Pandering, Venezuelan Style

(T)Hugo Chavez is planning on giving all the inmates citizens of Venezuela a life of leisure - or at least one of idleness. He proposes cutting the workday to six hours per day. In exchange, the people just have to let him be president for life.

President Hugo Chavez has proposed slashing Venezuela's working day to six hours to turn its socialist revolution into a paradise of leisure - with one exception.

Under a new draft constitution debated in congress this week everyone will have more time for recreation and relaxation. Everyone, that is, except Mr Chavez.

As part of the same package of changes presidential term limits will be abolished, allowing Mr Chavez, who seldom seems to sleep or take time off, to continue his hyperactivity for some time to come.

Critics say the two proposals are directly related: the six-hour proposal is a populist sweetener to ease the constitution's passage in a December referendum which will give the president the right to stand for continuous re-election. They have also criticised a proposal to suspend due process in "emergencies", allowing citizens to be detained without charge.

As the economy grinds to a halt under the ministrations of a socialist government, the people will have plenty of time on their hands. And all it will cost them is their freedom. Such a deal.