Actually, I'm more than willing to read what ever you present, so long as you have the decency to present something impartial and factual.

It's not self-serving in any way. I don't support or condemn the coups because of support of Chavez, but more of indignation toward the opposition, and the prospects for the people. In the case of Chavez' coup, it would indeed have been for the good of the people, to stop political murder, tyranny, and corruption on most levels. Perez was guilty of crimes against humanity. Someone you might consider a dictator. In the case of coups trying to rise against Chavez, they have no legal justifications. They are solely based on the vested interest of extremists and corporate rightists that share the sentiments of Perez.

I don't have a love affair with Hugo Chavez, nor necessarily his political philosophies. I only generally think of his movement as something good because of the rise of Venezuelan identity and opposition to hegemony. If you're familiar with US actions in South and Central America, it is anything but benevolent. Just because I don't agree with how American foreign policy has been conducted by many administrations, nor do I like this current administration, does not mean I hate the United States. In fact, I love the United States. I think it's the best country to live in, and because of that I am concerned on how our image is being presented.

I don't want to impose hegemony on other countries, on other people, simply on the behalf of "American interests". Doing so prevents progression in other countries, and it only creates enemies of our country. In fact, Hugo Chavez claims that America and it's people are wonderful, it's just our government and it's foreign policies that he hates. I share these sentiments. Plus the fact that I am a democratic socialist helps, although I disagree with some of his policies (more left than I am), and there are many promises that Chavez didn't live up to that makes me dislike him (although he probably fulfilled more promises than American presidential candidates fulfill).

I guess we shall see.

I give Chavez a couple more years, tops. Leaders like him RARELY stay in power very long, and they usually leave having done far more damage than good.

I see your point Katz. I don't agree with your view of Chavez, but I see your point. If it was not for America and the foreign policy you don't like, the world would be a lot nastier place than it is. America has freed a lot more people than democrat socialists ever have.

At least not in Central/South America. The US has supported a number of dictators, coups to put in dictators, a plethora of assassination attempts, and even war criminals. All in the name of US interests. This is one thing I've studied (admittedly a lot more than the history of Muslims ).

But we'll see in the case of Chavez. He's lasted this long with continued democratic support from the people; I don't see why that should end before his term is up. But I guess it only takes one person to assassinate someone.