Chavez Granted Sweeping Power

Venezuelan Congress Hands Leader Powers To Remake Society By Decree

(AP)  A congress wholly loyal to President Hugo Chavez approved a law Wednesday granting him authority to enact sweeping measures by decree.

Meeting at a downtown plaza in a session that resembled a political rally, lawmakers unanimously approved all four articles of the law by a show of hands.

"Long live the sovereign people! Long live President Hugo Chavez! Long live socialism!" said National Assembly President Cilia Flores as she proclaimed the law approved. "Fatherland, socialism or death! We will prevail!"

Chavez, who is beginning a fresh six-year term, says the legislation will be the start of a new era of "maximum revolution" during which he will consolidate Venezuela's transformation into a socialist society. His critics are calling it a radical lurch toward authoritarianism by a leader with unchecked power.

Hundreds of Chavez supporters wearing red — the color of Venezuela's ruling party — gathered in the plaza, waving signs reading "Socialism is democracy," as lawmakers read out passages of the law giving the president special powers for 18 months to transform 11 broadly defined areas, including the economy, energy and defense.

"The people of Venezuela, not just the National Assembly, are giving this enabling power to the president of the republic," said congresswoman Iris Varela, addressing the crowd.

Lawmakers discussed the law by each of its four articles, approving one after the other by a show of hands. At the end, they stood and cheered.

Chavez, a former paratroop commander who easily won re-election in December, has said he will use the law to decree nationalizations of Venezuela's largest telecommunications company and the electricity sector, slap new taxes on the rich, and impose greater state control over the oil and natural gas industries.

The law also allows Chavez to dictate unspecified measures to transform state institutions; reform banking, tax, insurance and financial regulations; decide on security and defense matters such as gun regulations and military organization; and "adapt" legislation to ensure "the equal distribution of wealth" as part of a new "social and economic model."

Chavez plans to reorganize regional territories and carry out reforms aimed at bringing "power to the people" through thousands of newly formed Communal Councils, in which Venezuelans will have a say on spending an increasing flow of state money on neighborhood projects from public housing to road repaving.

Chavez's opponents, however, argue the law dangerously concentrates power in the hands of single man.

[sharncedar]

It Bush's fault.

[gunnerv1]

It's always bush's fault, no matter what. If the earth started rotating the wrong direction, it would be bush's fault. The price of gas goes up, goes down or stays flat, it's his fault.

[rafterman1]

Well, Bush is "the decider" after all, isn't he? It makes sense he should get "the fault" too.

[antoniof123]

Had Bush been paying attention to the world instead of his holly crusade then things would be different. We are headed towards a major conflict on all sides with each other. I do not mean two sides I mean all sides everyone will be at odds. That is why the last Presidents tried to stay in touch with the other leaders of the world. Now it is just too little too late to do anything. You neocons will not be protected because when the winds change and they will you are the ones that others will blame. What a mess you made. I hope that your god comes of course you will not like what he has to say.

[rafterman1]

Liberal confession: While we don't really have a legal reason to invade Venezuela, Chavez is a big, giant rubber d1ck and I would not really feel bad about it.

[aesop2-2009]

As bush says the will of the people will win out. It is hard to see what the issue is, Chavez was freely elected by a majority of the people in Venezuela. Isn't the attitude of this government just a wee bit hypicritical given what this country is doing in Iraq.

[processor2]

I find it amazing how the Socialists/Communists of the world sound just like American Democrat(ic)s.

No wonder the liberals in America idolize Castro, Chavez, Chi Guerva, Gorbachev, etc.

...........

[rafterman1]

"Chavez was freely elected by a majority of the people in Venezuela."

You are correct of course in all your points. But it is difficult watching a free society like Venezuela clearly handing it's freedom over to a guy like Chavez, who at times seems almost psychologically imbalanced. Even if Chavez were the most well meaning person in the world, you don't hand over decree power to any one man. It's too dangerous. I don't think the people of Venezuela know what they are headed for, if history is any indication. Like the old saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

[rafterman1]

Without Gorbachev, the Soviet Union might still be going strong. He was the best friend America ever had when he made it possible to being down the Soviet Union. Unless you liked the old days of having 15,000 nulcear warheads staring down at you on hair trigger alert.

