The People Have Spoken

Bang the drums loud enough, long enough, hard enough and people will submit, if only to achieve a level of blessed quiet. What the hell, having achieved his goal, finally, there was the great man, shouting from the balcony of the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas.

His 'socialist revolution' vindicated, and he given permission to reign as he will. "This soldier is a pre-candidate for the presidency for 2013 to 2019" he triumphed. "We have cleared the political horizon. The doors of the future are wide open. Today I declare that I dedicate, and will dedicate, my life to the service of the Venezuelan people.

"In this path I will dedicate all that remains of my life", he joyfully vowed. What on earth is particularly 'socialist' about crowning a self-annointed king in perpetuity? That's a monarchy, a tyranny of the elite, a bullying of a people into succumbing to the desires of one who aspires to rule in perpetuity. The inheritance of majesty.

In a newly-beggared economy, with sinking petroleum prices, scarce and scarcer treasury funds were siphoned off to pay for the launching of a massive public relations triumph, assuring the public that their hero of the revolution is there for them, only for them, to ensure their future and that of their glorious country.

The state-monopolized media did its very best to lead the public to the only conclusion that their dedicated and fearless leader would accept. If not this time, then another; last year's rejection led to this year's acceptance. Even if there was some vote-rigging, the majority spoke, 54%-worth. Done deal.

The vote might have been different had it taken place six months from now, given the badly faltering economic situation. Venezuelans don't enjoy paying 50% more for basic foodstuffs than they've been accustomed to paying. And something resembling real dollars for oil. Growing unemployment does not bode well for the near future.

Well, so what, if Hugo Chavez has realized his goal of potentially being able to hold office for as long as the democratic process whereby his people vote him in to a majority is a possibility? Much can happen between now and the future. Venezuela, after all, has an opposition party, and a large student force that agitates against Mr. Chavez's self-aggrandizing goals.

The 50-year Cuban reign of Fidel Castro does not necessarily represent a goal that Mr. Chavez may meet or exceed. His aspiration to rule until 2049 may yet elude his grasp.