Uncommon Sense

Venezuela statesman denounces Hugo Chavez's try for dictatorship

Fifty-two years ago, it happened in Cuba.

Today, it is happening in Venezuela.

Venezuelan statesman Diego Arria explains:

En español

Crazy — and dangerous — in Caracas

Hugo Chavez's rant against Twitter is ridiculous and dangerous at the same time.

Ridiculous, in that Twitter and other technology that puts the power of information in the hands of the people are here to stay. They allow protesters to be nimble and quick as they rally support and pass on the latest news, breaking the dictator's monopoly on information. Not even more experienced tyrants, like Chavez's allies in Havana and Tehran, have found a way to keep its citizens from Tweeting. Any counter-attack from Chavez will fail, and only expose him for the dictator that he is.

Still, his offensive is dangerous because it is only the latest attempt to silence his critics, to consolidate his power, to solidify his dictatorship. If he is willing to take on a fight as futile as going after Twitter, and to label Venezuelan Tweeple as "terrorists" what else might he try?

As always, the focus of Uncommon Sense remains the human rights situation in Cuba, especially the plight of its political prisoners. But when called for and when I am inspired, I will continue to comment on the situation in Venezuela. It's all part of the same fight.

Here and/or on Twitter — even at the risk of being branded a "terrorist."

On Twitter, you can follow me at @marcmasferrer

Cubazuela

In Cuba, they break up anti-government demonstrations like this.

And in Venezuela, they do it like this.

A few different tactics, but the goal and the result are the same.

Throw in the fact that the clown of Caracas has increasingly turned to the Castro mafia for help in ruining his country, including accepting the aid of a former secret police chief to fix Venezuela's "electricity problem," and it's clear that what is happening in Venezuela, we have seen before.

The evil that is emerging in Caracas is just a variant of that that has ravaged Cuba for 51 years, constantly nurtured by a monarchical regime afraid of its own people.

Hugo Chavez is similarly, a coward.

A few different tactics, but the sad result — if Venezuelans do not act now to defeat the communist dictatorship that is emerging under Chavez, with the assistance of the Cubans — will be the same.

Chavez is no longer a 'wannabe dictator'

I used to label Venezuela's Hugo "The Clown of Caracas" Chavez as nothing more than a "wannabe dictator."

A clown, he still is, but he also has graduated to full status as a tyrant.

Hugo Chavez has learned well from the decaying dictator ...

... and from the butcher of Tehran.

Reason No. 427 wannabe-dictators should not use cocaine

Perhaps fueled by his latest cocaine binge, Venezuelan wannabe-dictator Hugo Chavez may be taking his country to brink of war with Colombia, after Colombian forces killed a Colombian rebel taking refuge in neighboring Ecuador, an ally of the Clown of Caracas.

During his regular Sunday telecast, Chavez told his defense minister, Mr Chavez ordering him to "move 10 battalions to the border with Colombia for me, immediately."

Arroz Con Frijoles, 11/19/07

This week is Thanksgiving, so undoubtedly many of you will be dining on turkey and stuffing.

Just don't forget your rice and beans:

— Radio Martí is reporting that former Cuban political prisoner Jorge Luis García Pérez, also known as "Antúnez," has been admitted to a hospital in Placetas, Villa Clara. (I couldn't exactly make out what is ailing him, but I think I heard something about the onset of paralysis.

Antúnez is one of the true warriors in the struggle for Cuban freedom. He was imprisoned for more than 17 years — undoubtedly, a contributing factor to his poor health — and since being released earlier this year, he has been on the frontline of opposition to the Castro dictatorship.

Antúnez, according to Radio Martí, assured Cubans that whether from a hospital bed or a jail cell, he would continue fighting for liberty and human rights in Cuba.

— Payo Libre has several reports — here, here, here and here — of opposition activists being picked up by police in Santa Clara. It wasn't clear whether the various detentions, threats, harassments, etc. were connected, but at least some of those targeted had planned to attend festivities commemorating the second anniversary of the founding of the Marta Abreu Women's Movement.

— And despite all the touchy-feeliness going on between their leader and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, the Iranians don't seem in a hurry to play host to the Clown of Caracas.

Castro gives Chavez the finger

Here's another example of how the lessons taught by Fidel Castro have been learned too well by Venezuela's dictator-in-training, Hugo Chavez.

(H/T for the photo to Penúltimos Días.)

For what it's worth ...

There are numerous Spanish-language news reports and blog postings this weekend reporting rumors of the demise of the until now decaying dictator, Fidel Castro.

Castro's mini-me — wannabe dictator Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, admittedly not a very trustworthy source — says it's not true.

Reuters reports:

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday Fidel Castro is "writing, and producing," denying rumors circulating on the Internet that the Cuban leader had died.

Chavez, a close ally of Castro, has frequently provided information about the health of the ailing Communist leader who temporarily stepped aside after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery a year ago.
"On the Internet rumors are circulating that Fidel Castro has died," Chavez said during his weekly Sunday broadcast. "Fidel is producing, he is writing."

Chavez said he had spoken to Castro on his 81st birthday on Monday.

Rumors had surfaced on Friday that Castro had died from complications resulting from his surgery.

Venezuela sends close to 100,000 barrels per day of oil and fuel to the Caribbean island in exchange for the services of doctors and other professionals as part of a cooperation accord.

Tyrant for life?

If it looks like a dictator, walks like a dictator and most importantly, quacks like a dictator ...

My promise to Sean Penn

As a newspaper reporter and editor with more than 18 years of experience, I have an offer for Oscar-award winning actor Sean Penn:

If he quits trying to be a "journalist," I promise never to try acting.