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-- electoral irregularities;
-- government corruption and transparency;
-- trafficking in persons;
-- obstructing the right to organize and bargain collectively; and more.
Overall, the report described America, not Venezuela and its constitutionally mandated freedoms, making it the hemisphere's most open and democratic society, with Chavez its most popular leader after ten and a half years in office. In America, George Bush left office with the lowest approval rating ever for a president, and Obama's poll numbers are sinking fast after less than seven months as chief executive. His hostility toward center-left Latin American democracies won't improve them.
On July 20, AP reported that a "US congressional report on drug trafficking in Venezuela charges that corruption within the government and military led to a permissive environment that allows smuggling to flourish." Released by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), it also charged the government with "extend(ing) a 'lifeline' to Colombian rebels and other illegal armed groups that rely on drug sales for financing 'by providing significant support and safe haven along the border.' "Â
In addition, the GAO said "available data indicate that drug trafficking through Venezuela is increasing," the police and National Guard are involved, bribes facilitate it, and cooperation between Washington and Caracas has decreased because fewer DEA agent visas were approved.
Chavez called the report "a new lie," like so many others, and another effort to vilify him and his government. He also accused America of being "the top drug trafficking country on this entire planet" and added that recent large drug seizures and arrests show his resolve to fight Colombian cocaine smuggling.
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