lina Ron, who considers herself a modern version of "Tania," a woman who fought alongside Cuban revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, says she is a willing martyr for Chavez's cause. She was arrested after leading a violent pro-Chavez counter-protest against demonstrating university students………. In recent months, the 42-year-old Ron has organized and led street marches - called "countermarches" here - to stop or intimidate demonstrations by civilians and a disorganized opposition to Chavez.

Two December marches to Miraflores, the presidential palace, were stopped by Ron's "countermarches." A February march to the National Assembly to commemorate Venezuelan democracy was similarly met - and diverted - by a countermarch. Ron and her followers burned a U.S. flag in Caracas' central Plaza Bolivar just after the September terrorist attacks in the United States. The anti-Washington demonstration appalled many Venezuelans.

More recently, Ron's followers threatened journalists at El Nacional newspaper in Caracas. Chavez has called Ron a political prisoner. "We salute Lina Ron, a female soldier who deserves the respect of all Venezuelans," he said recently.*** (More at LINK)

[Rule of Law]

Democracy shaky in S. America

It ain't doing so good here either.

Or maybe it's doing too well.