Hugo Chavez Shuts Down RCTV

[TheRightWing]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/05/28/venezuela.protest/

CARACAS, Venezuela (CNN) -- Venezuela's most-watched television station -- and outlet for the political opposition -- went off the air after the government refused to renew its broadcast license.

Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), which has been broadcasting for 53 years, was replaced by a state-run station -- TVes -- on Monday. The new station's logo began running immediately after RCTV went off the air.
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I wonder how all those democrats that supported Chavez feels now. Do I need to list them or will you take it at face value that quite a few Democrats have been playing footsie with Chavez?

Granted nothing prior shook the support he had by Dems, so it may not matter, but one would hope that people would start to see Chavez for what he is.

[kres24GT]

This will happen here as well. We are on our way to dictatorship. We have reached the point in this country where we are willing to give up pretty much all of our freedom in exchange for comfort and safety. Whoever wins out between the Dems/Reps to take a commanding share of the power will more than likely install a totalitarian type government. Right now it looks as if the Dems will win out.

[stefan segal]

r wing, The TV and radio broadcasting was 90% owned by right winged money and interests. In 2002, they promoted and enduced the coup that lasted for two days, but for their designs, it was designed to reinstitute the dictatorship of power and powerlessness that is now being rebalanced by Chavez.

Chavex did not jail them for their efforts, did not do more than chastize four of the five (the fifth was not re-licenced) broadcasting entities.

The size and intensity of the crowd is unfortunate, although I have confidence that Chavex will give his reasons out publically, and the trouble will resolve itself peacably.

I believe he will intensify his message now on radio and TV to counter the media's interpretations of the man's acts.

I don't believe any president or government can please everyone at all times, just as I don't believe any president could survive angering all of us at all times...save those few who have prices on everything they are...but we always have some whores in any group over 50 souls.

Chavex is of excellent character, and I hope he doesn't grow stupid with preserving his edicts more than his vision...it is a yawning pit for those in supreme power to fall into, but possibly Chavez will continue to forward his vision and avoid those traps for lesser men.

Stefan

[TheRightWing]

The size and intensity of the crowd is unfortunate, although I have confidence that Chavex will give his reasons out publically, and the trouble will resolve itself peacably.

Yes, he'll give out his reasons in a media that he controls, he silenced the opposition, gave a warning to everyone else not to comment or face the same type of government action. Good for the people that protest this and I wish them the best of luck.

Chavex is of excellent character

Excellent character?

So, what do you think of his anti-Semitic remarks?

'the world has wealth for all, but some minorities, the descendants of the same people that crucified Christ... have taken over all the wealth of the world'.

Or the fact that he blamed a death of a state prosecutor on a wild accusation that Israeli intelligence was behind it...using that story to "search" a privately owned jewish school in Caracus, pointing guns at students, etc.

Given time I think Chavez will show his true colors...he's already started.

[Moby]

Do I need to list them or will you take it at face value that quite a few Democrats have been playing footsie with Chavez?
Yes.

Specifically, what American policy implemented by the Democrats has lead to his rise in power?

Many people in Latin and South America seem to believe it's his new found wealth with higher oil prices. Instead of hording the extra loot he's been donating to the poor which then become huge followers.

I know that's an approach that the Right Wing hates as the only minority group that they wish to help are those that offer large donations.

So please, tell us why it's the democrats fault that over the last 6 years Chavez has gained so much power. I'm sure it will be exactly like the Fox News report on why it's the dems fault for high gas prices the past 6 years.

[TheRightWing]

Yes.

Specifically, what American policy implemented by the Democrats has lead to his rise in power?

Many people in Latin and South America seem to believe it's his new found wealth with higher oil prices. Instead of hording the extra loot he's been donating to the poor which then become huge followers.

I know that's an approach that the Right Wing hates as the only minority group that they wish to help are those that offer large donations.

So please, tell us why it's the democrats fault that over the last 6 years Chavez has gained so much power. I'm sure it will be exactly like the Fox News report on why it's the dems fault for high gas prices the past 6 years.

First, I didn't say policy, did I? I said democrats playing footsie, i.e. publically supporting his efforts. With that in context I'll continue.

In 2002 - 16 democratic congressman wrote a letter of complaint to Bush for not supporting Chavez more against internal opposition Chavez was facing in his country.

William Delahunt established the Venezuelan Cacus to show friendship to Chavez.

Delahunt and Markey (both d's from mass), J. P. Kennedy III, Jose Serrano...accepted the cheap oil from Chavez, a move which was more political than anything else, aimed to help certain politicians gain favor with voters, etc. More or less Chavez found away around the federal law prohibiting foreign powers from contributing directly to candidates.

