Hugo Chávez
Ruthless Authoritarian, or Commander for a Better Future?
Early Deeds of El Comandanté and The Bolivarian Revolutionary Movement
President of Venezuela and Influential Leader
"Chavez understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empower the powerless" said US Rep Joseph Serrano, after Chávez's death.
His rise to power brought change throughout Latin America. He inspired several other countries to vote for other left-wing leaders, each of varying degree, including in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Ecuador. With his example, they all targeted their respective nation's poverty and social injustices. He also saved many Caribbean nations from economic collapse by selling Venezuelan oil to them cheap. He gained many allies through his endeavors, the biggest of which were the Castros of Cuba. He became the idealogical heir of Fidel, who was his mentor and political father figure.
Legacy and Controversy
This quote is one of many that shows how much people would miss him after his death in March 6, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Many World Leaders have mourned his death, and the people of Venezuela say they feel as if they lost a member of their own families.
While even President Barrack Obama holds to support Venezuela in the troubling times after his death, many people, mostly of US, feel that Chávez's death is a good thing, saying he was a destabilizing force in Latin America, and even saying things along the lines of "Thus always to tyrants."