Reply #74: But see, to me,

[TallahasseeGrannie]

the failed coup trumps everthing. I don't trust a man who attempts to overtake his government through force.

Even John Kerry had this to say about him: "Chavez is fast on the road of becoming exactly that. (dictator) He is breaking the rules of democracy. I think it is very important for him to allow that referendum to take place and for this administration and others to put more visibility on what is happening so we can hold him accountable to international standards of behavior. Democracy is at risk."

Now, that said, I think he is a fascinating man. I don't deny he has done good things for his people, but frankly, so did Hitler. Hitler was also wildly popular with the electorate. My own mother-in-law, a German national, thought he was "cute and sexy"! (she eventually changed her mind.)

But really, the jury is out yet, just like with Bush. If he suddenly becomes President for Life, then we know his true colors. There is a lot of fear about that in South America. It is a conundrum. What do you do about a man who can do good things for his people but you dare not oppose him? Is it better for a country to labor under a dictator and have better conditions, or to live in freedom with more poverty? I'm idealistic enough to vote for the latter, and I have been poor enough in my lifetime to be on welfare. But I have a warm bed at night and a belly far too full.

We will just have to wait and see and agree to disagree. But I don't trust him.