The news of Hugo Chavez death swept Twitter as any big news event does, but most would be hard-pressed to think of anyone else as polarizing in life as he was. The difference in reaction echoed the gulf in how Chavez was regarded.
Initially, many were shocked about the news of his death.
Twitter is exploding with news of Hugo Chavez's death – hoping for a time of peace and prayers for the future of Venezuela—
Katherine Doble (@LaMediaLatina) March 05, 2013
God help Venezuela & its people, may this begin a road towards true democracy & freedom for the Venezuela and all Latin America—
Bettina Inclan (@BettinaInclan) March 05, 2013
Lord have mercy for Hugo Chavez who died today of cancer. The man did too many things, it was his time. #Venezuela—
Sammy (@sammysmiles_) March 05, 2013
RELATED: Hugo Chavez confirmed dead
Some passed along news in Florida concerning Venezuelans.
No moment of silence for Hugo Chavez tonight before #Marlins take on #Venezuela here in Jupiter. Flag at full staff too—
Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) March 05, 2013
Small crowd gathers at El Arepazo 2 following news of Hugo Chavez's death. yfrog.com/esywbwkj—
Gilma Avalos (@GilmaNBC6) March 05, 2013
But many on Twitter said Chavez was a leader who helped the people of Venezuela, including a New York congressman and a member of the Labour party in England.
Though U.S. media will overemphasize the negatives from Hugo Chávez's administration, he did great things and was beloved by MILLIONS.—
Brian Pacheco (@bspcorleto) March 05, 2013
Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empowering the powerless. R.I.P. Mr. President.—
Jose E. Serrano (@RepJoseSerrano) March 05, 2013
Whatever his faults. Hugo Chavez has done more for the majority of the Venezuelan people than any leader in history #vivachavez—
Josh Feldberg (@JoshFeldberg) March 05, 2013
Farewell Comandante Hugo Chavez champion of the poor the oppressed everywhere. Modern day Spartacus. Rest in Peace.—
George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 05, 2013
An exemplary human being. He changed the world for the better. Hugo Chavez' death is a loss to humanity. His inspiration lives on—
Jayne Fisher (@JayneBFisher) March 05, 2013
It's now official Hugo Chavez has lost his battle against cancer. A remarkable man with a remarkable political record. RIP comrade Chavez—
Ian Lavery MP (@IanLaveryMP) March 05, 2013
RELATED: Hugo Chavez dies: A look through the years from his rise to power to his death
Still, those who disliked Chavez for what he represented and his career, were intensely critical and happy Venezuela can move on.
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez died today. In other news, exactly 60 years ago today, Joseph Stalin died on March 5, 1953.—
Luis Gomez (@RunGomez) March 05, 2013
Hugo Chavez is dead. And so is $11B in support for Communist Cuba. A good day for freedom loving Cubans everywhere! #Latism—
Tony Hernandez (@TonyHTonyH) March 05, 2013
Today, we do not mourn the death of Hugo Chavez, but instead, we celebrate the possibility that Venezuela can be born anew.—
Connie Mack (@ConnieMackIV) March 05, 2013
My home-country's dictator died today, good riddance!
#Hugo #Chavez—
Aly Antorcha (@animallanguage) March 05, 2013
If only Hugo Chavez had taken Fidel Castro with him too. #goodriddance—
Lissette Rodriguez (@lissymarie) March 05, 2013
In his last tweet, Chavez wrote, “I still cling to Christ and trust in my doctors and nurses. Ever onward to victory! We shall live and overcome!
Sigo aferrado a Cristo y confiado en mis médicos y enfermeras. Hasta la victoria siempre!! Viviremos y venceremos!!!—
Hugo Chávez Frías (@chavezcandanga) February 18, 2013
His opponent in the 2012 election and contender to be elected president, Henrique Caprilles Radonski, tweeted a message of unity for Venezuela.
“My solidarity with all the family and followers of President Hugo Chávez, we advocate for the unity of Venezuelans at this time,” he wrote in the first tweet, which was followed by, “In difficult times we must show our most profound love and respect to our Venezuela! Unity of the Venezuelan family!”
Mi solidaridad a toda la familia y seguidores del Presidente Hugo Chávez,abogamos por la unidad de los venezolanos en este momento—
Henrique Capriles R. (@hcapriles) March 05, 2013
En momentos difíciles debemos demostrar nuestro profundo amor y respeto a nuestra Venezuela!Unidad de la familia venezolana!—
Henrique Capriles R. (@hcapriles) March 05, 2013
RELATED: Chavez dies: What the Venezuelan constitution says happens now
