WilcoFan Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 By order of decree, Chavez now has power to pass laws: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/02/...a.ap/index.html CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez defended his plans to rewrite dozens of laws by decree, saying his country has a vibrant democracy and that the world's real "tyranny" is led by President Bush. Signing a newly approved congressional measure that grants him broad lawmaking powers, Chavez said it will allow for changes to lead the country toward socialism but denied it poses any threat to democracy or individual freedoms. "We are increasing power, but it's the power of the nation, national power. It's not anyone's personal power," Chavez said at a news conference Thursday. Chavez lashed out at Bush for saying Wednesday that he was concerned about an "undermining of democratic institutions" in Venezuela. The Venezuelan president said Bush is "more dangerous than a monkey with a razor blade." "I pray to God for the people of the United States. I hope they're capable of liberating themselves from the tyranny they have," Chavez said. "Who would be the greater fascist -- Hitler or Bush? They might end up in a draw." Relations between Caracas and Washington have been perpetually tense in recent months, even though the United States remains the leading buyer of Venezuelan oil. Chavez's opponents at home have been strongly critical of the "enabling law" approved Wednesday by the entirely pro-Chavez National Assembly, calling it a lurch toward authoritarianism. The measure gives Chavez, who is beginning a new six-year term, the power to pass dozens of laws by decree during the next 18 months in areas from the economy to the judicial system. Opposition leader Manuel Rosales, who lost to Chavez in December's presidential vote, urged his followers to organize against the upcoming reforms. "We either get to work, or we will witness the coronation of Hugo the First, the first king Venezuelan society will have," Rosales said. Chavez noted that under the constitution, his opponents have the right to petition for a referendum to annul any law he enacts by decree, and can force such a vote by gathering the signatures of 5 percent of registered voters. "The people gave me the power I have, and it's within the framework of a constitution," he added, noting Venezuelans also may seek a recall referendum to unseat him -- such as the vote he won in 2004. "I wish the people of the United States had the power to call a recall referendum," Chavez said. "The U.S. president would be gone immediately." Among his next moves, Chavez plans to nationalize the country's leading telephone company, the electricity sector and lucrative oil and natural gas projects. He said the nationalizations, however, will be limited to "strategic areas" of the economy. He also assured Venezuelans education overhaul will not lead to indoctrination in schools and that freedoms will be respected. "There are no reasons of any kind for the Venezuelan people to be afraid," he said. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
embiggen Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 this guy is scary and out of control Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Saint Genevieve Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 The Venezuelan president said Bush is "more dangerous than a monkey with a razor blade." Oh snap. I kind of agree with him on that one, actually. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
embiggen Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 Oh snap. I kind of agree with him on that one, actually. yeah, me too. however, I think Chavez is confused about what a tyrant is. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bjorn_skurj Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 While I am in favor of la revolucion, I don't think anyone should have the power to rule by decree, so I'm going to get my gas at Hess from now on. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Duck-Billed Catechist Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 What's amusing is that his parliament gave him that ability. "We agree with you almost all the time, and agree that you should have nearly absolute legislative power, but we're not going to bother with approving the laws you want. You should just do that yourself." Reminiscent of Congress' "Yeah, we have the constitutional responsibility of declaring war and all, but we're going to leave that one up to you." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 yeah, me too. however, I think Chavez is confused about what a tyrant is.I think he has the *potential* to become a tyrant, but for now he's wildly popular. I'm uneasy about this latest development, though. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, or so they say. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jenbobblehead Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 this guy is scary and out of controlunlike others, i think this one only hates george bush, not the rest of us. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Duck-Billed Catechist Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 He's not really scary as it relates to our country. I would agree. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
quarter23cd Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 My long search for a new signature is over. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
uncle wilco Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 "I pray to God for the people of Venezuela. I hope they're capable of liberating themselves from the tyranny they have." unlike others, i think this one only hates george bush, not the rest of us. somehow, that doesn't make me feel better. the guy is a nut. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
anodyne Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 he should have kept his rubber stamp legislative branch to at least have some semblance of democracy left. i like his policies, but this isn't healthy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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