The rise and fall of Hugo Chavez

Michael J.W. Stickings at The Reaction looks at Hugo Chavez this morning and doesn't like what he sees. The money quote:

...In this case, the rule of "revolutionary" law -- in effect, the arbitrary rule of a single unchecked man -- is nothing but tyranny, authoritarianism, the oppression of the people. Arbitrary rule always is. Which is why the rule of law, as opposed to the rule of man, is so central to democracy. And which is why, in our advanced democracies, we must safeguard the rule of law vigilantly and diligently, protecting it from the trespasses of those who would weaken it, scrap it, in the name of executive authority.

I have to say I was a big supporter of Chavez five years ago but he's lost me now. In fact he lost me some time ago, along about when he decided to crack down on the "opposition press." Still, I worry when I see him vilified.

I believe he still has the support of the majority of his people and I would hate to see the US find a reason to meddle in Venzuela's affairs. The failed coup in 02 that was covertly sponsored by the US was what solidified his power in the first place. Let that be a lesson to us. Trying to fix a sovereign country's problems usually makes it worse.

Meanwhile, Michael's words serve as a good reminder why we need to fight the excesses of our own unitary executive. Allowing one man to have unfettered power over governance always leads to tyranny and oppression.