Since his election to the Venezuelan presidency ten years ago, Chavez has used his office to crush dissent, close media outlets that do not represent his point of view, imprison members of the opposition and to gain control of the congress and judiciary.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Venezuela requires a new type of thinking

The Republicans do not want to sound unsympathetic to the reform that they propose to crush, since that might annoy voters.

ECONOMIST: If in doubt, spend