Washington Times reporter Martin Arostegui has an excellent article in today's paper about the socialist leaders of two South American countries following Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez's example by moving to restrict press freedoms in their respective countries. By contrast, the news didn't even meake the "World in Brief" digest on page A16 of today's Washington Post:
SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia -- The leaders of Bolivia and Ecuador are moving with Cuban encouragement and in concert with their mentor, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, to restrict press freedom in their countries.
Bolivian President Evo Morales and Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa both announced steps to crack down on independent broadcasters within days of Mr. Chavez's closure on Sunday of Venezuela's main independent television station, RCTV.
Speaking before an international gathering of leftist intellectuals in Cochabamba last week, Mr. Morales proposed creating a tribunal to oversee the operations of privately owned press and broadcast outlets. Mr. Correa announced over the weekend that he would order a review of the broadcasting licenses of opposition news channels in his country.
Both leaders have drawn support and inspiration from Mr. Chavez's increasingly authoritarian government since coming to power in the past 18 months, and both are drafting new constitutions that would greatly increase their own powers.
Mr. Correa has ousted 51 opposition deputies from his nation's Congress and Mr. Morales this week ordered the arrests of four high court judges after they issued rulings that challenged his government.
The Post wasn't alone in ignoring Morales's authoritarian steps to restrict freedom of the press and jail dissidents. A search for "Evo Morales" this morning on the New York Times Web site yielded nothing on those measures, although there is a link to an AP story on Morales' ire over a FIFA ruling banning soccer matches held at high altitudes.
TimesWatch.org editor and NewsBusters contributor Clay Waters appeared on Tuesday's "Your World with Neil Cavuto" to discuss the Times' lack of interest in the Venezuelan media crackdown. For an NB post with video of that appearance, click here.
Thor Halvorssen's Human Rights Foundation has more reporting on the socialist crackdowns in South America here.—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
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open doors
May 31, 2007 - 09:52 ET by iveseenitallAnd here we are, about to open our doors to the millions who will flee these dictators. Are we nuts?
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
Somewhat like that, but then
May 31, 2007 - 10:33 ET by Senior ChiefSomewhat like that, but then again, Mexico is going to tighten her borders (some will get thru as long as you hand money to the corrupt Mexican coyotes/border guards and led them staright to our borders). Calderon doesn't want to double the number of poor people in his country, so he will just led and encourage even his own poor people export poverty to the northside of the fence...
Imagine that, spineless government leaders- especially republicans. Just act on damn immigration law people and protect the sovereignty of this country.
Here's a news about Kuwaiti's amnesty law, the country we liberated from Iraq's invasion some 16 years ago...
Kuwait grants amnesty to illegal aliens By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 06:39pm (Mla time) 05/31/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Kuwait has granted a two-month amnesty for illegal aliens, prompting Philippine foreign affairs officials to urge Filipino workers in the oil-rich country to avail of the program.
From May 1 to June 30 this year, foreigners illegally staying in Kuwait are allowed to leave without paying penalties or facing prosecution, said Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya in his report to Manila.
“I urge all Filipinos staying illegally in Kuwait to avail of the amnesty granted by the Kuwaiti government. I especially call on those who are in Kuwait with intent to travel to and work in Iraq to return home and not place their lives in great danger,” Endaya said.
Since Kuwait announced its amnesty program, local immigration authorities have been regularly conducting immigration raids.
He said illegal aliens who voluntarily leave Kuwait under the amnesty program may re-enter that country, provided they obtain lawful entry permits. But those who refuse to leave will be arrested, prosecuted, and banned from returning to Kuwait, he added.
You know, I read this stuff a
May 31, 2007 - 10:06 ET by bassndudeYou know, I read this stuff and cant help but think that there are too many of these wanna be all powerful dictators in these little third world countries that try to tell us, US, what to do and what they will do if we dont. This all started with Jimmy Carter, really, but can be traced back to the democratic congress cutting off funds and support for Vietnam in the early-mid 70's. Opening the gate for the fall of Siagon in 75. They have watched us cut and run from somilia and do nothing about bombings of embassies, Navy ships, military barricks and on and on. As much as I love our troops, I must say that I would have gone about Iraq diffrently. And perhaps Afghanastan to, not sure about that one. It is time we promoted a little fear in this world. Fear is the prelude to respect. We need to say what we mean and mean what we say, UN be hanged! And when we say, we will do such and such. Do it and do it without reguard for any who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. When the enemy learns that we will kill the hostages to kill them, thats when they will start to learn that hostages dont work, and we dont care what we need to do to kill them. </soapbox>
Sorry guys, thats more words than I have said at one time in 20 years.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Dictators
May 31, 2007 - 10:12 ET by Cool ArrowWe need to start bumping these guys off until the word "dictator" refers only to a spud one stuffs in his pants.
Gore lied. Nobody fried
Geez, big surprise here.....t
May 31, 2007 - 10:16 ET by HadEnoughGeez, big surprise here.....they don't report this because they would have to admit to factual data. Can't spin it, so bury it.
Why isn't the MSM up in arms
May 31, 2007 - 11:52 ET by mattmWhy isn't the MSM up in arms over this? They should be livid! er, ah, that is IF they give a crud about freedom of speech and of the press.... Their silence is PROOF of the Leftist bias of the MSM...
Good Point
May 31, 2007 - 12:39 ET by deerjerkydaveI wondered the same thing. It goes to show that the only thing a liberal journalist reveres is a dictator. Maybe that's why they're always climbing all over themselves to interview these nut jobs.