LATEST FROM A PEOPLE'S PARADISE - AT 8:01 A.M. ET:  Let's see if the Obama administration has any problem with this:

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Lawmakers loyal to President Hugo Chavez gave final approval on Friday to legislation that has raised fears among government opponents of impending socialist indoctrination in schools.

The law orders schools to base curricula on what it calls ''the Bolivarian Doctrine'' -- a reference to ideals espoused by 19th-century independence hero Simon Bolivar, such as national self-determination and Latin American unity.

Critics are quick to note that Chavez uses the term ''Bolivarian'' to describe his political movement, and some believe his socialist government intends to win over hearts and minds through classroom indoctrination.

You think?  Classroom indoctrination?  Yeah, that sounds about right for Chavez.  But the same people in Washington who call people at town meetings "a mob," or accuse opponents of the president's health plan of using "Nazi" tactics, will probably take a pass on this one.  After all, who are we to criticize another culture?

Education Minister Hector Navarro accused Chavez opponents and the news media of orchestrating ''a smear campaign'' to deceive Venezuelans.

Boy, does that ever sound familiar.

August 14, 2009