Don't betray Chavez legacy, Venezuela leader warns days from vote

[Zorro]

Source: Reuters

Venezuelans who vote against the ruling Socialists in the upcoming legislative elections will be betraying beloved late leader Hugo Chavez, his successor Nicolas Maduro warned.

Some supporters of the ruling "Chavista" movement have turned against the government due to shortages of basic goods ranging from milk to medicines, dizzying inflation, and violent crime wreaking havoc on their lives.

Polls show the opposition coalition has the best chance in 16 years of winning control of the 167-seat National Assembly, though the government has strong advantages in the geographical distribution of seats plus superior mobilization capacity.

"Whoever betrays the legacy of Chavez destroys himself," Maduro, the 53-year-old self-declared "son" of Chavez, roared late Tuesday night during a three-hour televised broadcast.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/dont-betray-chavez-legacy-venezuela-leader-warns-days-143953757.html

[Renew Deal]

1. Maduro is not Chavez

And the ghost of Chavez doesn't put food on the table.

[GOLGO 13]

2. Fuck you Maduro! Get them some toilet paper!

Venezuelans can't even wipe their ass properly because of this turd. <See what I did there?>

[christx30]

3. They still have their currency.

They're worth about the same right now.

[EX500rider]

4. And what a legacy!

2nd highest murder rate on the planet!
Possibly the highest inflation on the planet!
Massive shortages of foods and medicine!

YEA! What a legacy to be proud of!

[Little Tich]

5. A continuation of Chavez' legacy is the last thing Venezuela needs.

I read that the Venezuelan economy will contract 10% this year:

What’s Wrong with Venezuela?
Source: International Policy Digest 25 Nov 2015 (Don't know who they are)

According to the World Bank, Venezuela’s economy will contract 10% this year, the most of any in the world. In order to keep the country afloat, the central bank of Venezuela has already burned through $25 billion in cash reserves. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that inflation is heading toward near unprecedented levels – 159% during this year alone – and the Venezuelan economy is expected to remain in recession until at least through 2016. During the next year, export revenues from oil will barely cover providing for the country’s import needs and servicing its debt.

As Venezuela enjoyed unprecedented windfall revenues during the 2000’s oil boom, many are wondering how its fortunes have reversed so completely.

The roots of Venezuela’s economic misfortunes are rooted in five factors: corruption and authoritarianism, the resource curse, the decline of Venezuela’s state oil company, state control over the economy, and drug gangs and violence.

Unfortunately, these negative trends reinforce each other and lead to their further entrenchment in the fabric of Venezuelan society. Until these five interrelated factors are addressed, the situation in the Venezuela will continue to worsen.

Read more: http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2015/11/25/what-s-wrong-with-venezuela/

[ButterflyBlood]

6. Uh, that legacy is about on par with Robert Mugabe's

Yeah fuck you Maduro.

[joshcryer]

7. Chavez had such a great opportunity.

Too bad the people surrounding him didn't know WTF they were doing.

Maduro has completely destroyed Venezuela in a few short years.

Yes the oil price drop did play in to that significantly, but if his administration and his circle of sycophants saw it coming and recognized it they could've diversified and figured out real solutions.

Instead they kept up the facade.

[Marksman_91]

8. Oh, I'd argue they knew EXACTLY what they were doing

Only thing is, their intention was always to eliminate independence of the state's powers so it could all be under their control, and enrich themselves with the millions and millions of dollars that belong to the Venezuelan people, and pin the blame on others for the economic shortcomings that came with it. They're the most corrupt regime to ever rule Venezuela, and they know it, hence why they're now becoming desperately violent to remain in power, since they know that if they lose it, the next place they'll be spending their days will be in a jail cell.

[joshcryer]

9. Nothing but sycophants imo.

The real policy wonks do the numbers but are afraid to tell the truth so they sugar coat it and pat each other on the back. And the elite, rich, Chavistas think the country owes them for their contribution, so stealing from the country is no big.