Oklahoman Editorial: Venezuelan Chaos Has World Watching
WHAT a mess in Venezuela. 2003-01-04 www.newsok.com
A national strike that began Dec. 2 is entering its second month, its organizers -- an unusual alliance of business and union leaders -- calling for an immediate referendum on President Hugo Chavez's continued rule.
The stoppage has put hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the streets in a stormy atmosphere the Los Angeles Times likened to a chair- throwing episode of "Jerry Springer."
Some are protesting Chavez's dabbling in Cuban-style socialism and an economy in recession. Others are marching in support of the president, who claims he is trying to distribute the country's oil wealth to the poor, which make up about 60 percent of the population.
Venezuela's oil industry, the world's fifth-largest, has been crippled. Long gas lines are common in Caracas. Recently the unthinkable occurred: importation of gasoline from neighboring Brazil. The U.S., which gets about 15 percent of its oil from Venezuela, is watching carefully.
The Bush administration has been criticized for meeting with members of Chavez's opposition. It was no more than a pro forma meeting, standard practice for U.S. governments, but still it drew a letter of protest from a handful of Democrats.
"While the Venezuelan president is trying to confiscate property, militarize the civilian government, take over the labor unions and squash a free press, congressional Democrats believe the biggest threat to life and liberty in Venezuela is America," the Wall Street Journal editorialized.
Others are criticizing the administration for not doing enough.
President Bush is taking the proper course for now: maintain contact but at a safe distance.
Venezuela's stalemate is largely Chavez's own doing. According to the country's El Nacional newspaper, 67 percent of those who supported Chavez now think there should be a new election.
America should let the Venezuelan drama run its course and stand ready to assist responsible leaders when the dust settles.