Or perhaps, what happened was that after winning and consolidating his power, he ended up showing his true colors.

Perhaps, just perhaps most politicians are the same. I think in the 90’s people in Venezuela not talking about politics much was because they didn’t necessarily felt there had to be change. Usually that’s the reason when people start talking about politics, feel of change. At that time people felt good about their future as you mentioned and that’s what makes a huge difference. It’s almost hard to believe how things can change with the switch of just one person. Of course I don’t believe it was only one, Chavez was the representative of other corrupt scums. Chavez’s methods of manipulating people using TV, radios and eventually buildings and cities was to show people how unimportant they are and is a perfect example of dictatorship. I can feel with people how they felt when it all suddenly changed...
Looking forward your next entry @dedicatedguy and @adsactly!
BTW: believe it or not, but after hearing all these troubled news about Venezuela I and my family started stacking some extra food, water and all necessities needed if times like this come. Even though I live in US.