Let Freedom Ring

For now, by a narrow margin, Venezuela is saved from despotism:

CARACAS, Venezuela (CNN) — Venezuelan voters narrowly rejected a constitutional referendum that would have bolstered President Hugo Chavez’s embrace of socialism and granted an indefinite extension of his eligibility to serve as president, the National Electoral Council reported early Monday.

About 51 percent of voters opposed the amendments, while approximately 49 percent were in favor of them.

“Don’t feel sad. Don’t feel burdened,” Chavez told supporters immediately after the results were announced.

More than nine million of Venezuelan’s 16 million eligible voters went to the polls Sunday.

President of the National Electoral Council, Tibisay Lucena, said the process “shows the entire world that we are a democratic country.”

Chavez, in what he called a talk “from my heart” acknowledging the results, thanked those who opposed his proposal, saying the election had proven that Venezuelan democracy is maturing.

I don’t believe the “gracious talk from Chavez.” He has got three more years to try and change the 51-49 margin and his praise of the process, as well as the narrow “no” vote. This will open the door to fraud in a further re-election. Hugo wants the people to believe this thing is over. With a dictator wanna be like Chavez, it’s only begun.

Celebrate now, Venezuela but keep an eye on El Presidente. He’s got quite a few more tricks up his sleeve I’d wager.