> My point is not that Chavez has lost all support in all sectors, even among
> workers, but that by his actions he alienated many people he shouldn't have,
> strengthening the opposition to the point where the business elites actually
> have a serious base among the unions and general working society. It was
> idiocy and arrogance on Chavez's part and blaming the media is an excuse.
>
> Contrast this with Lula, who I am sure many lefties will grumble is making
> too many conciliatory noises, but at the end of the day, I would bet that
> Lula and Brazil will accomplish more progressive change
> than Chavez's
> authoritarian theatrics have.
>
> -- Nathan Newman
>
>
>From reading Latin American media (not Venezuelan, since they are 100% agaisnt Chávez) Chávez infuriated the landowners by initiating an agrarian reform program that was very popular with the poor. The decision of the CTV to join the coup of Aril 11 came as a surprise to much of the workers in Venezuela. This has created a serious split in the union. Lula has to be better than his predecessors, but if we look at other leftie politicians that chose to compromise with the powers that be, It does not look good. (Aristide, Allan Garcia, etc.)
Sergio López