Chavez Tightens His Grip On Venezuela

I read an article about some laws that Chavez is trying to get passed in Venezuela. These laws will potentially hinder the Venezuelan media from accurate reporting.

On July 30, 2009, Venezuela's attorney general introduced draft legislation on 'media crimes' that establish prison sentences of up to four years for anyone who, through media outlets, provides 'false' information that 'harm[s] the interests of the state.'
...
Minister Cabello also proposed new regulations that state that any cable channel with more than 30 percent Venezuelan-produced programming (including shows and advertisements) would be compelled to transmit President Chávez's speeches live at his request, and would be subject to Venezuelan media laws, including the Law on Social Responsibility.
Source: Human Rights Watch

It is interesting to note what we take for granted in articles like this (the assumptions of the writer of the story): the ability of people to be able to able to filter the truth of media, the goodness of the media, our rights to know, that a free market economy is better than a controlled economy.

Also, this got me thinking about Jesus. It strikes me time and time again that, though Jesus had the power and the popular vote, he never sought office. In fact, the New Testament Gospel writers saw this (as Jesus must have himself) as a major evil, satanic temptation.

I am going to enjoy reading The Politics of Jesus again over the next few months. I was unable to grasp it the first time I read it, about a year ago, but my level of understanding has grow since then.

How people should be involved in politics/government is a hugely important topic.