…been a while since I posted anything here. Been away (I am away, actually) but finally found some time to write something. Firstly I am really glad the Venezuelan people did take democracy into their own hands and reject Chavez’ bid for a new constitution, that would have included a “no limit” on the number of terms he could be president, among other things. The social reforms in this constitution are admirable, but they can be done without being written into the constitution – which proves that Chavez was only looking to cement his position as a leader, and to gain more power. The elections in Russia are a sorry example of what Chavez is looking for, an extreme�close connection between a government and a party, which essentially erases democracy.

Update on the “generalissimo Chavez”: he appeared on TV yesterday insisting the opposition’s victory was a “shit victory”… “una victoria de mierda”. All smooth talking and “accepting defeat”, etc was worth nothing. So he says he is going for a second round, trying to impose his will on the poor Venezuelan people – that already rejected him.

Anyway, hope to be able to write something again soon.