During an Ibero-American summit in Chile last week, Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan dictator... oops, I meant, democratically-elected and beloved-by-his-people president, attacked former Spanish president Jose Maria Aznar, calling him a fascist. Unfortunately, the above video does not include this diatribe, but shows the current Spanish president Zapatero’s attempts to bring some civility back to the proceedings. Chavez, needing to put in his two centimos continued to work himself into a lather, until the King of Spain boldly interjected "¿Por qué no te callas?"

Once berated, Chavez listened as Zapatero continued emphasizing the importance of respecting each other, even if your political beliefs are so different. Chavez’s need to accuse and abuse exacerbates the edgy situation and does not represent his country in the greatest light. Chavez continued disrespect does nothing to improve his standing in the sphere of world diplomacy, except encourage his allies and supporters, like dear old Fidel. For all the good he purports he has done for Venezuela, there are still far too many acts which raise questions about the validity of his government and the state of civil liberties and human rights. With no obvious loss of love for Chavez, I say bravo to King Juan Carlos for doing what needed to be done.