Venezuela/Chavez [View All]

[Lyric]

I've seen a lot of really disturbing posts in practically every thread about Venezuela/Chavez, and I think these points need to be made.

1. Criticizing Chavez does not equal "Bush supporter", "RW talking points", or "Freeperism". Lots of folks criticize left-leaning *American* politicians here, and don't receive an automatic label of "right-winger". Therefore it makes no sense to accuse people who criticize Chavez of being "right-wingers". Criticism of the Left does NOT equal support of the Right. Being able to criticize our own rather than marching in lockstep is what makes us BETTER than the right-wingers.

2. "The USA does it too" is not a valid argument. The USA isn't exactly a paragon of Proper Governmental Behavior, and considering the Liberal nature of this website, it's pretty likely that most of us disagree with the iron-fisted, repressive actions that *our* government takes, too. Criticizing the same actions when Chavez or anyone else commits them makes us consistent, rather than hypocritical. Again, that willingness to "call out" our own is what makes us BETTER than the hive-mind right-wingers.

3. Just because Chavez is George W. Bush's enemy, it does not automatically make him *our* dear friend who should Never Ever be criticized. For most of us, he stands or falls on his *own* merits--regardless of his "Lefty" status. "Leftist" does not equate to "Infallible Good Guy". There have been Leftist dictators, assholes, and megalomaniacs in history. Stop the knee-jerk reactions to every single post that hints of doubt about something Chavez has done or said. Frankly, I think I liked the guy better before I had the misfortune of watching his self-appointed DU Crusaders take a verbal axe to anyone who dares to question his actions. Fanaticism is not a good color for a Liberal. I'm naming no names, but if you're full of righteous indignation and/or outrage after reading this, it's probably a safe bet that I'm talking about You.

That's all I wanted to say. Proceed with :nuke: