Hugo Chávez likes: Revolution, Socialism, Latin American unity, guerrilla warfare, symbols, good quotes and martyrs. (Also, Twitter, cigars and giving 7-hour speeches, but that's off topic).
Hugo Chávez dislikes: Imperialism, Capitalist pigs, the oligarchy, fascism.
Sound like someone else?
It probably shouldn't come as a surprise that the Venezuelan president has embraced the revolutionary whom so many Leftists-- not to mention the hoards of apparel manufacturers, ironically-- hold up as their spiritual leader. Che seems to have settled quite comfortably into Chávez' inner circle of favourite heroes, though rivals include Simon Bolívar and indigenous leader Guaicaipuro. His image is meant to provide the President with a bit of a boost, and the people with a little reminder: until victory always. And not before.
Che continues to inspire-- the energy emanating for his murals contrast with the pretty formulaic depictions of Bolívar. Below, a sample:
'We shall NEVER (emphasis not mine) return to the past-- until victory always!' Che's words continue to resonate over this little plaza in 23 de Enero, known as a Chávez stronghold.
Guess who?
Watching the bleachers.
