On this, it is better to speak privately to responsible people in government, of which there are many. And say nothing in the news media. It appears to be a transformation to the past, to an earlier time in the 20th century when military dictators enjoyed the same perquisites. While all this may appear to mitigate against Chavez, actually it is the source of his domestic appeal. It is the source of his popular strength.
Voters everywhere are in search of simple answers to complex problems.
Yet those who produce wealth, jobs and income around the globe are already wary of those simple answers. The fact is, Venezuela does not have the investment capacity, to train and employ the population in a way which would reduce poverty or spur commerce. Only private investment can do that. The economic crisis was bad, but when Chavez leaped to the top of the national polls, it cratered. Commerce is minimized.