Castro, Chavez keep in touch

It’s difficult to keep in touch with all the people I love, so that’s why I want to host a weekly call in show. And run for president. Remember reading about FDR’s fireside chats? Well, I’m bringin’ ‘em back. The chats, not FDR.

Assuming we had a president capable of holding his own on a live radio show, wouldn’t it narrow the gap between White House and the American home?

Say what you will about Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, but he fields calls and keeps in touch with his citizens via television. Even Fidel Castro called from his hospital bed in Havana to check in with Chavez and scoff at capitalism. I can’t wait till my buddy Crash calls the president to talk 401K.

Despite his distaste for globalization and free trade, Chavez isn’t all bad. He was dissatisfied with President Carlos Andrés Pérez, so Chavez and friends stormed the city and attempted a coup. After being released from jail in 1994, Chavez campaigned and was elected president five years later. He heralded a new constitution and social reforms. During his eight going on nine year presidency he’s been reelected twice and survived a coup which allegedly US military conspired in.

Chavez’s supporters rioted and looted. No one would riot or loot for Bush. Maybe America needs a coup d'état. Or maybe the constitution should be required reading for the government. But an interactive program starring the president seems more likely.