Along with a certain New York congressman, liberals and leftists worldwide took to Twitter this evening to praise and defend Hugo Chavez:

K: Hugo Chavez showed there is an alternative to neo-liberalism and colonialism in Venezuela and worldwide. He was a friend & comrade #RIP

— Ken Livingstone (@ken4london) March 5, 2013

I met Chavez in London. A Titan of a man. Progressive, democratic, garrulous. In turbulent times he made change happen for the poorest

— Jon Trickett (@jon_trickett) March 5, 2013

Farewell Comandante Hugo Chavez champion of the poor the oppressed everywhere. Modern day Spartacus. Rest in Peace.

— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) March 5, 2013

I met #Hugo_Chavez at Al Jazeera.Even though I didn’t share his policies towards #Lebanon, he came across as charismatic leader. May he RIP.

— Maya Beydoun (@mayabeydoun) March 5, 2013

Sad to hear of President Chavez’s passing… #RIP

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 5, 2013

Had long talks with Chavez in Caracas and London. In person sounded like a soc dem. But on a podium something happened. RIP

— Denis MacShane (@DenisMacShane) March 5, 2013

derpy liberals acting like chavez was a good guy – worse than cons acting like he was south american hitler? unclear. both wrong.

— Oliver Willis (@owillis) March 5, 2013