Socialism a la Chavez

Key ingredients:

1. The head of state must be given the authority to rule by decree;

2. Said leader should also be given the constitutional authority to be re-elected indefinitely;

3. School children must be subjected to ideological indoctrination from kindergarten onwards as part of a society-wide campaign of "morals and enlightening." Dissent will not be tolerated, as counterrevolutionary attitudes are incompatible with the new moral paradigm.

4. Current government structures must be replaced with community-based organizations that will implement all social programs (but only provide services to those who aren't critical of the regime);

5. Silence dissent and create a single ruling party;

6. Strengthen state-sponsored personality cult;

7. Maintain (paradoxically) massive inequalities between the rich and the poor.

Blend the preceding ingredients into your state's constitution, buy-off your regional critics with petro-dollars and proclaim the success of your Bolivarian Revolution.

Cover and set aside for five to ten years, while ignoring your non petroleum-based economy.

Watch your state unravel.