A win for democracy in Venezuela's vote
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Venezuela's rejection of 69 constitutional amendments that would have brought President Hugo Chavez greater control is a big win for democracy for the troubled country.
More than 7 million voters rejected the amendments, compared with 4 million who supported the push by Chavez to become president for life and gain unfettered control.
The defeated amendments would have given Chavez the power to seize property with no checks or balances; declare federal provinces and appoint its governors, bypassing the elections process; impose a state of emergency in perpetuity; and control the central bank.
Voters made a wise choice. Crime and corruption have soared under Chavez's tenure, and failed economic policies have caused shortages of even the most basic food supplies.
Chavez shut down Venezuela's television network, which opposed him. But he failed to do the same to Venezuela's people. And they should be applauded for standing firm against authoritarian rule.
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