Hugo Chavez RallyIn Rampant Violent Crime, Political Danger
For Chávez -- Washington Post
For Chávez -- Washington Post
Opposition Sees An Opening in Regional Elections
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Three of Miriam Sánchez's sons had already been shot dead in neighborhoods where the crackle of gunfire is a nightly occurrence. So she feared the worst when word arrived one recent night that her 24-year-old son, José Luis Arias, had been shot.
Sánchez found his bullet-riddled body off one of the narrow passageways of a violent slum -- another murder among thousands that have made Venezuela one of the world's most violent countries. Those slayings have exposed the government's inability to formulate a response to the sharply rising crime rate, a central theme of opposition politicians vying for governorships and mayoral posts in Sunday's regional elections.
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My Comment:It is in Chavez's power base that crime, unemployment, and economic misery is presently being impacted the most. With oil revenues going into the tank, promises not fulfilled, and regular services being constantly interrupted (i.e. electricity, transportation, etc.) .... resentment and anger is on the rise.
Chavez's only hope to win is trough corruption and using the power of the state to silence opponents. Do not be surprise if this is what starts to happen ( even more than what is happening today).