Hugo Chávez wins referendum allowing indefinite re-election

PapaG · Feb 18, 2009

WWBRoyD said: ↑

State Department Calls Bolivian and Venezuelan Referendums "Democratic"

Laura Carlsen | February 18, 2009
Americas Program, Center for International Policy (CIP)

There are early signs of change in the Obama State Department. In response to significant political victories by former Bush nemeses Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and Evo Morales in Bolivia, State Department spokespersons praised the democratic processes in these countries, indicating a more open attitude toward the growing independence of Latin American nations.

Chavez won his referendum on lifting term limits for elected officials on Feb. 15 by a solid 54% at last count, with a 70% turnout. State Department spokesperson Gordon Duguid stated that, "For the most part this was a process that was fully consistent with democratic process."

Last week spokesperson Robert Wood established the administration's position on the referendum by calling it "an internal matter." When asked for his opinion on the Venezuelan vote, Duguid echoed that position saying it "was a matter for the Venezuelan people."

A similar response came out of the State Department following the Jan. 25 vote on Bolivia's new constitution. Approved by 61%, the vote culminated a reform process that nearly tore apart the nation and left several dead in its wake due to the violent opposition of anti-Evo factions.

The day after the vote, Wood congratulated the Bolivian people on the referendum and stated, "We look forward to working with the Bolivian Government in ways we can to further democracy ..." When asked if he believed the referendum furthers democracy, he replied, "A free, fair, you know, democratic process certainly does contribute positively."

These might seem like standard-issue statements from a government commenting on matters pertaining to neighboring countries. But if the votes had taken place under the Bush watch, the response would have been much different.

The Bush administration kept a pouty silence following President Morales' resounding victory in a recall referendum Aug. 10 as congratulations poured in from other nations. It remained similarly mute after the massacre of at least 25 peasants, supporters of the president, by opposition forces. After the U.S. ambassador was expelled, Bush cut off trade preferences to the country.

In the case of Venezuela, the active hostility against the Chavez government was well known and heavily broadcast by the mainstream press. From not condemning the ultimately failed coup against Chavez in 2002 to frequent name-calling, the administration's relations with Venezuela reflected a permanent enmity that tended to be expressed in infantile, personal terms.

In general, Latin America has welcomed President Obama with a combination of relief—Bush had a dismal approval rating throughout—and signs of good faith, suspending judgment as the new government defines its polices toward the region. Hopes for constructive engagement with the U.S. Government rekindled after the 2008 elections, especially within the countries deemed the bad guys under the Bush division of the hemisphere.

http://americas.irc-online.org/am/5879

State Department praised the democratic process in Venezuela. Subject closed.
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Thank you for your unbiased link to go along with your uninformed stance.

Karl Malone's Elbows · Feb 19, 2009

maxiep said: ↑

I think there is a good possibility that Hugo won't get the most votes, but that he'll win anyway.
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Just like Bush.

FAIL

maxiep · Feb 19, 2009

Karl Malone's Elbows said: ↑

Just like Bush.

FAIL
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Both sides were playing by the Electoral College. It's not like Vice President Gore didn't understand the rules.

BLAZER PROPHET · Feb 20, 2009

hasoos said: ↑

It is just a matter of time before there is a war down there. It's been brewing for a few years.
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And it will be a civil war to boot.

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Hugo Chávez wins referendum allowing indefinite re-election

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Hugo Chávez wins referendum allowing indefinite re-election

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PapaG Banned User BANNED

Karl Malone's Elbows Batum: once in a lifetime

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