INTO THE DARKNESS - AT 7:17 P.M. ET:  As if any more proof were needed, there are new signs that Venezuela is slipping more and more into a Marxist-style dictatorship, despite "elections."  We should recall that, technically speaking at least, Hitler was elected:

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuela's top prosecutor insisted Thursday that freedom of expression in Venezuela "must be limited" and proposed legislation that would slap additional restrictions on the country's news media.

The new law would punish the owners of radio stations, television channels and newspapers that have attempted to "cause panic" and "disturb social peace," Attorney General Luisa Ortega said.

It also would punish media owners who "manipulate the news with the purpose of transmitting a false perception of the facts."

"Freedom of expression must be limited," Ortega said.

Ortega urged lawmakers to consider her suggestions as they debate a bill that would punish as-yet-undefined "media crimes." The National Assembly, which is controlled by allies of President Hugo Chavez, is expected to approve the measure in coming months.

COMMENT:  This is happening as the Obama administration is openly aiding the return to power of Chavez's ally and friend, the legally ousted former president of Honduras, Mel Zelaya.  That must be encouraging to the anti-Chavez forces in Venezuela. 

We have seen no comment from our own State Department on this latest Chavez outrage.  Don't expect much.  Normalization with Castro is underway.  Why cause any problems?  Communism?  Just another lifestyle choice.

July 31, 2009