Venezuelans Protest Latest Chavez Power Grab

From the AP: Led by university students, protesters chanted "Freedom! Freedom!" and warned that 69 amendments drafted by the Chavista-dominated National Assembly would violate civil liberties and derail democracy.

The sounds you hear of crickets chirping are the major media's response to this latest assault on freedom by Chavista Numero Uno, Hugo Chavez. Known by his friends in the Communist Dictators Vario as "Raton".

Tens of thousands of ordinary Venezuelans turned out to protest Chavez's latest "Constitutional Reforms" that would allow him to run for re-election for life! The AP reports the, amendments would give the government control over the Central Bank, create new types of cooperative property, allow authorities to detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency and extend presidential terms from six to seven years while allowing Chavez to run again in 2012.

To take effect, the reforms must be approved by voters in a Dec. 2 referendum. Lawmakers are expected to give final approval to the amendments on Friday during a special congressional session.

Since the "lawmakers" referenced in the article are hand-picked appointees of Raton there can be no doubt that they would be rubberstamped by such a farcical legislative body.

The article continues by giving Jimmy Carter's endorsee's point of view on the controversy, He (Chavez) and his supporters say the changes will help move the country toward socialism, while giving neighborhood-based assemblies more decision-making power in using government funds for local projects like paving streets and building public housing.

Sure, like setting up little neighborhood-based informers who will denounce their neighbors to authorities for not being Socialist enough in supporting Chavez's next five year plan. Or deny their college aged children entrance into important Universities or jobs because of "thought crimes" against Big Brother.