Tarring Hugo Chávez
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I am no fan of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and his authoritarian rule -- or of his long track record of needlessly inflammatory rhetoric. But the Feb. 12 editorial "Mr. Chávez vs. the Jews" baselessly accused him of anti-Semitism. Mr. Chávez showed little nuance and sophistication in parroting anti-Israel talking points that exaggerated the scale of events in Gaza. He is, however, entitled to his opinion, and it is not out of bounds for him to publicly hope Venezuelans would agree with him. I don't live in Venezuela, but I see no veiled threat there. Others may believe they have taken some unspoken cue in attacking Jews, but it is wrong to blame their bigotry on Mr. Chávez.
Mr. Chávez still must do better; he should repudiate the anti-Semitism that followed his remarks. But The Post should not have responded to the broad-brush nature of his rhetoric by painting Mr. Chavez with an equally broad brush.
EDWARD FISCHMAN
Bethesda
