In some instances a long reigning leader may be what works best and in other circumstances it would be a hindrance. In places where the U.S. actively spends tens of millions of dollars to undermine popularly elected officials having a charismatic leader with vision who can implement change is a good thing. There is no 'best' time for Chavez to leave. That should be up to the people of Venezuela. I honestly expect a less far reaching referendum in the near future which will pass and either end term limits or extend them by another term. If it is approved by the majority of Venezuelans any complaints about it are just so much anti-democratic static.
John Thornton
Steven L. Robinson wrote:
> I think it fair to say that the Chinese and Zimbaweans would have been better off if they had put they put their respective revolutionary leaders out to pasture. No better testimony to the benefit of term limits exists than the experiences of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. SR
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: "Charles Brown" <charlesb at cncl.ci.detroit.mi.us>
> . History has taught that when we get
>
>> a good one, it is best to keep that one, as they are rare. See Cuba ,
>> for example. No need to take a chance to see if one equally good wins
>> the next time.