To argue if Hugo Chavez is a dictator, we can just look at the definition of the word, “DICTATOR”: A person exercising absolute power. An absolute ruler. A tyrant, a despot.
Let’s look back at what Chavez accomplished on February, 2009, when he won a referendum to eliminate term limits, allowing him to govern indefinitely. President Chavez now controls the entire electoral process. We can examine the government schools in Venezuela, where children are indoctrinated in Bolivarian thought. How about television and media? The state has striped independence and dominates free television in the country. Venezuela, at every level is held captive to Hugo Chavez’ message. He “dictates” the direction of every man, woman and child. To dictate is to be a dictator. Not complicated to me. But then, I believe in free speech.