Hugo Chavez

Hugo Chavez is the president of Venezuela. He was born on July 28, 1954. The young and intimidating Chavez is described as "Castro with money". Though he has been democratically elected, he has made increasing efforts to concentrate government power in himself, and this has only been aided by an opposition boycott of a recent election that gave his party thorough control of the Venezualan legislature. He is known for voicing strongly anti-American sentiments, and for attempting to convince the people of Venezuela that an American invasion may be imminent.

Through Venezuala's state owned petroleum industry and membership in OPEC, Chavez who is a Marxist now has important dictatorial powers in setting oil prices. The United States relies heavily on Venezualan imports of crude oil. Chavez has stated publicly he beleives $60 per barrel of crude oil is an appropriate price. American consumers ultimatley shoulder the burden of this "democratic socialism" in higher prices at the pump and lower living standards.

Further reading

• Why The Left Should Cringe at The Mention of Hugo Chavez, Alvaro Vargas Llosa, Independent Institute, February 24, 2006.