>>It's kind of scary that Chavez was democratically elected, isn't it?
>
>Why is it "scary"?
>
>Sure, the guy has an axe to grind with the U.S. But many do, and he's one of the few who actually says so.
>
>Are you scared that Venezuela will attack the U.S.? Or maybe scared that the U.S. will attack Venezuela?
>
>Surely there's something to be said about THE PEOPLE electing him in a fair and honest election other than "scary". And, who knows, but it's possible that the current U.S. administration's antics had something to do with why THE PEOPLE voted for him over his opponents.

It certainly had to do with a charismatic leader, verbally lashing out at the US while "nationalizing" various industries in the name of "Fatherland, socialism or death". We have seen and heard this before.

Now that he's re-elected he has already promised to :
-"Nationalize" more of the country's infrastructure
http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2007-01-08-venezeula-usat_x.htm
-Subvert the opposition http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/world/americas/16340578.htm
-Abolish term limits so he may stay in power
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011000468.html