In Chávez Territory, Signs of Dissent

Three days before a referendum that would vastly expand the powers of President Hugo Chávez, this city’s streets were packed on Thursday with tens of thousands of opponents to the change, the NYT reports. The protests signaled that Venezuelans may be balking at placing so much authority in the hands of one man.

Even some of Mr. Chávez’s most fervent supporters are beginning to show signs of hesitation at backing the constitutional changes he is promoting, which would end term limits for the president and greatly centralize his authority. Other measures would increase social security benefits for the poor and shorten the workday.

“Chávez is delirious if he thinks we’re going to follow him like sheep,” said Ivonne Torrealba, 29, a hairdresser in the gritty Coche district, who has supported Mr. Chávez in every election since his first campaign for president in 1998. “If this government cannot get me milk or asphalt for our roads, how is it going to give my mother a pension?”

--> The similarities between Venezuela's President and Fidel Castro are startling. First it's unending election terms and promises of socialized health care. Then unopposed elections, shotty health facilities, and food rationing. Before they know what hit them, Venezuela will be so oppressed they won't know anything but that oppression. This was a big demonstration. However, the Chávez supporters will be out today and it's sure to be a spectacle.