Venezuela Campaign gets Rough

By Josh Emberton

Hugo Chavez, a name that doesn't bring with it much enthusiam to most American's is up and at it again. It is the final stretch before the country votes on a referendum that will allow Chavez to run for election indefinitely and things have turned rather ugly.

Chavez supporters have turned rather vigilant in their support of this referendum. The State owned media seems to be placing pressure on some of the opposition. Violent acts have erupted and intensified not only at the opposition, but groups that assist and shelter them. La Piedrita takes credit for a lot of the attacks at the student opposition, as if its something to brag about. The issue of rising violence and inflation are two issues that opponents of Chavez are highlighting.

The population seems to support Chavez more than his actual party. Possibly do to Chavez powerful voice and his support towards the poor class. His political skills are just extroadinary in my opinion even if you don't agree with him. However, without a suitable leader to challenge Chavez, if this referendum passes he will most likely remain in power for quite some time.

Personally, these repressive acts show just how dangerous Chavez, or at least his supporters have become. This alone should signify that Chavez needs to step down if only to mitigate some of the violence. However, since I am sure he is engaging in some of these repressive acts of the opposition, I doubt this courteous act will not happen..