CHAVEZ IS ON A ROLL

Malcom Lagauche

In the span of a few days, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has implemented policies that would take many countries months, or years, to fulfill. Last week, he announced that Venezuela was going to modernize and enlarge its military. In his plans are a missile-defense program that will safeguard the entire country. Also, Chavez declared that his country would purchase modern jet fighters from Russia as well as helicopters. In addition, Venezuela will build factories to manufacture rifles for the military. Chavez made it clear that the buildup is entirely defensive. He said, "Venezuela will not attack anybody." A few days later, at the Bolivarian Alternative for the People of the Americas, Chavez struck a chord for Latin American unity and freedom from the capitalist hierarchy that was implemented throughout the area for decades.

continua / continued