[shingles1]

Sounds like a rubber stamp Congress.

Now where have I heard that phrase before...

[processor2]

Without Gorbachev, the Soviet Union might still be going strong.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 01:48 PM : Jan 31, 2007


"Without Reagan, the Soviet Union might still be going strong" is a lot more accurate.

..............

[processor2]

I find it amazing how the Socialists/Communists of the world sound just like American Democrat(ic)s.

No wonder the liberals in America idolize Castro, Chavez, Chi Guerva, Gorbachev, etc.

...........

[rafterman1]

"Without Reagan, the Soviet Union might still be going strong" is a lot more accurate."

No. The popular misconception is that Reagan "spent" Soviet Union into non-existence. But countries like North Korea, Cuba and Iraq have proven that they can go for long periods of time with a poor economic situation as long as the political will of the leaders is strong. The Soviet system did not go bankrupt. Gorbachev made a political climate that would allow disintegration possible.

I'm not saying that Reagan did nothing. One of his great accomplishments was a treaty with Gorbachev eliminating an entire class of nulcear weapons, something that had never been done before. But, again, there was Gorbachev. It was Gorbachev more than anybody who made the fall of the Soviet Union possible. And let's not forget the steel balls of Yeltsin, who stood firm when the communists tried to re-take power.

[gunownerdan]

ADOLF CHAVEZ IS ON THE MARCH!!!!

[lars008-2009]

***!!! when did communism become a monarchy???

n korea hand power father to son to son...
cuba hands power to brother...

i thought we were all equal........... right comrade????.....lol

[rafterman1]

"i thought we were all equal........... right comrade????.....lol"

Some people are more equal than others :)

[getcentered]

I guess only time will tell what the intentions of Chavez really are. He could be making his country into an oppressive dictatorship but he might be trying to hold together a modern adaptable and working social society. His country has huge oil wealth and could easily sustain itself.

[rafterman1]

No way. A man who asks for absolute power can only be up to no good. Look at history. How many leaders with absolute power have only worked for the good of their people? Not too many.

[notblue]

In order to pass this all empowering law he had every government representative vote by raising hands, no intimidation there! I wonder how many didn't raise there hand?

[gunownerdan]

VENEZUELA IS NOW A DICTATORSHIP!!!!!
They should now join the U.N. just like other dictatorships do.

[tibu987]

Given power that he (Chavez) bought from the poor, illiterate masses is not a new story and is, in fact, a very old approach toward achieving a totalitarian state.
Chavez will live well with all the luxuries of life for him, his family, and his friends. Ultimatly his rule will end and, if he is still alive, will probably take the money and run. And, the disaster he will leave behind will be for another to repair.
And so it goes.

[agnim]

"No way. A man who asks for absolute power can only be up to no good.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 04:19 PM : Jan 31, 2007"

Better to just sign an executive order and surreptitiously take absolute power, right?
Or just state what the congress CANNOT do with regard to Iraq, right?

[agnim]

"BUSH CONSOLIDATES CONTROL OVER GOV'T AGENCIES!


President Bush has signed a directive that gives the White House much greater control over the rules and policy statements that the government develops to protect public health, safety, the environment, civil rights and privacy.

The New York Times is reporting each agency must now have a regulatory policy office run by a political appointee, to supervise the development of rules and to make sure the agencies carry out the president's priorities.

Consumer, labor and environmental groups denounced the directive saying it gave too much control to the White House and would hinder agencies' efforts to protect the public.

Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman of California said the executive order allows the political staff at the White House to dictate decisions on health and safety issues, even if the government's own impartial experts disagree."

[bildooreilly]

Bush and Chavez are two peas in a pod, no wonder they dislike each other so much.

