I have to wait till 2027....Jezzz

[Kalel21]

I always wanted to go to Venezuela one day but it seems like my schedule has been pushed even further back till 2027

CARACAS, Venezuela: President Hugo Chavez said he could continue governing until 2027 if voters do away with re-election limits because he needs more time in office to establish a socialist economic model in Venezuela.

He has previously said he could stay on as president until 2021 if his proposed constitutional reforms — which among other changes would eliminate presidential term limits, letting him run as many more times as he wants — are approved.

Government opponents have attacked the reforms, accusing Chavez of seeking to stay in power for decades like his close friend Fidel Castro of Cuba. Chavez denies the charges and says a new constitution is necessary to move Venezuela toward socialism and help the country's poor.

"I need more time in the presidency to finish this. We are only beginning," he said Sunday on his weekly radio and television program, "Maybe until 2020 or 2027. I'd be old if I'm still alive."

His proposals would also extend presidential terms from six to seven years, and empower neighborhood-based assemblies called "communal councils."

The reforms were initially approved last week by the National Assembly. Final approval is expected within two or three months, and the changes will then be submitted to voters in a referendum.

In typical style, Chavez spoke for several hours on subjects ranging from Mayan theology to U.S. "imperialism" to advice he received in a recent letter from Castro.

"Don't worry about that solitary gray hair in your black hair," Castro wrote, according to Chavez. "My problem is finding a black one in my white hair."

Though much remains unknown about Castro's health, Chavez has frequently offered general updates since Cuba's 81-year-old leader announced more than a year ago that he had undergone intestinal surgery and was provisionally ceding power to his younger brother Raul.

Chavez also said he hopes to meet soon with representatives of Colombia's largest rebel group — the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC — for talks aimed at exchanging dozens of guerrilla-held hostages, including politician Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. defense contractors, for imprisoned guerrillas.

"We will a find a solution for the humanitarian exchange," he said, "and hopefully we will also find a historic peace agreement."

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and FARC leaders have agreed to allow Chavez to mediate talks.

[Kalel21]

Ok my america brothers I never thought I'd say it but this guy may have to go. I did support him before but it looks like we have a dictator on the way. do away with term limits? thats another way of saying I am here to stay and anyone that defies me will end up in jail.

surely there must be a quiet way to remove him with out actually invading him.

[LastLion]

K21 I remember a few months back when he shut down the tv station, one that was usually anti chavez. The people protested and protested, but today my venezuleano friends don't even mention it.

He has been dictationg all along, it is just that he is dictating more now. And closing any chance of a political freedom, the only hope soon will be some sort of revolution!

[Kalel21]

Originally Posted by LastLion

K21 I remember a few months back when he shut down the tv station, one that was usually anti chavez. The people protested and protested, but today my venezuleano friends don't even mention it.

He has been dictationg all along, it is just that he is dictating more now. And closing any chance of a political freedom, the only hope soon will be some sort of revolution!

Yeah but I feel that if there is a revolution it will be a bloody one and VZ could end up like Colombia all over again. With FARC like troops hiding in secret areas.

He will only get this if the people vote to remove term limits. but the people don't know any better.

[KPunch2]

Originally Posted by LastLion

K21 I remember a few months back when he shut down the tv station, one that was usually anti chavez. The people protested and protested, but today my venezuleano friends don't even mention it.

He has been dictationg all along, it is just that he is dictating more now. And closing any chance of a political freedom, the only hope soon will be some sort of revolution!

LL, I totally agree with you brother...Chavez is definitely a F'n DIC!

If you think that Colombians will just sit and watch H Chavez do as he pleases in Central/South America...then you are certainly in for a surprise.

Pinochet and Fujimori wouldnt allow guerrilla factions during their reign. Do you really think that the most powerful guerrillas in the western hemisphere will allow Chavez to eradicate them? You know damn well that Chavez aims to control/rule LAm outside of Venezuela...and given the opportunity he will do so.

[Clay]

This guy is a master at useing latin propaganda to the absolute best.
Besides the poor love him
Chavez and Fugimori were both elected, not Pinochet

[Kalel21]

So boys, how far will senor Chavez get. Not everyone in LAm agrees with chavez.

[Micky10]

The cheap ******* Micky has $100 that says Hugo will appoint himself Presitent for Life. No need for elections. When all is said and done he will sent Venezuela back twenty years easy. What he does is not all bad, but he is a egomaniac and sees himself as the "ONE" with all the answers. As long as he lives he will never allow ANY opposition with any power at all. I do believe that the TV station that he closed down was the first and oldest in Venezuela. In the words of a sidewalk philosopher - Micky - they are ****ed.

Love - Micky

[LastLion]

The thing chavez does is , he has had a somewhat good impact on the poor in Venezuela. But I only think by continuing on , kinda like fidel, that pretty soon everyone there will be poor! This is just my opinion.

But like Kpucnh said he is not well thought of by many of his latin counterparts. As colombias economy grows, they can see how Chavez is really a threat not anything good for their country.

Take medellin for example, I never knew it before, but it inb my eyes is a great example of positive change. YAA the gringos here who are looking to be sought after paises are now on the backburner as their city is flourishing with money, major education and the security there is 10 times better than what Iheard of even 5 years ago. That is good growth for everyone there! Being that we take ourselves out of the scenario!

[Cap'n Jib]

Hugo Chavez is …….(25 words or less)……

My difficulty is in leaving out cuss words, I can’t think of a thing to say.

Look at almost ANY political leader on the world stage, and it is relatively easy to determine their psychological weaknesses. Some actually flaunt their shortcomings. Hugo is definitely in this camp. Somehow I picture him each morning reciting “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the greatest political leader of them all?” And the mirror responds “You are....dickhead”.