Opposition and the government are guilty of doing the same thing

www.vheadline.com Posted: Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 10:21:44 AM By: Sam Whitney Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 00:01:59 -0500 From: Sam Whitney adhoc2003@hotmail.com To: editor@vheadline.com Subject: the issue of democracy

Dear Editor: I'm not Venezuelan, but I live in Venezuela and am married to a Venezuelan who is proud to be Venezuelan. And I've got to say that I think the article written by Ms. Dawn Gable is a good representation of what BOTH sides are doing wrong ... ignoring facts and issues that are critical in every analysis.

It's fine to have a personal view and opinion -- we all need and deserve to have one. But if you plan to make a statement in a public forum, then you need to do your homework and make sure you don't appear ignorant through what you write.

• For example, three US presidents have found out what happens when they go against the popular vote ... they got impeached.

As far as I know, under the Venezuelan constitution this alternative doesn't exist, at least not without very limiting restrictions, like being half-way through the term of office. This fact is a major and significant difference in democracy in the US versus the named democracy in Venezuela.

Therefore, your comments are purely inflammatory and don't lead to any real fundamental basis of comparison.

Its sad, but both the opposition and the government are guilty of doing the same thing ... and, in the meantime, Venezuelans everywhere are suffering the consequences.

Its like two kids caught in an argument over whose father is tougher ... neither of the kids will ever win.

Sam Whitney adhoc2003@hotmail.com