The actions of Venezuelan socialist strongman Hugo Chavez should remind freedom-lovers everywhere of the danger of authoritarianism around the world.
His comments are frightening in their disregard for freedom, free enterprise and free trade. He is dismantling the right of the press to say what it wants, and the right of people to own and keep what they earn.
Here is the story. Excerpts from the story are below.
– “We’re heading toward socialism, and nothing and no one can prevent it.” — Hugo Chavez
– Last week, Chávez decided to not renew the broadcast license of RCTV, a Caracas television station long critical of his administration. That move prompted swift condemnation from press freedom groups.
– “I move forward with my request for a revolutionary enabling law,” he said. “We already have the document prepared. We are making the final revisions, and we solicit special powers.”