Save water, make war

HUGO CHÁVEZ recently found himself trying to explain, in a live television broadcast, why Venezuelans should limit themselves to three-minute showers. A national water shortage, the latest product of Mr. Chávez's "21st-century socialism," has led to mandatory rationing. There's also a power shortage, which is causing daily blackouts in large parts of the country. Though the country is deep in recession, inflation still runs at nearly 30 percent. Then there is the murder rate, which is on its way to tripling since Mr. Chávez took office; Venezuela and its capital of Caracas now have the highest per-capita murder rates in the world, according to the State Department.

So few were terribly surprised Sunday when Mr. Chávez sidestepped those subjects on his weekly television show -- and instead appeared to declare war on neighboring Colombia. "Let's not waste a day on our main aim: to prepare for war and to help the people prepare for war," the strongman told his military leaders.

The bluster was taken in stride by most Venezuelans, who according to a recent poll oppose conflict with Colombia by a margin of 4 to 1. Venezuela's largest newspapers played the story below other news. Even the Colombian government's response was relatively low-key, though it talked about appealing to the United Nations and the Organization of American States. The State Department blandly suggested "dialogue" between the two countries.
 
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