Gosh, sakes, we've got our military at risk next door in Columbia fighting their terrorists that Chavez is supporting! And, we complain about Cuba abuses endlessly, but not a word from US govt about Cubans in Venezuela training up their own version of 'internal security' troops Cuban-style there.
The list of abuses against his own constitution and peoples is long, with a lot of the most damning stuff direct from Chavez's own mouth, and on miles of videotape, also detailing his dictator plans for his country and the region, but the US is largely silent. It would be so easy, and the opportunity now has never been better, nor is it likely to ever be if the current efforts fail, to publicly lay all that out for all to see. But, no, the USA is missing that opportunity and if Chavez survives, I can't imagine the people there ever getting a chance to do what they are doing again.
-Shane
Very true, and a frightening thought. I too wish there'd be a little more encouragement from the US, although at the same time, I can see how that might be tricky. You don't want Chavez to then be able to call upon his left wing buddies (such as Fidel) and gain media sympathy by asserting that he is being bullied. But I certainly hope there's encouragement behind the scenes, because this is a crucial moment.
I just wish there'd be more general press coverage in the US. I suspect most people don't even know what's happening. And they certainly don't know what a nut Chavez is.