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http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SLIA982&show_article=1

Troops Clash With Venezuelan Protesters

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Soldiers used tear gas, plastic bullets and water cannons to scatter tens of thousands who massed Thursday to protest constitutional reforms that would permit Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to run for re-election indefinitely.

Led by university students, protesters chanted "Freedom! Freedom!" and warned that 69 amendments drafted by the Chavista-dominated National Assembly would violate civil liberties and derail democracy.

It was the biggest turnout against Chavez in months, and appeared to revive Venezuela's languid opposition at a time when the president seems as strong as ever. Students promised more street demonstrations over the weekend, but no opposition-led protests were planned for Friday.

"This is a dictatorship masked as democracy," said Jorge Rivas, an 18- year-old student. "Chavez wants our country to be like Cuba, and we're not going to allow that to occur."

Authorities broke up the protest outside the headquarters of the country's electoral council, reporting that six police officers and one student were injured. But students said dozens of protesters were hurt during the melee. The local Globovision television network broadcast footage of several police beating an unarmed protester with billy clubs.

Student leader Freddy Guevara said it was not immediately clear how many students were arrested, and he urged local human rights groups to help verify the number of detained protesters.

Students hurled rocks and bottles, and a few lifted up sections of metal barricades and thrust them against police holding riot shields. Students retreated later when police fired plastic bullets.

Rock-throwing clashes between students and Chavez supporters continued at a nearby university campus.

"Chavez wants to remain in power his entire life, and that's not democracy," said Gonzalo Rommer, a 20-year-old student who joined protesters marching to the National Elections Council.

Deputy Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami blamed students for the violence, saying they forced their way through police barricades.

But Vicente Diaz, one of the National Election Council's five directors, accused National Guardsmen and police of using excessive force to disperse protesters. "We absolutely condemn the behavior of the authorities," Diaz said.

The amendments would give the government control over the Central Bank, create new types of cooperative property, allow authorities to detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency and extend presidential terms from six to seven years while allowing Chavez to run again in 2012.

To take effect, the reforms must be approved by voters in a Dec. 2 referendum. Lawmakers are expected to give final approval to the amendments on Friday during a special congressional session.

Opposition parties, human rights groups and representatives of the Roman Catholic Church fear civil liberties would be severely weakened under the constitutional changes.

Chavez, a close ally of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, denies the reforms threaten civil liberties.

He and his supporters say the changes will help move the country toward socialism, while giving neighborhood-based assemblies more decision-making power in using government funds for local projects like paving streets and building public housing.

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ORIGINAL: farglebargle

Are these "Students" like the US-Funded Terrorists who threw the last coup?

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ORIGINAL: Petronius

It's interesting but hardly new that the "gun down the student protestor" crowd in the US are oh so upset at a foreign government using force against people attacking cops and other goernment workers.

Mere propaganda by people who have no real values or ethics at all?

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ORIGINAL: lunitakitty

Chavez is the biggest mistake my country has ever made in allowing him to be president.  You may ask why we even voted for him in the first place.  Truthfully, he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.  Now he has us on the path of communism, and it's even hard to find common food products like butter, milk, eggs, and anything else that is essential.  My friend is actually close friends with the leader of the university protesters, and several of my cousins have rallied with them. 

Seeing as how I live in Texas, I only hear news that is censored by Chavez's "people".  Frankly, we're all screwed.  That's why Venezuelan's are slowly trickling out of the country to find greener pastures.  This is unfortunate seeing as how Venezuela is a beautiful country with places you would never imagine.  We all pray for a peaceful resolution.  My brother secretly wishes that Chavez could be pushed of a cliff. 

Can you tell I don't like my own president?

Granted, he has his good qualities.  But the negative impacts on our economy outweigh any good that he has done for his country.  I hope I haven't offended anyone, but this is just my own opinion. 

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ORIGINAL: lunitakitty

My brother secretly wishes that Chavez could be pushed of a cliff.  

He's not the only one.

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ORIGINAL: luckydog1

Perhaps you should meditate on your last sentance there Farg. Who are you really saying that to?