Dreading a Chavez victory in Venezuela

Washington Times:

Opponents of President Hugo Chavez fear he will use his massive government apparatus to "manipulate" the vote in today's referendum on a package of constitutional reforms aimed at turning Venezuela into a communist state.

As last-minute opinion polls indicated a virtual dead heat between those for and against the changes, Mr. Chavez said a "yes" vote was "almost certain."

In a closing speech to hundreds of thousands of followers who crowded the center of Caracas Friday night, Mr. Chavez claimed he was 10 to 15 points ahead in surveys taken by the government.

"Anyone who votes 'no' is voting for George W. Bush," Mr. Chavez shouted to the sea of supporters. "Our true enemy is the U.S. empire, and on Sunday, December 2, we're going to give another knockout to Bush."

Mr. Chavez threatened to cut off oil exports to the U.S. tomorrow if Washington interfered in the vote. Venezuela is the third-largest oil exporter to the U.S.

An emboldened opposition and recent violent clashes in street protests point to a potentially volatile dispute if the vote is close. Mr. Chavez has warned opponents he will not tolerate attempts to stir up violence.

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The paranoid Chavez recently accused CNN of wanting to have him killed because of a missed placed cutline under one of his photos. He may think the same think about this headline in the Houston Chronicle:

Venezuela's Chavez has shot at lifelong presidency

Then, again a shot could shorten his term. I say that not because I think it could or should happen, but history has shown that when democratic institutions fail and tyrants seize power, they are usually removed by violent means. Personally, I think as far as enemies go, Chavez is one that is a greater danger to Venezuela than to others at this point. There are worse things than being hated by an incompetent buffoon.