Sounds like things are getting ripe for another coup, far bloodier than the last one.

Chavez is purging the armed forces.

But Chavez has removed so many generals and admirals since the coup that he has been obliged to appoint some lower-ranking colonels in their place, causing resentment among senior officers.

"Meritocracy is being replaced by unconditional commitment and loyalty to the president," said Vice Adm. Rafael Huizi Clavier, president of the Institutional Military Front, a group of retired senior officers critical of Chavez. "The fundamental values of the armed forces are being lost and the military is becoming a praetorian guard."

It might be important for Chavez to recall how often the original Praetorian Guard was involved in, and even initiated, a change of emperors.

All due respect to Mr. Braue, but... Praetorian guard, my ass. Take a look at more recent history-1920 to today, or so- and count up the coups (counting coup?) that were performed by military officials the ex-Presidente appointed himself. The most famous case that comes to my mind is Idi Amin Dada, but the list is very long indeed...

No offense taken, David. I merely wished to point out that military coups were no less common in 20CE than in 1920CE.