Chavez's Land Reform

There is an article in this week's economist, http:// www.economist.com, about Mr. Chavez's land reform policies. On January 8th the Venezuelan government seized the El Charcote cattle ranch owned by the Vestey Group (British). After a three month period the state will decide whether the ranch is unproductive or illegally held ( a decision that seems sealed considering Mr. Chavaz's influence over the judicial system) and should be handed over to a peasant co-op. The government justified this action by pointing out that 75% of the countries land is controlled by 5% of the population. While this is true, The Economist points out that due to massive urban migration, the government itself is now the largest rural landowner. Furthermore, considering Mr. Chavez's adherence to crony politics is seems likely that new favorites will constantly be shuttled in and out of the ranch. This will only increase Venezuela's food imports (already at 70%) and their dependence on oil.

Social and economic reforms are clearly needed in Venezuela. However, alienating the private sector merely for the sake of "the revolution" will get the country and - in the long run- Mr. Chavez nowhere.