Who ever said that Hugo Chávez was a leftist? He is a mix of Fidel Castro and Perón: not a true revolutionary, but the promoter of a nanny-state paid for by the petro-dollar. A military man who organized a failed coup and, once in power, formed civil militias. A vain caudillo immersed in anti-American rhetoric.

Left-wing leaders like Lula da Silva in Brazil and Michele Bachelet in Chile are trying to transform their countries. They are true reformers who are bringing real alternatives to the liberal approach, some successful, others not. Their citizens are called to vote, choose and sanction the running of the country in free elections held under the careful watch of a free press.

Chavez came to power after decades of social democratic and demi-Christian governments that had taken turns, not in ruling Venezuela but in sacking public funds. Chavez initially found a positive response, especially among the poor, by presenting himself as the alternative to the old caste. Until last Sunday's referendum, there was no authentic opposition to him. Survivors of the old system were unable to regain popularity.

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