Moonbats south of the equator...

From here:

By Patrick Markey

CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of international activists gathered in Caracas on Tuesday for the World Social Forum to protest U.S. imperialism and debate topics from fair trade to indigenous rights.

The event bills itself as nonpartisan. But much attention will focus on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a self-styled socialist revolutionary, who has become a regional standard-bearer for left-wing, anti-U.S. movements since allying himself with Cuba.

The sixth world forum, an event that began in Porto Alegre in Brazil, registered more than 67,000 participants and starts with a march against imperialism that will likely focus on U.S. President George W. Bush and the U.S.-led Iraq war.

"This is a process that can bring change for everyone," said Colombian Lucy Martinez, who belongs to a solidarity group with Cuba. "It's great that it is here in Venezuela because Chavez, like Fidel Castro, is an example for everyone."

An example for everyone? So everyone should live like this or this or this? Chavez aligns himself with Castro, thereby endorsing his tyrannical practices. And Chavez himself, is no choirboy:

Also of grave concern are a rising number of threats and intimidation directed at non-governmental human rights defenders by government representatives and supporters. In a number of harsh statements, President Chavez and members of his Government have criticized – among other targets – individual human rights defenders, human rights organizations, the ILO, labor groups, the Catholic Church, and pro-democracy institutions such as the National Endowment for Democracy. Such rhetoric contributes to social and political polarization in Venezuela, works to intimidate legitimate human rights and humanitarian assistance groups, and encourages unlawful attacks by government supporters on members of the opposition, the media, and civil society. At least 12 killings during 2003 appear to have been politically motivated, including the murder of human rights worker Joe Luis Castillo. At the same time, there has been a serious deterioration of press freedoms, including a rise in physical attacks on journalists and television stations. The Government has intimidated the media through strict defamation laws (including potential prison terms for journalists showing a “lack of respect” for government officials or allowing the publication of materials showing officials in an “undignified” manner); through proposals for new legislation which, if enacted, would violate basic protections on the press and free speech; and, finally, by politically motivated misuse of legal authorities against the media.

So these guys are the examples for all to follow?

What is it about moonbats and their endless fascination with despots, who are invariably regarded by them in much the same manner as groupies regard rock stars?

A concept, I believe, that I will never be able to fathom within my lifetime.


****UPDATE****

Oh, and I'd be remiss if I neglected to mention our very own mother moonbat's appearance in Caracas. Must. Wrap. Duct tape. Round my head...


(filed under moonbat adventures, limousine liberals, The Fifth Column)