Historical moments are so revealing!
Hugo Chavez, by any reasonable measure a despot, died of cancer today.
The US Democrat leadership, who truly admire him, and hope to emulate his record, spent their day eulogizing him:
Jimmy Carter (always a favorite of OS) intoned:
“President Chávez will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment,” Carter said. “We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chávez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life.”
Jose Serrano, 15th District of New York, recalls with pride how Chavez bought him off:
“I met President Chavez in 2005 when he came to my district at my invitation,” said Congressman Serrano. “His focus on the issues faced by the poor and disenfranchised in his country made him a truly revolutionary leader in the history of Latin America. He understood that after 400 years on the outside of the established power structure looking in, it was time that the poor had a chance at seeing their problems and issues addressed. His core belief was in the dignity and common humanity of all people in Venezuela and in the world.
“When he visited, President Chavez offered a new type of program to the people of the Bronx. He had harnessed the power of his nation’s oil resources and was using their profits—through Citgo—to enact social spending programs. Now he offered people in the Bronx that were struggling economically the same deal. He would provide home heating oil at a huge discount, provided the savings were reinvested in programs that benefited the underserved and underprivileged. I am proud to report that we have benefited from that program ever since, with millions invested in our community through this program and through a grant program he set up.
Why, isn't that sweet? Such compadres in the quest to advance the Welfare State...makes one wonder what percentage of those funds found their way into Rep. Serrano's campaigns and life? It is, after all, Latin American dictatorship politics, north-of-the-border.
For a close-up-and-personal look at life in Venezuela under Chavez, OS recommends you read through The Devil's Excrement, an English-language blog written by a Venezuelan engineer.
As for Chavez...he passed from this world to the next, shocked to discover there is a next world, and an Almighty, that Perdition is hot, and Eternity lasts forever. He'll have plenty of time to adjust to that odor of sulfur...
