It’s Official: Support Chavez Or Starve

(T)Hugo Chavez has gone on the offensive against the leaked video tape of one of his cronies warning oil workers that they had better be loyal to Chavez. He's confirmed that this is indeed the case and that people who didn't support him had better plan on moving to Miami. He's got that whole Castro-wannabe thing done pat.

Television footage released during the week by opposition supporters showed Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez telling workers of state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) to back Chavez or give up their jobs. The opposition said it was proof of political coercion which violated rules against the use of state bodies as campaign tools.

Chavez, a staunch critic of President Bush and his administration, is running for re-election on Dec. 3.

Meanwhile, opposition presidential candidate Manuel Rosales led 16-mile march through the capital on Saturday, drawing tens of thousands into the streets to endorse his candidacy. More than 1,000 police were deployed along the route to prevent clashes between Rosales supporters and "Chavistas" who gathered on street corners, shouting "Viva Chavez!" and "Oh, No! Chavez Won't Go!" as marchers passed.

On Friday, Chavez defended Ramirez, saying he agrees workers must be loyal to his Bolivarian Revolution movement.

"Of course PDVSA is revolutionary," Chavez said as he inaugurated a new subway line outside Caracas. "Petroleos de Venezuela workers are with this revolution, and those who aren't should go somewhere else. Go to Miami."

Chavez accused opponents of plotting coups against him and said the military — like the oil firm — must be totally committed.

"Venezuelan soldiers are in this revolution, and I have told them: anyone who isn't had better leave here," he said.

He also accused some private TV channels of fomenting conspiracies against his government and warned in a televised speech: "Don't be surprised if I say there are no more concessions to some TV channels," when their licenses expire in March.

Sounds like he's planning on shutting down any media that is not in his control. He'll be calling himself "Maximum Leader" as soon as Castro finally kicks off.