Housing shortage grows tense in Caracas

[bemildred]

I especially like this quote: "Opponents of Chavez argue his populist rhetoric has created an atmosphere in which the poor feel emboldened to take what they need."

CARACAS, Venezuela - The gun-wielding crowd burst into the building, but screaming residents banging on pots and pans drove the would-be squatters away - one of many clashes spurred by the housing shortage in Venezuela's capital.

Looking to further President Hugo Chavez's socialist revolution, the city government has begun taking over buildings deemed abandoned to use as public housing, but some people aren't willing to wait. Property owners say groups desperately searching for housing have increasingly raided their buildings.

Mayor Juan Barreto insisted he would not tolerate such illegal seizures, and authorities said Wednesday they arrested 19 people accused of involvement.

Security guard Jose Abreu said he stood in the door of the rundown building where he lives and works when the crowd showed up last week. The invaders broke into a neighboring building before shouting residents drove them off.

ContraCostaTimes

[1932]

1. "to take what you need." Oh brother.

Those pesky poor: asking for what they need from a country that created so much wealth for so few for so long.

You'll get what the rich decide to give you and you'll be happy about it!!!

[killbotfactory]

2. LOL

"The mayor said the city also is studying whether to take over golf courses in wealthy enclaves that would provide land to build housing. He said 5,000 people could be housed in the space of a single golf course, and that new golf courses could be built in the suburbs."

Oh, that would be so awesome.