By Bill Van Auken - WSWS

...[U]nder conditions in which the Venezuelan working class lacks its own independent mass party, mounting hostility toward the “Bolivarian” government among broad layers of workers and other sections of oppressed found its expression in an increased protest vote for the right.

Imperial ambitions threaten everyone. Venezuela's been targeted for years. Replacing Bolivarian achievements with diktat power is prioritized.

By ALBERTO C. RUIZ - Counterpunch Weekend Edition

...[W]hether or not the [AFL-CIO's] Solidarity Center...has actually possessed the intention to overthrow the Chavista government in Venezuela, the Solidarity Center has and continues to carry out activities which objectively serve the destabilization goals of the U.S. foreign policy interests which fund those activities...All of this is truly disturbing, and indeed, reprehensible.

By Mark Weisbrot - May 05, 2013

Recent events indicate that the Obama administration has stepped up its strategy of “regime change” against the left-of-center governments in Latin America, promoting conflict in ways not seen since the military coup that Washington supported in Venezuela in 2002. The most high-profile example is in Venezuela itself, during the past week. As this goes to press, Washington has grown increasingly isolated in its efforts to destabilize the newly elected government of Nicolas Maduro.

Latin American and other heads of state attended Maduro's inaugural ceremony. Earlier he accused opposition forces of triggering post-election violence.

Post-election US-orchestrated destabilization continues. Venezuelans elected Nicolas Maduro president. The electoral process was scrupulously open, free and fair. The result is indisputable.

Opposition forces lost. They refuse to accept what happened. Destabilization plans remain ongoing. Washington's very much involved.

Throughout his tenure, America's scoundrel media vilified Chavez relentlessly. They did so straightaway.

Venezuela's spirit of democracy lives. Celebratory fireworks followed Maduro's win. They were more subdued than last October. Chavez won then by 11 points.

Faced with certain defeat, opposition forces may try anything. Venezuelans have final say. On Sunday, expect Bolivarianism to remain triumphant. It's institutionalized. It's here to stay.

Jimmy Carter calls Venezuelan elections the world's best. He does so for good reason. They shame America's sham process. Duopoly power controls things. People have no say.

By William Blum - Znet Commentary

In a secret US cable to the State Department, dated November 9, 2006, and recently published online by WikiLeaks, former US ambassador to Venezuela, William Brownfield, outlines a comprehensive plan to destabilize the government of the late President Hugo Chávez.

Throughout his tenure, Chavez was America's main hemispheric bete noire. He's gone. Chavismo lives. Washington's war on Venezuela continues.

By STEVE RENDALL - Counterpunch Weekend Edition

The problem isn’t criticism; powerful leaders need to be scrutinized...The problem is that US and western reporters routinely fail to put Venezuela’s shortcomings in context, and refuse to apply a single standard...But US journalists can’t be expected to apply standards of fairness while serving Washington’s agenda.

Throughout his tenure, Washington officials vilified Chavez unjustifiably. So did media scoundrels. He was America's top hemispheric enemy. Donald Rumsfeld once likened him to Hitler. Pat Robertson called for his assassination. Anti-semitism accusations surfaced often.