Credit due: Chavez was not a dimwit. He recognized the need for good publicity to deflect the ongoing chaos inside Venezuela, which explains the free oil sent to victims of Sandy and others ‘good will acts’ prior to. He controlled the news media in his own country from leaking the truth about the manipulation of their Constitution and daily suffering of citizens. He befriended leaders from Iran, N Korea, China & Cuba (wonder why our sanctions against Iran have not had the effect expected?). He bank-rolled destabilization & the political changes in Bolivia, Uruguay & Ecuador. While he professed to be in pursuit of Bolivar’s dream to unify Latin America, he only did so to gain followers. Best example that he did not care to do so is thru the guerrilla activities/ assasinations he maintained across the borders with Colombia, as well as his withdrawal of oil gifts from countries that did not abide to his whim. Those so inclined to call him a hero have no respect for democracy or for the sanctity of our Nation.