Well, I've seen it all now.  While visiting Venezuela this week, I was simply astonished at the lengths the current government has gone to maintain its power.  While visiting a manufacturing facility, I first noticed that huge team of at least ten workers were busily repainting the the exterior of the buildings bright red.  (This despite the fact that I know the general manager to not be a supporter of Chavez).  Inside, the plant manager (who thinks even less of Hugo than I do) had a clearly coerced poster sized picture of Chavez in full military dress posted on his office wall.  The same poster-sized profile was hung in every department in everye building at the facilty.  The lunch room has been outfitted with a small flat-screen television that was on all day - only showing televised speeches by Hugo Chavez.  Workers seem to be split with about 50% being supporters and 50% against.  Several of those against told me that every non-essential (non-operating) plant person was required to attend a political rally two weeks ago in this city where Chavez made a speech.  They were all bussed to the rally site in transportation paid for by the state-owned petrochemical company.  A few complained about being forced to participate, but they were told apologetically that orders were to summarily fire anyone who would not attend.  This was confirmed via conversation with one of the Chavez supporters who nonetheless thought that this was a bit over the top. 

It appears that the situation has a taken a sharp turn toward outright fascism and is much worse than I had previously thought.  While I would not recommend military action of course, this area has become, in my opinion, the most dangerous political movement in the Western Hemisphere with regard to human freedom, dignity, and progress.  Don't be fooled by anyone who tells you otherwise.