Will Venezuela Be Next?

There is not very little doubt that Hugo Chavez is a near-dictatorial tyrant in Venezuela. The former army general first attempt at politics was a military coup, indicating his idea of power; when that failed he took off the uniform and ran on a populist platform.

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Since then Chavez has slowly consolidated his power. Initially it was withing the economic fold: using state oil funds to nationalize hundreds of firms and set up inefficient state shops. Assaulting the private sector in the name of 23st Century Socialism. Then, as F.A. Hayek predicted, economic totalitarianism led to political authoritarianism.

Chavez attacked the opposition not as mere political opponents but as "traitors" and the idea of relinquishing power seemed unimaginable to him. So the more the opposition gained in elections, the more Chavez undermined the very purpose of them. He locked up dissidents, shut down critical media, and charged opposition candidates with baseless accusation. The courts were packed in his favor and the legislature neutered as Chavez handed himself decree powers and set up rival committees.

Beyond his authoritarian grip and increasing ruthless nature in an effort to eliminate all opposition, is the economic devastation he is recking in what was in the 1970s the wealthiest nation in Latin America.

His central planning, nationalization, attacks against the private sector and mismanagement of public funds has led to inflation over 30%, food shortages, running blackout and all the other features of a bankrupt socialist run economy.

The Venezuelan people are finally waking up and having enough with him. They may be inspired by the Arab revolution to take action next. Arabs and Hispanics share a history in Andalusia.

Let us hope for the sake of freedom also in the Americas that they mark another moment of shared history.