The left loves to inform the world – at every opportunity – of how they are being silenced. This is often done in a television interview or in interviews given to major media outlets. The Dixie Chicks would be a prime example of this behavior. But for an illustration of real silencing of speech, as opposed to the Hollywood version, one only has to look to Venezuela. (T)Hugo Chavez is performing real silencing by shutting down independent television stations there.
In an address to troops, Mr Chavez said he would not tolerate media outlets working towards a coup against him.
Radio Caracas Television, which is aligned with the opposition, supported a strike against Mr Chavez in 2003.
But the TV's head said there must be some mistake as its licence was not up for renewal in the near future.
Marcel Granier also vowed to fight against the president's plans in Venezuela's courts and on the international stage.
The BBC's Greg Morsbach in Caracas says Mr Chavez has repeatedly threatened to take the TV off the air but has never given a date.
The move could help silence some of his critics in the media who have been a thorn in his side for several years, he says.
Another step in (T)Hugo's plan to become dictator-for-life moves forward. This is what actual silencing looks like.
