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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: LindyBill who wrote (88501)	11/28/2004 9:30:22 AM
From: LindyBill	Respond to of 793958

Chavez is obviously going for a "Fidel" model of government. Venezuela edges closer to political precipice OUR OPINION: PRESIDENT MUST ENSURE CLEAN PROBE OF POLITICAL MURDER - MIAMI HERALD Under President Hugo Chávez, the rule of law in Venezuela has been deteriorating steadily -- some would say precipitously -- for a long time. Two recent events have made matters much worse. The Chávez-controlled Congress last week approved a ''media reform'' bill that imposes stiff censorship on one of the few remaining independent institutions in the country. More urgently, the assassination of prosecutor Danilo Anderson 10 days ago has set off a series of arrests and at least two police killings of ''suspects'' under circumstances that are far from clear. Political killing Mr. Anderson was said to be investigating some 400 opposition leaders and businessmen who supported a 2002 coup that briefly ousted President Chávez from power. There is ample reason to believe his killing was politically motivated. His killers should be arrested and brought to justice as quickly as possible. But surely it is self-evident that the investigation must also be transparent and free of self-serving political manipulation -- which so far hasn't been the case. In one of the government's first official statements, Information Minister Andrés Izarra blamed the killing on Venezuelan ''terrorists'' training in South Florida with anti-Castro Cuban exiles, but offered no evidence for this charge. The government thus placed the murder in a self-serving political framework. In the last few days, moreover, suspects have been killed in shootouts with the police, arrests have been made and supposed evidence -- weapons and explosives -- has been seized even though there's no sign that arrest or search warrants were issued. Mr. Chávez's police may be on the right track, but it's necessary to show that the Anderson assassination isn't being used to justify officially sanctioned violence. Unless the case is resolved in a timely and credible manner, it could produce deeper divisions and more political tumult. Media gag It is precisely because these are such perilous times in Venezuela that the nation needs a free and independent news media to report on events. Unfortunately, the Chávez-inspired ''gag law'' guarantees freedom of expression but does just the opposite. Among other provisions, broadcasters would be liable for opinions expressed on their programs. They could be fined for ''messages that justify violence or aggression,'' inciting lawless activity, impeding law enforcement or disrupting ''public order.'' Critics complain that the law is so vague in parts that anything could be construed as a crime. Under President Chávez, Venezuela has been on the brink of chaos for years. Given his recent victory in a referendum, it's up to him to ensure that the latest developments do not push the country over the precipice. miami.com

To: LindyBill who wrote (88501)	11/28/2004 9:30:44 AM
From: unclewest	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 793958

I doubt this makes the news. America lost a great warrior yesterday. General Emil Eschenburg, First Special Service Force Veteran He passed at the VA Hospital in Helena, Montana.