Leave Venezuela Alone

www.washingtonpost.com Monday, March 10, 2003; Page A20

The Post seems to have forgotten that, regardless of whether it approves, Hugo Chavez is the elected president of Venezuela [editorial, March 1].

The Post also seems to forget that a military coup last April, which had the tacit support of the Bush administration, received no international support and collapsed. And The Post ignores that the recent strike in Venezuela had the explicit objective of removing Mr. Chavez from office or forcing a change in the Venezuelan constitution.

Where would The Post stand if an illegal strike in this country tried to force President Bush from office because of his policies on Iraq?

Calling on the United States to meddle in Venezuela's affairs ignores the history of racism, economic oppression and corruption in that country (which resulted in the people choosing Mr. Chavez as their elected leader).

U.S. meddling has only worsened the situation in Latin America.

BILL FLETCHER JR.

President TransAfrica Forum Washington