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Washington does it for wealth, power and dominance. It spurns rule of law principles, democratic values and popular needs.
Chavez was polar opposite. He championed democracy. He established the real thing. He defended civil and human rights.
He operated no secret prisons. He didn't invade his neighbors. He engaged them cooperatively. He valued unity and world solidarity. He abhorred torture. He advocated peace, not war.
He abolished neoliberal harshness. He championed populism. Venezuelans loved him for doing so. They elected him overwhelmingly four times.
They rallied supportively for him publicly. They did so often. At times, millions turned out.
He established free, open and fair elections. Jimmy Carter calls them the world's best. He said so for good reason. They shame America's sham process.
He valued Venezuela's independence. He fought hard to keep it. He refused to surrender to Washington.
His used Venezuela's oil wealth responsibly. He lifted millions from poverty. He created economic growth and jobs. He provided essential social services. Major ones are institutionalized.
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