The former army paratroop commander used booming oil profits to nationalize companies and bankroll social programs that have boosted his popularity. The programs include benefits for single mothers, literacy classes and free medical clinics staffed by Cuban doctors. Chavez even built cable cars that soar up into Caracas' hillside slums.
Critics call it cheap handout populism, but by any account it has been wildly successful. Canache said he is convinced of Chavez's good intentions because some of his relatives received public housing, and because of a free university he hopes one day his 5-year-old daughter will attend.
"I hope Chavez is still there in the government," he said. "I think he will be."
Soaring oil prices over the last few years fed not only government spending but also a consumer boom. People are eating more beef, drinking more whisky, shopping at new malls and clogging streets with new cars.
Government statistics show improvements in quality of life: Unemployment is down, school enrollment is up and poverty declined from nearly 44 percent of households in 1998 to about 30 percent today.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/07/ap/world/main4782628.shtml
Are there still many problems in venezuela .. absolutely .. just as there are many problems here. But in regards to Venezuela before Chavez and after, I am correct .. they are much better off.
The upcoming elections will tell what Venzuelans think .. it should be noted that Chavez has only lost one election .. on the referendum .. and before you go there, Venezuelan elections have more integrity than American elections.
I'll get back to you on the murder rates after I complete this backup.
