Chavez is recovering from his fourth cancer surgery in 18 months. He needs more time to regain health. He's getting superb care in Havana.

With or without Chavez, it's institutionalized. It greatly improved the lives of most Venezuelans. It's become part of the national culture. It won't wane and die.

Chavez is vilified for doing things right.

By Milton D’León, LTS
Thursday, December 20, 2012

In the context of the uncertainty created by the critical state of Chávez’ health, regional elections were held throughout the country, where new governors and legislative councils of each state were elected, elections that were marked by a high rate of abstention. As is now public knowledge, chavismo managed to impose itself in 20 of the 23 governorships of the country, in addition to obtaining the majority in the legislative councils of all the states.

New reports about Chavez's health raise concerns. He's struggling to recover from complicated cancer surgery. On October 7, Venezuelans overwhelmingly reelected him. They want no one else leading them. He transformed national politics responsibly. He established participatory democracy and social justice. He significantly improved the lives of Venezuela's poor. Constitutional and statute law mandate vital social services.

Chavez struggles to recover. He hopes he's cancer free. He's undergoing difficult post-operative procedures. Reports suggest he's proceeding on track.

By MARK WEISBROT - December 19, 2012

Venezuela is a middle-income country where the rule of law is relatively weak, as is the state generally...But compared with other countries of its income level, it does not stand out for anything in the realm of human rights abuses. Certainly there is nothing in Venezuela comparable to the abuses by Washington allies such as Mexico or Honduras – where candidates for political office, opposition activists, and journalists are regularly murdered...By contrast, we in the United States are not doing so well by comparison to our own history and income level. We have suffered a serious loss of civil liberties under the administrations of George W. Bush and President Obama.

For millions in Venezuela, the region and beyond, Chavez is bigger than life. Venezuelans support him overwhelmingly. On Sunday they showed it. Regional elections were held. Bolivarianism triumphed.

Major surgery for any reason is daunting. Imagine four times in 18 months for the same illness. On December 11, Chavez underwent it to remove cancerous tissue.

On December 8, Chavez announced he'll return to Cuba. More surgery is needed. It'll be his fourth for cancer. Tests after his October reelection found no re-occurrence.

In America, money power controls elections. People have no say. Each party replicates the other. Venezuela is different. Voters take full advantage. They choose real democrats over fake ones. It shows in how Venezuelans are governed.

Several previous articles said Venezuelans won't tolerate going back to their ugly past. On Sunday, they proved it. They voted in record numbers.

Chavistas celebrated Sunday's victory. Bolivarianism triumphed over exploitive neo-liberal harshness. In open, free, and fair elections, Venezuelans got to choose. It's constitutionally mandated. Every vote counts equally.

October 7 is the moment of truth. Venezuelans get to choose between populism and neo-liberal harshness.

Chavez remains overwhelmingly popular for good reason. He's a shoe in for reelection.