Mack: Freedom Wins!
Venezuelan People Reject Hugo Chavez's Takeover Bid in Sunday's Referendum
WASHINGTON - Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) issued the following statement today after Venezuelans stood up for freedom and voted to reject President Hugo Chavez's efforts to further roll back the constitution.
Had yesterday's referendum succeeded, presidential term limits would have been abolished, positioning Chavez to extend his rule of Venezuela for the rest of his life.
Mack, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and one of Congress' sharpest critics of Chavez, said:
"The people of Venezuela have spoken - they want to live in freedom. They have rejected Hugo Chavez's Bolivarian Revolution. They despise his vicious assaults on freedom and free markets, and they fear his cozy relationships and friendships with the likes of the Iranian Mullahs.
"Despite these results, we must not forget that Hugo Chavez's presidential term does not expire until 2012. Five years is a long window for him to continue to make mischief in Venezuela and around the world. We must do all we can to make sure Hugo Chavez does not succeed in further disrupting the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere before he leaves office.
"It is incumbent upon the United States and the international community to continue to keep a watchful eye on Hugo Chavez to make certain he abides by the results of yesterday's referendum, and we must help the people of Venezuela in any way we can as they move beyond this dark chapter in their history."