The only "positive" thing about this last crazy policy is that it might create further popular discontent with Chávez. I wrote in the past about how despite having the dollar as currency (more sound than local currencies), several past interventionist dictators in Panama, were able to do other harm to their economy. Ecuador, and now El Salvador, despite having leftist presidents, continue to respect dollarization. This helps the stability of their rule. Trying to enforce artificial prices in major segments of the economy has destabilized other populist leaders. I hope it happens again now.

Judy Shelton should be included in the list of authors recommended by Atlas's Sound Money project, this gives you a glimpse of her views: http://www.gata.org/node/7167