Competing for Handouts from Hugo

Isn't this special. Some competition for Comandante Obama on that bold leadership. FoxNews:

Venezuela's federal government seized seaports and airstrips in at least four states on Saturday, a move critics say is meant to limit the powers of mayors and governors opposed to President Hugo Chavez. [snip]

The socialist leader said his government will formulate a "strategic investment plan" to modernize the ports and to guarantee the jobs of thousands of workers in the facilities.

Chavez has defended the move as a national security issue, but critics say they target facilities previously controlled by state authorities opposed to the president.

Chavez last week warned that any governors who challenged the takeover could end up in prison.

This does not impress us in Illinois, but I suppose citizens can look on the bright side:

"They're not using reason, they're using force," Chavez opponent Eliseo Fermin, head of Zulia state's legislative council, said Saturday.

The measure also prohibits states and municipalities from collecting tariffs or tolls at transportation hubs or on highways, cutting off a key source of funding for local projects that could otherwise compete with federal handouts, Caracas-based economist Abelardo Daza said.

Competing for handouts, though. From Hugo Chavez, our Dear Leader neighbor to the south.