There's of course others, but I think that will do for now as I'm busy.

Now, just a quick observation, you had nothing to say about Chavez shutting the tv station down, you had nothing to say about Chavez and his anti-semitic comments, or the fact that he raided a school.

So what's your opinion of Chavez shutting down RCTV?

[stefan segal]

r-wing..Chavez isn't required to like Jews or even butch to have excellent character...character in respect and regard to running a country in opposition to big money there or in the US.

You've made wrongheaded illfooted statements that may be only parroting those whom you admire, thoughtlessness or by actual design...be alerted that there are those who dislike lies and fabrications reguardless of their personal affiliations and they will call you such cheap politicking.

But for me in this case, I am mostly astounded that the efforts of this single leader has reversed the established character of a prince/peon nation into a nation of propertied individuals who work and study and grow and are proud...this miracle of democracy that is happening now...is to you, another tin-pot dictator.

How do you...how can you not be impressed with Chavez's accomplishments?

How can you witness the pattern for equality this man has/is, creating?

He hasn't attacked some small nation...he doesn't borrow money from world banking, he simply demanded vennezuela be paid for thier oil...not an illegal or indecent act in decent circles...regardless of those deals by former heads of state.

r-wing, you don't know much about what you speak....either that, or you are just a poor liar. I really wish you would trouble yurself to first learn about your subject before simply sharing your nonsense here...it really makes you appear pathetic in your moves to spread classist propaganda. ( which is another mind-bender...you don't even recognize which end of the shute you are on...but that is your problem)

Anyway, if you do have any appreciation for the wonder of good government design and exicuition, then read about the man...he is really a wonder at this stage of his game...I can only hope he lasts...keeps to his vision and shames the world:)

Stefan

[Bill]

You guys probably don't recall this but a few years back Chavez spent about 3 billion on weapons in the world's arms market.

Mostly he bought stuff like obsolete tanks, jet fighters and copters, and artillery.

None of that stuff is of any use fighting a high tech power - you need shoulder launched anti-aircraft missles for that. But, those kinds of weapons are ideal for keeping a population under control.

So, Chavez has been planning for a dynasty for some time.

Still, his people, supposedly, think he's better than the alternative.

[Moby]

So what's your opinion of Chavez shutting down RCTV?
Why comment? Two things are obvious about it.

1. It's a major crush to freedom. Everyone knows that.
2. The USA is helpless to do anything about it because we have given him so much money and because we have cut off diplomatic ties. For centuries people have known to keep your enemies close but for some reason we stopped doing that so we're helpless.

[Bill]

A bunch of folks posting at boingboing seem to think the situation is not as simple as the american media is painting it.

"Although I am not a Chavez worshiper nor do I live in Venezuela, the article concerning RCTV seems flawed.
Firstly, it is not being shut down. Chavez is not renewing the license for the use of the public airwaves.

The can still broadcast over cable, internet, and satellite. Secondly, the poster failed to mention that RCTV openly supported and helped a coup of his government that was partially successful. Chavez did not shut it down immediately but allowed the contract to expire 5 years later.

He also allows other networks that are openly critical of him to continue, just not the ones that tell people to overthrow a democratically elected government.

It seems plausible that the US would do the same if ABC openly supported and helped enact a coup of the government.

This article sums it up better than i can, if you are interested. (not intended to be a bb link suggestion) It includes a few examples of similar actions in the US and UK and interviews with those opposing Chavez's decision.

Again, I have a plenty of criticisms of Chavez but in this case I do not think he is impairing free speech, at least not in the way it was presented on boingboing. I am open to being completely wrong though."

----

"I was in Venezuela during the coup of 2002 and watched the private media coverage daily. It was incendiary and flgrantly anti-democratic. That station is guilty of faking footage of violence in order to incite further violence, and guilty of hiding the truth about what was really happening from the electorate. I am no pro-Chavez partisan, but I was genuinely horrified by the coverage of the coup. Does this justify its closing? No, but their calls for press freedoms ring a bit hypocritical after their gross manipulations and lying. "

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http://www.boingboing.net/2007/05/28/venezuelan_media_cra.html

[TheRightWing]

r-wing..Chavez isn't required to like Jews or even butch to have excellent character...character in respect and regard to running a country in opposition to big money there or in the US.

Amusing. I've seen enough people on this forum tossing around the Nazi/Hitler insult to someone that was expressing another opinion, but when you have the makings of a Nazi with Hugo Chavez, you turn the other cheek.

