Thanks for giving me a good laugh, Mr Simon!

Adios, Hugo. Now who will the Boy Emperor exchange memoirs with?

If you want to see something truly sickening, have a look at the reader comments in one of the stories about Chavez' death. Here's one for example: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/world/americas/hugo-chavez-of-venezuela-dies.html?pagewanted=2. Way too many people clearly bought into his propaganda.

Not to quibble but wasn't that song about the Witch of the East? Margaret Hamilton (pictured) played the Witch of the West.

Anywhoo, I agree that Venezuela will simply go with another unctuous, power-grabbing dictator. However, I do not expect the next one to be nearly as charismatic as Hugo. Look for a long decline in governing authority (along with depleting oil revenues) followed by some sort of "spring" in a generation or so. Assad's Syria serves as something of a template. Really a pathetic outcome.

Yes, he will be succeeded by another leftist goon, one who may conceivably be more brutal. Chavez's rule depended not only the techniques of "community organizing" (heh!) and certain voting irregularities, but also on the charisma that you mention. If his successor lacks the personal popularity, he may well rely even more on the fist to keep in power.

And the Washington Post pompously declares Oogoe "passionate but polarizing" in its headline.

Give me a break.

Give me even a fricking break.

Ding dong, the bastard's gone - and good riddance too!

Too bad Venezuela will likely just gravitate towards the next worst socialist/communist to run things for them now.

One wonders what the true sulphuric majesty ruling Hell has in store for Hugo.

My Mother always told me to always say something good about the dead.
Hugo is dead...Good!!

I try never to rejoice over someone's death, but Chavez is pushing the limits.

My favorite ballplayer as a little boy was Luis Aparicio. Aparicio and Nellie Fox were 1-2 hitters and DB combo that were among the most potent ever.

Aparicio is Venezuelan. Chavez was a fan of his.

That makes one thing I can say today.

And nothing else.