Hugo Chavez’s Dubious Dozen

Ray Walser / February 03, 2011

February 2 marks the start of President Hugo Chavez’s 13th year in power. Venezuela’s populist authoritarian took office back in 1999. That day was a somber day for the Americas and friends of democracy around the world.

In a recent discussion with American diplomats to the Andean region, someone asked our senior representative in Caracas John Caulfield if Venezuela is still a democracy. A silence descended over the audience as it awaited a response. Like all diplomats, he shied away from an ugly truth that would surely create friction and backbiting from Chavez. Cautiously, Caulfield offered that Chavez still holds elections and enjoys continued although diminishing popular support. As for U.S. relations with Venezuela, he said they are currently at a “standstill.” (more…)