Comrade Chavez

The tyrant of Caracas, Hugo Chavez, has been pursuing a socialist dictatorship in Venezuela for years. His method is to slowly take on more power, each step deeply offensive but not so catastrophic that it offends his leftist defenders around the world.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Comrade Chavez's offenses include a campaign against Venezuela Jews, who in response to this persecution, are fleeing the country: since 1998, the number of Jews has dropped from 22,000 to an estimated 10,000 to 15,000.

Chavez's anti-semitism is driven by two forces. The first is the long-standing effort by leaders who produce misery with their failed policies to blame the Jews in their midst for their own failings. And the second is Chavez's anti-American policies, which has led to a cooperative relationship with Iran. And what better way to cement such a relationship than with anti-semitism?

Just one more reason to despise Chavez. And one more reason to be dismayed by Obama's recent handshake with the tyrant.