Originally Posted by mmarsh

Well he doesn't have blood on his hands...yet. But otherwise he's a pretty poor leader.

While I agree that the US should stay out of Venezuelan affairs, Chavez is not doing whats in the best interest of his people. His land reform policies are a throw back to the days of Lenin, they didn't work then they won't work now. Similarily nationalizing all the State resources is a economical model most countries have long since abandoned as being a failure.

Then of course there is the matter of him stomping on those that dare criticize him. He must be taking lessons from Vladimir Putin or perhaps he and Bush have finally found common ground.

Frankly I don't see Chavez going away anytime soon. Hes very popular in Venezuela and South America in General, and for the moment he hasn't done anything that would justify military action from the US.

Most probably is that his economic policies will eventually crash+burn and then the voters will be rid of him. Just like what is happening to Ahmadinejab in Iran.