Yesterday General Raul Baduell was sworn in as General Commander of the Army. Baduell is best known for the fact that it was him almost single handedly that brought Chavez back in April 2002 back to the Presidential Palace. Baduell remains at this time somewhat of a mystery. Periodically he makes statements to the press that seem to come out of nowhere and that are interpreted as warnings. Yesterday was no different when Baduell said he would act against any attempt to revert Constitutional order and that the National Army of Venezuela has to honor its name “of Venezuela“. Once again, Baduell seems to be sending a message that the Constitution has to be respected even if some believe that by being promoted Baduell is now less powerful since he no longer commands any troops. While Baduell statements are positive, one should not forget that he is known to have political aspirations of his own; reportedly he has told friends that if Chávez can be President, so can he. Unfortunately, little is really known about Baduell’s politics. What little is known about him as a person shows him as a self-centered individual, who loves action and has an interest in Asian martial arts and religion.
Baduell replaces General Garcia Carneiro who on Monday will be sworn in as Minister of Defense. Garcia Carniro is definitely not liked by the opposition for a number of reasons. First of all, at least three Generals testified that Garcia Carneiro was among the Generals that refused to recognize Chavez as President in April 2002. In fact, these Generals say that Garcia Carneiro was one of the leaders against Chavez that day. He has changed a lot since, becoming a Chavez defender on all fronts. He is truly mistrusted by the opposition not only because of his style and unequivocal defense of Chavez, but because of his statements last year that there would not be a recall referendum against Chavez. After a controversial interview in which he said, before the Supreme Court had said anything, that there could not be a recall referendum because the electoral authorities were not valid. He later clarified that he meant there would not be a referendum in 2003, but added that in any case the opposition would not be able to gather sufficient signatures against President Chavez anyway. Not precisely impartial words coming from such a high ranking military.
The Devil's Excrement 
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