You know a speech is out there when the people who would naturally be on your side attack you. Several leading Democrats attacked Chavez for the speech. Personally I thought it was rather tasteless.

Leaders of countries should avoid insulting or attacking the leaders of other countries. It is wrong when Chavez does it, and it is wrong when Bush does it.

Chavez worries me as being the sort of populist leader who starts with the best of intentions and large popular support, but the longer he stays in power the more paranoid and reactionary he becomes. And eventually degenerates into just another petty dictator. This pattern has played out in Africa and South America many times.

Jay