With growing economic woes and a poor showing in recent national elections, maybe Hugo Chavez has found a different path to the government he wants. The best way to for a socialist to be come dictator for life is find a way to start a war.
"President Hugo Chavez on Sunday
promised Venezuela would respond militarily if Colombia violates its border, where he ordered tanks as well as thousands of troops. He also ordered closed Venezuela's embassy in Bogota."
Emergency powers can go a long way.