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Jimmy Carter extends condolences over death of Chávez
Former President Carter issued a statement Tuesday night extending condolences to the family of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez shortly after news of his death.
"Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Hugo Chávez Frías," Carter said in the remarks, posted to his foundation's website. "We came to know a man who expressed a vision to bring profound changes to his country to benefit especially those people who had felt neglected and marginalized."
Carter goes on to say that while "we have not agreed with all of the methods followed by his government, we have never doubted Hugo Chávez's commitment to improving the lives of millions of his fellow countrymen."
Chávez's controversial reign was defined both by his innovative social programs designed to aid the poor and his brutal efforts to consolidate power. The Venezuelan leader notably seized control of the formerly independent judicial and electoral branches of his government, and frequently targeted independent media that challenged his administration.
"We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chávez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life," the former president said.
The comments are likely to draw criticism from conservatives, who have argued that Democrats treated the Venezuelan leader too sympathetically. On Tuesday, the Republican National Committee (RNC) pounced on a tweet by Rep. José Serrano (D-N.Y.), who praised Chávez as "committed to empowering the powerless."
“It’s simply insulting that a Democrat Congressman would praise the authoritarian ruler Hugo Chavez. Chavez systematically cracked down on the basic freedom and liberties of Venezuelans, nationalized private industries, and befriended anti-American dictators like Castro, Ahmadinejad, and Assad," said RNC spokeswoman Alexandra Franceschi in a statement. "Americans should stand together with the freedom loving people of Venezuela as they hope for a peaceful transition to a democracy, instead of praising the former dictator.”
Serrano represents the nation's poorest congressional district, and had accepted millions in heating oil aid from the Chávez regime to benefit his district. In 2005, Serrano invited Chávez to speak with constituents in his neighborhood while the Venezuelan leader was visiting a United Nations general assembly meeting.
