Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez gives us another glimpse of what democracy looks like under the rule of his 21st Century Socialism:

Chavez threatens banks, firms backing opposition

CARACAS — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has threatened to nationalize banks and private companies that support the opposition ahead of October elections.

Chavez, 57 spoke at a rally Thursday after returning from Cuba, where he had received follow-up cancer treatment after a surgery there last month to remove a malignant tumor.

His recent health woes have cast a shadow over his bid for a third presidential term, in which he will face off against unified opposition candidate Henrique Capriles, 39, in the October 7 vote.

At the rally broadcast on state TV, Chavez said he is drawing up a “list of actions” to take “if there is an attack against the constitution, the people, and institutions, or if the certain victory of the people is ignored.”

For example, he said, “I have reports of some banks that support these movements.... or some major national and international corporations that earn enough money and support the plans of the opposition,” he said.

“There is nothing wrong with nationalizing major companies for violating the constitution and the national plan.”