Chavez Due For Third Round Of Cancer Treatments

Hugo Chavez, the elected president of Venezuela, will be taking his third round of chemotherapy treatments very soon. He had his operation for a cancerous tumor in his pelvic region and his first two rounds of chemotherapy in Cuba, but this third round of treatments will be done in Venezuela.

Chavez checked himself in to a Caracas military hospital yesterday, and the treatments should begin in a day or so. Chavez said, "I'm not going to go to Cuba this time. In the coming hours, between today and tomorrow we'll be preparing for the third round."

Hopefully, his staying in Venezuela this time is a good sign. Sources have said that since the operation no cancer has been detected and the treatments are a preventative measure to keep the cancer from re-appearing. I hope that is true and he does well.

Chavez has been good for Venezuela, and South America in general. He has brought a lot of people out of poverty, especially indigenous peoples, and assured they have some rights and a voice in their government. He has also used some of Venezuela's oil riches to help other South American countries free themselves from the greedy grip of Western corporations and financial interests.

Get well Mr. President. Venezuela and South America still need you.