Let's not forget that Hitler/Nazis, etc, used hatred for the Jew to turn around Germany after WWII. Considering Chavez is allying himself with the Iranian leader, who also espouses the same type of anti-semitic beliefs. Interesting. Democrats love to call people Nazis but when they have a real Nazi in the making they can't see it.

r-wing, you don't know much about what you speak....either that, or you are just a poor liar. I really wish you would trouble yurself to first learn about your subject before simply sharing your nonsense here...it really makes you appear pathetic in your moves to spread classist propaganda. ( which is another mind-bender...you don't even recognize which end of the shute you are on...but that is your problem)

You my friend are a simpleton. Read this thread again...start from the beginning. All I commented on Chavez shutting down the TV station, Chavez and his anti-semitic comments, and now I will add this...if I don't know what I speak of, why are people protesting in Venezuela? Wait, Wait, so are you telling me all the thousands of Venezuelans that are protesting are wrong as well? Let's see, they live in the country, they have to be under his rule, yet they're wrong as well for protesting.

...and you call me misinformed...amazing...I guess those people that are protesting are also misinformed and don't know what's going on in their own backyard.

Anyway, if you do have any appreciation for the wonder of good government design and exicuition, then read about the man...he is really a wonder at this stage of his game...I can only hope he lasts...keeps to his vision and shames the world:)

Stefan

Hopefully you'll get to see in your lifetime Chavez become the petty dictator he's shaping up to be.

[TheRightWing]

A bunch of folks posting at boingboing seem to think the situation is not as simple as the american media is painting it.

"Although I am not a Chavez worshiper nor do I live in Venezuela, the article concerning RCTV seems flawed.
Firstly, it is not being shut down. Chavez is not renewing the license for the use of the public airwaves.

The can still broadcast over cable, internet, and satellite. Secondly, the poster failed to mention that RCTV openly supported and helped a coup of his government that was partially successful. Chavez did not shut it down immediately but allowed the contract to expire 5 years later.

He also allows other networks that are openly critical of him to continue, just not the ones that tell people to overthrow a democratically elected government.

It seems plausible that the US would do the same if ABC openly supported and helped enact a coup of the government.

This article sums it up better than i can, if you are interested. (not intended to be a bb link suggestion) It includes a few examples of similar actions in the US and UK and interviews with those opposing Chavez's decision.

Again, I have a plenty of criticisms of Chavez but in this case I do not think he is impairing free speech, at least not in the way it was presented on boingboing. I am open to being completely wrong though."

----

"I was in Venezuela during the coup of 2002 and watched the private media coverage daily. It was incendiary and flgrantly anti-democratic. That station is guilty of faking footage of violence in order to incite further violence, and guilty of hiding the truth about what was really happening from the electorate. I am no pro-Chavez partisan, but I was genuinely horrified by the coverage of the coup. Does this justify its closing? No, but their calls for press freedoms ring a bit hypocritical after their gross manipulations and lying. "

----

http://www.boingboing.net/2007/05/28/venezuelan_media_cra.html

Nothing like getting info from boingboing, but let's look at what Chavez said in his defense today:

CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez defended his decision not to renew the license of a popular opposition-aligned television network on Tuesday and warned he might crack down on another critical TV station, accusing it of trying to incite attempts on his life.

He said the remaining opposition-sided channel Globovision had encouraged attempts on his life and warned that if it wants "to continue calling for disobedience, inciting assassination ... I‘m going to warn them before the nation... I recommend they take a tranquilizer, that they slow down, because if not, I‘m going to slow them down."

So, now that he's gone after RCTV, he's going after the only other station opposing him with Globovision, more or less saying if they don't shut up he's going to make them shut up.

Not sure, but it sounds like he's guaranteeing he's the only voice you hear in the media over there.

[Bill]

So, whattya figure Bush would do if a major network started calling for his assasination?

Say, Brian Williams of NBC stated saying it was every loyal americans duty to kill, kill kill... And the network approved of it and asked for more. Whattya think should happen?

Not that I personally know for sure that station down there actually did call for riots and assasination - but lots of people seem to be saying they did.

I'd bet money that station down there was getting money from the CIA.

Wanna bet? In the next two years someone will publish strong evidence that the CIA somehow controlled or influenced that station?

I'll take that bet.

[Moby]

Not sure, but it sounds like he's guaranteeing he's the only voice you hear in the media over there.
I bet Cheney has serious penis envy right now :)