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Originally Posted by dippin
This is a case where image overtakes substance on both sides.
Now, what should the American administration do? Nothing. As long as the US intervenes in Latin America, mildly ineffective reformers without much of a record will become very popular by riding anti-US resentment.
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There is also the history, which generally has had little to do with the US.
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In the early 1900s, the conflict-ridden nation finally began to get on its economic feet with the discovery of oil, and by the 20s Venezuela was beginning to reap the benefits. Unfortunately, most of the wealth remained with the ruling class, and the plague of dictators continued until 1947 when Romulo Betancourt led a popular revolt and rewrote the constitution. The first president-elect in Venezuela's history took office the same year, the novelist Romulo Gallegos. Unfortunately, he was ousted by another dictator and the country did not experience a non-violent presidential succession until 1963. For the next 25 years, things went comparatively well. An oil boom in the mid-1970s saw enormous wealth pour into the country, though, as always, the vast lower class benefited little. Oil prices dropped in the late 80s and once again the country was thrown into crisis. Riots swept through Caracas and were violently repressed, and two coup attempts took place in 1992. Right now, the nation's stability and future are uncertain.
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Venezuela - History & Culture
Chavez is following a similar pattern of past leaders. Unfortunately he no longer has the evil George Bush to blame his problems on and he does not have high oil prices. If he is truly in support of the average person in his country, he has a chance. He also has a chance if he can do what Castro as done to maintain power.