Hugo Chavez is a classic megalomaniacal thug who has bought his way to power with the peoples’ own money. He is a buffoon, an Idi Amin with a lieutenant’s education isntead of a corporal’s. The country has resources and a sizable educated and [soon to be formerly, if Chavez has his way] prosperous middle/upper class. It looks, therefore, like Venezuela is in for some rough times. If Chavez wins this election, especially if he wins it through fraud, look for the majority, including many poor, to resent and oppose him. Their only option will be to fight outside the system – likely leading to armed revolt. If he loses, he will be one very frustrated, angry, and dangerous dicatator who, in his own insecure view, has not fully consolidated power; look then for further and more onerous moves against all who oppose him.