[exusmcsgt]

A congress wholly loyal to President Hugo Chavez approved a law Wednesday granting him authority to enact sweeping measures by decree.

Don't you know that Bush/Cheney/Rice are just eat up with envy........

[bildooreilly]

Hey exusmc, don't rock the banana boat.

[exusmcsgt]

I have to believe that, contrary to what is said in public, Bush/Cheney/Rice are extremely envious of the circumstances under which Chavez rules.

In public, they promote democracy but behind the scenes they are always looking for ways to enhace the president's powers and neuter the checks and balances of the legislative and judicial branches set forth in the constitution which is more the hallmark of a dictatorship than a democracy.

[processor2]

I find it amazing how the Socialists/Communists of the world sound just like American Democrat(ic)s.

No wonder the liberals in America idolize Castro, Chavez, Chi Guerva, Gorbachev, etc.

...........

[exusmcsgt]

No wonder the liberals in America idolize Castro, Chavez, Chi Guerva, Gorbachev, etc.

...........
Posted by processor2 at 08:21 PM : Jan 31, 2007

This "idolatry" comment is based on??????

[toolmangler-2009]

Tibu987 has it right. This story is as old as any of the religious or history books that exist today. The "Poor huddled masses" are given a promise of something more than the pitiful, painfully deprived lives they are living now in exchange for their support and or self sacrifice. They buy into hope for the future and storm embassies. don suicide paraphenalia and blow up children and women, fly airplanes into buildings filled with people, blow up mosques and churchs filled with people who would give the shirts of of their backs to help these same mindless zealots if they found them in need. The big problem here is that those in power are not interested in helping his/her fellow beings. If they were hunger, disease and war in that order would cease to exist. Sorry Islam, Christians and Jews. God is in control of armageddon and when it will happen is his decision, not mans. Quit trying to influence a supreme being by voilent action. Wipe out want and waste and then he may seek you out and say "Well done my good and faithful servant."

[exusmcsgt]

"Well done my good and faithful servant."
Posted by ToolMangler at 08:55 PM : Jan 31, 2007

You can be a servant if you wish. As for me, I'll take science over dogma.

[exusmcsgt]

ToolMangler-

And I'll ask you this or any other "believer" out there.

Considering that "faith" requires one to reject science and accept "miracle" instead, why is it that should you have a heart attack, you want a cardiologist instead of a Priest, Rabbi, Imam, or Pastor?

Somewhat incongrous of you, don't you think?

[gunownerdan]

ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY!!
This is a basic lesson from history.
Unfortunately, far too many people today are far too ignorant of history.

[thgdriver]

A few months ago I called this guy a dictator. I was shouted down by some here and told in so many ways where I was wrong.

Now I lean back in my soft leather chair and smile.

It took a while but I love being right.

[newsjeff-2009]

I just wonder if the reason that President Bush complains Chavez so much, is it because he is jealous because Chavez's approval ratings are higher than President Bush's Approval Ratings now, or is Bush just finding another country that he can start a war with. Let's see we have the Iraq War,the situation with Iran,Bin Ladin and his followers are still at odds,why not have a conflict with a Venezuela President, even if Chavez was democratically elected, and is very popular among his voters, does not make sense why we should start a war with Chavez or a conflict, but with George W. Bush's way of thinking anything possible. When Bush said "I am the decision maker or Iraq", that sure sounded like a man who is power hungry, note: I said power hungry, not a dictator. The entire Republican party has worked to make things in this country better for Americans of course, but you have to be rich or powerful in American for the GOP plans to benefit you a whole lot. Our country gives away million if not billions of U.S. dollars every year in foreign aid and charity donations, so I don't know why Bush,Cheney or even the democrats want to complain about what other countries do, since our U.S.Political leaders give away millions in foreign aid, and then gripe about the way other countries live their lives, just another thing our politcal leaders do that don't make sense.

