There is a common misconception that the spectrum of political ideology is measured on a line.

Most people think the spectrum goes from the radical left, to the moderate centrist, to the reactionary right. From there, people generally classify themselves somewhere on that line.

Now, I know you’re thinking there is no way a privatized (fascist) system is even remotely close to a nationalized (socialist) system, but all it takes is a juxtaposition of President George W. Bush and President Hugo Chavez to support my theory.

I don’t think many would argue that letting corporations run the United States government is healthy. But the opposite philosophy, as employed in Venezuela, generates similar problems to those we encounter in our society.

Hugo Chavez recently sent troops to the Columbian border after a Columbian raid took place in Ecuador. Since the deployment, evidence has been found in computers seized in the raid indicating that President Chavez gave $300 million to a rebel force that has fought to overthrow the Columbian government for 40 years.

Of course Chavez is blaming the United States for the problem because of its close relationship with Columbia.

For hating free-market capitalism so much, Hugo Chavez has more in common with President Bush than he thinks.

While the current U.S. administration aims to undermine key privacy rights for Americans by amending the Constitution, Chavez has amended his own country’s constitution to keep himself in power long after his term has ceased.

Americans think their government’s executive powers have been stretched, but the White House’s executive authority pales in comparison to that of Venezuela’s, where Chavez has completely circumvented the judicial and legislative branch.

On top of nationalizing the bank, electricity and manufacturing industries, Chavez nationalized the oil industry, which his personal bank account has thoroughly enjoyed.

Victims of Chavez’s self-described “oil diplomacy” are subject to price gouging at his discretion.

Gee, it must be nice to have an entire country’s monetary assets as your personal piggy bank.

To his credit, Chavez has done wonderful things for the education of the people. The literacy rate in Venezuela has steadily increased during his tenure. And Venezuela was the first country to offer relief aid in response to Hurricane Katrina – an offer the United States arrogantly refused.

But if getting a good education is met with restrictions on freedom of expression, is it really worth it?

In the past, Chavez has never hesitated to yank off television programming or to intimidate the media if something is negatively said or printed about the president.

Fortunately, a 2007 referendum proposed by Chavez that would lengthen his term past 2013 was narrowly defeated by a 51-percent vote.

It is so important that we recognize the similarities within the problems of these ideological-differing nations.

It proves that, as with most things in public policy, there needs to be a balance within governing power and a balance of political ideologies.

Because if you stray too far one way or too far another, you’ll end up right next to your supposed opposite.

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