Tribune lies about Chavez

The Tribune editorial "Congress should take on real issues" (Nov. 12) contained an intentional misstatement, ie a lie. You alleged Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is a "ruthless dictator." In fact, he was elected several times. In the 1998 election he won 56% of the votes. 2000 reelection: 60%. 2004: 59% no to recal. A Chavez-backed Constitutional Referendum 1999: 72% yes. These elections were deemed free and fair by international observers. The Carter Center concluded that the presidential election legitimately expressed the will of the people. The press in Venezuela is free; this in a country where Chavez faced down a U.S.-backed military coup attempt in 2002.

Of course you can disagree with the policies of Hugo Chavez. But it is propaganda to call him a dictator after President Chavez was fairly elected and reelected. Considering the problems we've had with our elections (Florida in 2000, Ohio in 2004), you should be more careful with your accusations.