More self-rule sought for the oil-rich 'Texas of Venezuela'

The state of Zulia has always thought of itself as the Texas of Venezuela -- a land dominated by oil, cattle and largely conservative politicians. So it's no surprise that some of its people would want more autonomy.

''We want our own government,'' said Néstor Suárez, an economics professor and president of the pro-autonomy group Own Way. ``We are against big central governments.''

Steven Dudley

But...but...but, I thought Chavez was beloved of his people. I thought a new socialist workers' paradise was being built on all that evil old oil money. I thought everything was peaches and cream in Venezuela.