Frida Ghitis : Hugo Chavez played key role in focusing attention on the poor . She says in the process of helping the poor , he damaged his nation 's democracy . Chavez hurt his country with his cartoonish attacks on the U.S. , she says . The economic legacy is one of sky-high inflation , chronic shortages and dried up investment . Venezuela : Human Rights Watch documented violations of freedoms in Venezuela .
Frida Ghitis : Hugo Chavez played key role in focusing attention on the poor . She says in the process of helping the poor , he damaged his nation 's democracy . Chavez hurt his country with his cartoonish attacks on the U.S. , she says . Venezuela : Human Rights Watch documented violations of freedoms in Venezuela .