Supreme Totalitarianism
The surge to social democracy with the emphasis on social as in socialism forges ahead. But if you're Hugo Chavez you may not quite succeed in having your cake and eating it too. Venezuela is not quite Russia. Where the democracy-averse expedience of bullying and threats, along with the outright determination to host all the hallmarks of a democratic election process falls victim to corrupt interventions has worked to Vladimir Putin's advantage, it's been more than a little wobbly for Hugo Chavez.Vladimir Putin is the traditionally revered Russian strongman. His charisma is quite other than that of Hugo Chavez, and his supporters come from all demographics within Russia, while Hugo Chavez is largely dependent upon the country's downtrodden, the forgotten poor who see him as one of them. Russians see Mr. Putin not quite the same way; he is the heroic figure capable of restoring Russia's pride and her honour, and his administration has seen a strong come-back on the international scene, along with a strengthened market economy.
Russians are becoming giddy at their future prospects, revelling in the present of plenty on the table and the increasing ability to purchase all their hearts' desires. Venezuelans, despite their country's oil wealth, are seeing hard times. Inflation is rampant, food staples in short supply, and that's for the urban middle class, while the rural poor whose support props Mr. Chavez, have seen scant improvement in their lot. Not a particularly adept administration.
Mr. Chavez talks impressively of the gains made by the poor, through his avuncular care for them. They believe in him, implicitly. They remain the foundation of his support, thanks to their great numbers, their dedication to his success, and their implicit belief in his promises. Like Mr. Putin, Mr. Chavez points out to his people the presence of an enemy concerned with his downfall to the detriment of the country. Who else but the United States? Galvanize support by producing a common enemy.
Like Mr. Putin, Mr. Chavez is determined to change his country's constitution to enable him to become leader-in-perpetuity - or at least as long as his genetic code enables him to hold out against mortality. Some things have gone awry for him of late; his affront at Spain, his curmudgeonly disagreement with Columbia; his clownish antics and intra-state interference no longer endear him to political colleagues internationally.
His former wife has denounced his political ambitions as being adverse to the interests of the country. His one-time political mentor and supporter along with the former minister of defence in his first administration have all denounced his intentions. They recognize and are alarmed with Mr. Chavez's manipulation of the power of the state, his determination to punish his "enemies".
The country's union of university students are actively engaging themselves in opposition to his ambitions - in an apolitical manner, since, given the country's past of criminally corrupt politicians they trust no politicians. They seek to create an atmosphere where it may be possible for politicians who have the sincere best interests of the country at heart to make an appearance.
The student movement has credibility among urban voters - the middle class, the business class. "The student movement comes onto the scene every time we are orphaned by political leadership", according to a historian at the Central University of Venezuela. " They have succeeded in expressing discontent."
That Mr. Chavez has resorted to the shutting down of opposition-expressing newspapers, along with a popular television network - another sturdy opponent of his policies - also has not endeared him to the general public. But he still has support for his reform with the concept of popular power through community councils receiving state funding as a new form of local government.
Which, come to fruition, would empower him even more, encouraging those people who trust him to become ever more dependent upon him. A benevolent dictator. With an avenging streak toward all who would deter him from his purpose: personal aggrandizement first, public policy second.
Labels: Political Realities, Troublespots
posted by Pieface @ Sunday, December 02, 2007
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