It seems a lot of people only want a stable situation in their country, whoever can provide it. Can we blame them? Of course stability comes at a price, and often the price paid afterwards is much too high.

I think at some point most people - for one reason or another - just don't care anymore. Why would someone else be better as a leader? Though it's scary to see how these dictators rise (I think of Chavez in the first place). In South America dictatorship is often called "socialism" and you even have people (they often call themselves "revolutionaries") who defend these dictators.

@ Aliefka

I imagined Noa to be much older than Tess. Excellent roleplay.

Aliefka

@Mieke
Indeed older and bolder, that is why I called her ‘mountain girl’, she made me think of that famous hippy girl, the companion of Jerry Garcia (of The Grateful Dead).

Lila

I cannot say that I think Mr. Chávez is a savior, but during the referendum last Sunday in Venezuela no irregularities were reported. Mr. Chávez accepted defeat gracefully.
In other words, I’m not so sure if we should call him a dictator.
And the opinion that socialism in South-America is often called dictatorship is a strange reading of history. You should inform yourself better. Although it is true that certain dictators covered themselves in the mantle of socialism. Hitler used the word “socialism” in the name of his political party. Just to give an example.

Arnon

Concerning socialism, of course this is what I meant, I should be clearer. I just paraphrased the first sentence of your entry thinking this would be clear enough.
Concerning Chavez. I meant the creation of the dictator. Of course there is a chance he will not succeed. Even the dictator in spe has to admit defeat if he cannot do otherwise. Although we cannot call him a dictator yet, you have to admit the possibility exists he will become a dictator.

Lila

Elections have been canceled, elections have been manipulated; the results have been declared not valid.
Chávez won six elections, which have been declared fair and free by independent observers, among them Jimmy Carter – again I’m by no means the biggest supporter of Chávez, quite the opposite, but your claims here are unwarranted.

Chavez

I think Chavez didn't wan't to win the referendum anymore but that he needed the loss to proofe he can accept a defeat and that things can go on a regulare base in his country.
Despite that, I honoustly don't know if he's a dictator or not but I do agree with Lila that people don't care anymore, they don't mind about the global wellness, if they are good everything is sort of ok, freedom and democrazy seems to be a point of discussion for those who have no hunger or cold.

Arnon

Did your godson celebrate St Nicholas today?

Oscar W

A little bit. He did write a letter to St Nicholas a few weeks ago and over the phone he stated that St Nicholas is his friend. But despite these signs of affection he is still more interested in Bob the Builder if you happen to know who that is.

Arnon

Then I am very curious how you would define Chavez?

Lila

A leader who seems to enjoy personality cult, but maybe all leaders do.

Arnon

I was also thinking about this personality cult. And I was also wondering whether all leaders do enjoy this. I thought of Sarkozy. And then Bush. Different styles. Then I thought about the personality cult of Leterme. Or Balkenende. Comparing the personality cults of leaders can be hilarious and fun. Of course Belgium and Holland are small countries - small countries, small leaders? And Leterme is not a leader (yet).

Lila

An article you might find interesting

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/opinion/06cohen.html?ex=1354597200&en=32d8f22ed8975dc7&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
As to the Dutch prime-minister; some people I think prefer silent power.

Arnon

Thank you. Very interesting indeed.