February 4, 2008

My Coup's Super Sweet 16

Quico says: The anniversaries come thick-and-fast around this time of year. Sixteen years ago today, an even younger, skinnier Lieutenant Colonel showcased his commitment to Democracy by trying to shoot dead the elected President of the Republic. Today, as the world pauses to protest FARC's brutality, Hugo Chávez will be busy celebrating his own.

February 4th is always an auspicious time to leaf through the decrees Chávez had drafted ahead of his putsch. Highlights include plans to dissolve the Supreme Court as well as every popularly elected assembly and office in the country, from Parish Councils and mayors on up. Preciously, they also planned to crack down on corruption and drug trafficking.

Prohibido olvidar and all that.