There were two elections over the weekend -- one in Russia and another in Venezuela. Both showed just what a poor judge of character that George Bush is.
Years ago, Bush told us he had looked into Putin's eyes and saw a democratic leader who would lead Russia into establishment of a Western-style democracy. Last weekend, we saw that illusion go up in smoke.
Putin, who couldn't run for another term as Russia's president, is now in the process of establishing himself as the Prime Minister (a position that has no term limit). In an election that most foreign observors say was rigged by ballot-box stuffing, Putin's political party has captured 70% of the vote.
That means Putin will keep his hands on the reins of power in Russia. By switching his official title, Putin has done away with the term limit problem and established himself as Russia's new and permanent dictator. The short Russian experiment in democracy is over.
Just the opposite is true in Venezuela. For years, Bush has been trying to convince us that Chavez is a dictator there, even though he has twice been elected by the people (the last time with a majority of more than 60%).
Last weekend, Venezuela had an election in which Chavez wanted to change the constitution and abolish his term limits. He lost that effort in a very close election. The difference was about 1%. That could have easily been overcome by a "dictator" controlling the election, but it wasn't.
Venezuela had a free and fair election, and Chavez graciously accepted defeat of his proposed changes to the constitution. It gives credence to the fact that Chavez is the elected leader of a free and democratic country.
Bush told us that Putin was a democrat and Chavez was a dictator. He was wrong about both men.
so, Chavez's comments in the lead up the the election mean nothing?
ReplyDeleteAnd what's to say Chavez didn't try everything under the sun to stuff those ballots?
In fact, the idea that they held a "free election" is about as asinine as anything coming out of Sen. Dodd's mouth (ie, Chavez's biggest supporter, after former president Carter).
Have you completely ignored the crack down on the media in that country?
God your a moron...
Call me names if you wish, but he wouldn't have lost if it hadn't been a free and fair election.
ReplyDeleteHow so? What's to say he didn't gain 10 points by lying stealing and cheating?
ReplyDeleteYou still haven't addressed his attacks on the press in Venezuela. How can you have a fair and free election when you've already silenced the critics? Pray tel...
that's a too basic way of reasoning...
ReplyDeleteChavez is not a dictator because he has been elected? Yes, sure...
One example only:
In a country with 8 million voters he has vetoed from any job directly or indirectly related to the government 4 million people that signed a legal referendum petition against him(electricity, public functions,oil, gas, teachers and many others). They are "invited" to adapt or to leave the country if they don't agree. They also offer the possibility of signing a legal document stating that someone falsified his or her signature to remove partially the veto.
And there are so many other things...Sadly I don't have the time to write for an hour.
Don't get me wrong. I don't like Bush, but he is right on this point: Chavez is a dictator.
By that definition, Bush is also a dictator since you must be a Bush loyalist to get a government job.
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