The shape of things to come?
When the producing class finally decides it has had enough, the "free stuff" leeches fight back to defend their entitlements.
We're headed that way.
I'm not as well versed on Venezuela as you seem to be. But, from where I sit, it does look startlingly similar. Venezuela had "elected" a charismatic leader who was anti business and not very good at running the country. He was very politically adept. Now that he's gone, there is a void, and his poor policies are costing the country dearly.
We have "elected" a charismatic leader who is anti business and inept. But he and his handlers are well versed in the Chicago way. They get done what they want to get done. When Obama is out of office, the stuff is going to hit the fan. Honestly, I have no idea why anyone would want that job after Obama. It's going to be a mess that will be blamed on the office holder, not Obama.
One striking difference between Chavez and Obama: It seemed Chavez loved Venezuela, (not as much as he loved himself, but he did love his country), and worked at his job, even if he was lousy at it. Obama is lazy, and I don't think he has any particular affection for America or Americans.