January 07, 2003

Anti-Chavez groups start tax revolt

Opponents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have demonstrated in the capital, Caracas, tearing up income-tax forms as they vowed to deY5{nt of revenue.

The tax revolt comes on the sixth week of a nationwide strike that has already crippled the country's vital oil industry.

The opposition accuses President Chavez of mismanagement and authoritarianism, and is demanding his resignation.

President Chavez, for his part, warned that tax evasion carries up to seven years in jail.

"They've tried to break the oil industry," he said as the protesters marched on the federal tax agency in Caracas.

"Now they're trying to break the national treasury so there is no money."

Mr Chavez's opponents include Venezuela's opposition parties, the largest trade union confederation and the main business group.

They say the president's left-wing policies, which include increased state intervention in the economy, are leading the country to ruin and Cuban-style communism.

It's always exciting to watch a revolution, but especially so when the rebels' cause is Democracy, Justice and Liberty, as it is here.
Chavez, I think your days as President of the country are numbered and in small digits, too; when you get the unions and Big Business on the same side against you, you've gotta know your goose is cooked!
And Chavez *is* leading his country to "Cuban-style Communism:" Fidel is his pal and idol...2 crazy Miami DJs got through today to Hugo Chavez's private phone by pretending to be the Bearded One.*
[*I actually think this prank was pretty hilarious! My junior high side must be dominant today.]