I don't know what's been on the US news reports about the big protests going on right now in Venezuela. Before I get any e-mails about my status, let me cut everyone off at the pass.

1) I'm fine and there's nothing to worry about
2) The protests are mostly happenning in Caracas. I'm far away from Caracas
3) Nobody's been hurt in the protests. They've been 100% peaceful and nothing scary or violent is happenning.

So, what's going on? It's not too complicated. The Venezuelan Constitution allows a president to serve in office for a six year term. He is also held to a limit of two terms. No president can currently serve over 12 years in office. Well, el presidente Chavez doesn't like that. He thinks that he's done such a fantastic job, he should be allowed another 6 years. The only problem is that pesky constitutional thing. So, last year, el presidente decided to have a referendum vote to change the Venezuelan constitution. The only problem is that he lost. Barely. The voters said "no", but it was only by the slimmest of margins. Because of this, el president decided to have another vote to change the constitution and it is going to be held next week. There are genuinely strong feelings on both sides of the aisle concerning this. The political graffiti is all over the place. People have all kinds of propaganda scribbled over their rear windshields to express their opinions. It's everywhere. If I had to guess I would say the majority of Venezuelans will probably reject the referendum next weekend, but I'm only guessing. I don't really know and my only evidence is anectodal from talking to the people in Puerto Ordaz.

At any rate, I'll be coming home before the election takes place. It really isn't that big a deal. It is just a bunch of Venezuelans trying to convince their fellow Venezuelans how to vote. No matter which side of the aisle they're on, most people here believe very strongly in the Democratic process.

By the way, I killed the cricket with an ashtray and threw him off the balcony. His chirping was getting on my last nerve. And no... I don't care how cruel you think I am. I slept very well last night.