This is a sign of the times: all of the gully foreign leaders who have made a career out of giving the U.S. hell are getting old.

And their age is starting to catch up to them.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez revealed that he is fighting cancer after having a tumor removed in Cuba, raising uncertainty about his political future even as he assured his country he expects to fully recover.

Chavez was noticeably thinner and paler as he appeared on television Tuesday night, reading from a prepared speech with a serious and at times sad expression. He said he is resolved to “be victorious in this new battle that life has placed before us.”

Chavez said he has undergone two operations in Cuba, including one that removed a tumor in which there were “cancerous cells.” The 56-year-old president said the surgery was performed after an initial operation nearly three weeks ago for the removal of a pelvic abscess.

Chavez said the tumor was in the pelvic region but didn’t say exactly where or what type of cancer was involved. He said he is continuing to receive treatment in Cuba but did not give details.

He said it was a mistake not have taken better care of his health through medical checkups.

“What a fundamental error,” he said.

See that? Take heed, young men. We hope Chavez does get better though: there’s no telling what kind of political situation would pop up after him if the people weren’t given the opportunity to find his replacement.

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