Mack: Freedom Lost In Venezuela Today

Statement

Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) issued the following statement today after a constitutional referendum passed abolishing term limits for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Mack, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, said:

"Democracy and freedom suffered a major blow in Venezuela today, but all is not lost. Now, it is more important that ever that freedom-loving nations stand up against tyranny and repression and support the people of Venezuela.

"Predictably, this election appears to be fraught with irregularities, according to early reports. From his first days in office, Chavez has intimidated his opponents, and just recently, Chavez tossed election observers out of his country.

"What's more, this election does not truly reflect the will of the people of Venezuela. They made it clear a little more than a year ago in the last constitutional referendum that they do not want a dictator for life.

"Those who have supported Chavez in the past should recognize the kind of leader he truly represents: a socialist dictator who will continue to strip the Venezuelan people of their rights and liberties to further his Bolivarian revolution.

"The Western Hemisphere is less secure today because of these events. It is the United States' responsibility to closely monitor the events in the Western Hemisphere, and in particular, keep a watchful eye on what Chavez is doing in Venezuela and throughout Latin America. We must continue to let the Venezuelan people know we stand with them in their fight for freedom.

"Establishing a close relationship with the people of Latin America is a crucial task; at the same time, it is key to shine a light on dictators who do not seek the betterment of their people, but instead seek power for the sake of power."

Mack, one of Congress' strongest critics of Hugo Chavez, introduced a resolution (H.Res. 161) in the House of Representatives last week calling for free and fair elections in Venezuela during the constitutional referendum. Mack has also called for Congress to pass free trade agreements with countries in the region, such as Colombia and Panama, to support our allies in the region.

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