Hugo Chavez is without doubt the most controversial political figure in Latin America. Strongly opposed to the US hegemony, he's pissed off intellectuals, the church, and the minority elite with his plans to keep the enormous oil wealth in his company, improve the standard of living for the poor, and provide basic needs and services. It sounds admirable, save for a few things: 1. He compares himself to Che Guevara, the ideal of the socialist revolutionary (read about Che, you'll see that later on he was anything but). 2. He shut down the largest TV station in the country for criticising his government. 3. He wants to be president for life.
Will Chavez be a hero to the left, or become another batshit crazy Latin American power-mad dictator? We wait and see.