Dictatorships Just Aren't What They Used to Be

Venezuelan Socialist strongman, Hugo Chavez’s constitutional “reform” efforts which were nothing more than a power grab, went down to defeat in Sunday’s nation-wide referendum (hey, is there anything to be read into holding elections on a Sunday vs. the most non-descript day of the week as we do here? We had to ask?) Read story from Christian Science Monitor, here.

For his part, Chavez is said to be in a deeply reflective mood. That combined with the fact that he hasn’t (yet) thrown out the referendum results has his Leftie apologists claiming that he is truly a democrat. Apparently, merely being acceptive of an electoral loss is now a qualifier for the good-despot indoor parking spots at the U.N.

The only thing this guy is “reflecting” on is the wisdom of the timing of this referendum. In Cha-cha’s own words: "Did I make a mistake in choosing the strategic moment to present [the proposal for sweeping Constitutional changes]?" "It could be. We still aren't mature enough to adopt an openly socialist project." Yep. Venezuelans haven’t yet developed the sophistication to accept a President-for-life.

That type of elitism isn’t exclusive to foreign countries, unfortunately. You hear the same sort of patronizing and dismissive rationalization here stateside when a pol’s pet cause gets shot down.

But, back to Hugo. Again, we know his type. We know who they are and what they are all about. Chavez, Ahmedenijad, Castro, Kim Jong Il (in absentia but a member in good-standing, nonetheless), Kadaffi (retired), Sadaam (expired)…. There’s a reason these guys all run around together in the Bad Actor's Club and it isn’t because of their collective bad facial skin.

At any rate, congratulations to the people of Venezuela and may they continue to hold the line against further erosion of their liberties.