Wow! I had no idea how unstable Venezuela was until I read this article. You should read it. It's definitely informative.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/world/americas/hugo-chavez-of-venezuela-dies.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Communication is the lifeblood of civilization. If the media and press do not keep people informed, rumors fly like dangerous bullets and pandemonium reigns. I think that everyone would agree that Venezuela is an excellent example of leaders using communication to gain support.
As stated in the above article, Chavez utilized the media as one of his greatest assets. Up to the point where he was no longer physically able, Chavez faithfully appeared on television and radio in order to communicate with The Venezuelan people. Now that their leader has fallen silent chaos has ensued. Although I view Chavez's work as one of a modern tragedy and wrong, I feel that he was an excellent example of using language to gain support.
"Peace Through Strength"
I feel that the best way to deal with North Korean aggression is national strength not polite international warnings. America's strength is a result of reliance on the hand of Providence as well as military strength and technological edge.
During the Cold War, the phrase "Peace through Strength" drove America's foreign policy. As a result of this policy a shooting war never commenced. Reduction of arms on the enemies side only make attack that much more tempting. If you were able to steal your neighbor's Ferrari without retaliation the only thing between you and a new car is your moral standards. Conversely if you thought you would be imprisoned for sip stealing at a 7-11 you would not put your mouth any where near the rim of that cup until you were safely in your car. Although these examples our small I believe that the same principles apply to nations.
Peace is most likely to be obtained as America strengthens her nuclear arms and air force technology not by cutting her nuclear arms down to below 3000 and politely asking a someone who hates everything to do with freedom to put their guns down.
I read an article on North Korea too. I completely agree with you. The U.N. needs to be harsher with North Korea and lay down the lay. Especially now that China is starting to show less support for North Korea's actions. I never knew how unstable Venezuela was either. While Chavez was a good communicator, I would say he used that skill more for bad purposes than he did good.
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