It’s a bad day for the independent media in Venezuela. The Chavistas are in an extremely ugly, confrontational mood and starting to lash out.

Most disturbingly, Patricia Poleo, the fearless Venezuelan journalist whose home was raided last week, has just been indicted and charged with misuse of information. Miguel’s blog has additional background.

But that’s not all – the tremendous Michael Rowan essay cited here a couple days ago, is now under attack by chavista minions who parrot the communist line of Hugo Chavez. This is a warning to this writer that they will come after him next.

It’s getting very dangerous for reporters in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, on a more encouraging note in the U.S., there is a sharp ratings war brewing between CNN and Fox News, with the latest scheduled salvo on Chavez listed here. Attitudes are changing, and interest is growing in Venezuela. Be sure to watch.