"Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empowering the powerless. RIP, Mr. President
U.S. Representative Jose Sorrano--D. NY
He was elected in 1998 and inaugurated in early 1999. The overwhelming majority of the United States public had never heard of him and even if we had it is doubtful any of us would have cared one way or another. In fact if you had taken a poll at that moment most citizens of this country would have probably not even known a Venezuelan election had taken place and a new president had been sworn in.
"Chavez openly hated the United States and opposed any effort to spread freedom, democracy, and free markets in Latin America."
A statement issued by Move Forward America
All the enmity really began in April, 2002. There was a coup attempt that failed. Chavez was quick to accuse the United States and the Bush administration of plotting it, or backing it, or approving it. He got a little wild eyed there for a bit, but many men who have just dodged a bullet are that way. And who is to blame him really? After all, there is plenty of precedent for that sort of thing. Besides, anyone sitting on a vast sea of oil while Bush and Cheney were running the show was a candidate to sleep with the fishes. There was an investigation into the charges and a congressional panel found the United States had acted "appropriately" before, during, and after the failed putsch. In October of that year he was claiming he'd foiled another coup and an assassination attempt, both of which were nefarious plots of the CIA. His government didn't conduct any investigation into the alleged black ops and offered no proof that either event took place, much less that the United States was behind them.
"He will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments."
Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States
He invested profits from the state run oil company into programs to improve health, education, employment, housing, pensions, and access to safe drinking water. He was also cozying up to Fidel and Raul in Cuba. His political base was firmly rooted in the poor and indigenous peoples of Venezuela. Their love for him was growing into something akin to messianic worship.
"There are close to two million people in the United States who receive free heating assistance thanks to President Chavez's leadership.
Joseph P. Kennedy II, head of the non profit Citizens Energy
He provided U.S. citizens with heating oil at either reduced prices or gratis. Much of it went to Native Americans in Alaska. He also told Ted Koppel that he had uncovered details of the planned U.S. invasion of Venezuela which was being called Operation Balboa. He claimed he knew the number of bombers and aircraft carriers that would be involved. U.S. officials said Operation Balboa was a Spanish exercise that had nothing to do with Venezuela. The invasion never occurred.
"Sic Semper Tyrannis. After the welcome news of Hugo Chavez's death I hope the oppressed people of Venezuela will be able to live in freedom, not under some miserable tyranny. I look forward to working in the house to promote a free democratic and pro American government in Venezulea."
U.S. Representative Tom Cotton--R. AR.
The outpouring of grief has been monumental and Latin American heads of states are heading in droves to Venezuela to offer their condolences and support. In his first few years in office the Venezuelan GDP doubled. In February of 2009 his government backed a referendum that would abolish the constitutional two term limit for public officials including the presidency. It passed with a 54% majority. The law in effect allowed The Commandante to run for president every six years for as long as he lived.
"The Venezuelan people now have an opportunity to turn the page on one of the darkest periods in its history and embark on a new, albeit difficult, path to restore the rule of law, democratic principles, security, and free enterprise in a nation that deserves so much better than the socialist disaster of the past 14 years."
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, R--FL
I don't know why I didn't like the guy. I mean I probably should have. I think it was that whole "change the constitution so I can stay president forever" thing. I find that sort of power grab not only distasteful, but beyond suspect. I'm not a fan of dictators and that is where Hugo Chavez was headed. Once you've become the Commandante for Life you've lost me, no matter how great and wonderful your intentions, no matter what you've accomplished in the past.
"There is no doubt that Commandante Chavez's health came under attack by the enemy."
Nicolas Maduro, Vice President Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela
Well, you have to blame someone don't you. Besides, it has become something of a tradition down there, rather like claiming that communists have infested the Harvard Law School faculty is here.
Expect Senor Maduro's stay to be a short one, because, to paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen, "Mr. Vice President, you're no Hugo Chavez."
sic vita est
3-6-13
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