[cantshutup]

THE DRAFT IS HERE. Universal Nat'l Service Act of 2007.
NOT TO ALARM YOU OR ANYTHING. Just passing this along.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/
query/z?c110:H.R.393:

Universal National Service Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)
HR 393 IH
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 393
To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 42 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or in civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the favorable treatment afforded combat pay under the earned income tax credit, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 10, 2007

[bildooreilly]

Ex USMC, I don't buy religion or a lot of present day science, at least not how it's presented.

Lets take the big bang for instance... They claim 450 million years ago (Long ago and far away) a dot smaller than . on this page. Superimploded (big bang) and created our entire universe. Pass me the LSD if you want me to believe that ***... Both sides rely on dogma and faith for their BS theories..

[bildooreilly]

Well Cantshutup, I perform my national service every april by paying the worthless government 1/3 of my income so they can enrich their already rich friends with it and so that corporation based in Puerto Rico called the IRS doesn't throw me in jail.

[cantshutup]

i hope all you sheeple understand what this means for American men AND women!

[bildooreilly]

Even Hitler didn't draft the women like our lovely government now wants to do. Kinda puts things in perspective, what's next? 12 yr old kids?

[feelfree1]

Good luck, Mr. Chavez!

Your assistance in the liberation of the people of the U.S. is most appreciated, as well!

[hillaryin08]

Good luck, Mr. Chavez!

Your assistance in the liberation of the people of the U.S. is most appreciated, as well!
Posted by feelfree1 at 01:19 AM : Feb 01, 2007


I hope you do try that *** hare, I'll shoot you myself.

[hillaryin08]

Even Hitler didn't draft the women like our lovely government now wants to do. Kinda puts things in perspective, what's next? 12 yr old kids?
Posted by bildooreilly at 12:56 AM : Feb 01, 2007

why dont you take a look at who is sponsoring this bill you idiot!

[rafterman1]

"Better to just sign an executive order and surreptitiously take absolute power, right?
Or just state what the congress CANNOT do with regard to Iraq, right?"

Unfortunately, executive orders and signing statements have turned the presidency into an imperial one. And, as these things have been around since day one in this country, people will be reluctant to change or corral them.

[lieberman18]

Okay, all you Neo-Fascists, Bush-haters, and Blame America clowns:

Where ARE YOU NOW???

Here's a pathetic thug who wants to emulate Castro.

Now, what would happen if Bush sent an aircraft carrier and a division of Marines to Caracas?

Have a fit? After all, YOUR hero, the draft dodging pervert sent troops to Haiti? We have more right to overthrow this thug than your pervert did in backing Aristead.

C'mon bozos, let's hear the spew and vomit this morning. You've got nothing better to do.

[lieberman18]

feelfree is nothing but a little nazi and Hitlerite lover, and since this shrimp loves the Left, it probably thinks Joe Stalin was the best thing created since the egg.

A noose is all that a bozo like that deserves. If it wants Chavez, then by all means go to him. We don't need any more ANSWER types polluting America's environment.

[processor2]

I find it amazing how the Socialists/Communists of the world sound just like American Democrat(ic)s.

No wonder the liberals in America idolize Castro, Chavez, Chi Guerva, Gorbachev, etc.

...........

[exusmcsgt]

Even Hitler didn't draft the women like our lovely government now wants to do. Kinda puts things in perspective, what's next? 12 yr old kids?
Posted by bildooreilly at 12:56 AM : Feb 01, 2007

Why shouldn't women be drafted? Women have the same privileges as men - they should have the same responsibilities as well.

Equality means equality in all senses of the word.

[crater7]

WHATS THE BIG DEAL? CHAVEZ, IS DOING LEGALLY, (APPROVED BY CONGRESS) IN VENNEZUELA, WHAT THIS PRESIDENT AND HIS ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN DOING ILLEGALLY FOR SIX YEARS. EXCEPT FOR RAISING TAXES ON THE RICH, AND OF COURSE BRINGING "POWER TO THE PEOPLE". SO, WHATS THE BIG DEAL?

[gunownerdan]

ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY