An Article for "De Pana" newspaper in Caracas Venezuela: http://www.depana.org.ve/
As U.S. students witnessing the Bolivarian process here in Venezuela we have been en-heartened and amazed by the achievements of this revolution which continues to move forward. In November the opposition was given a boost when their candidates won positions in five states and some urban centers. Media in the United States and all over the globe claimed that the Venezuelan president did not have the power and persuasion that he once had. Being in this country only a month it is clear that this setback for the revolution has been blown out of proportion and the socialist current in the country has remained strong. This is evident in the results of the February 16th referendum to remove term limits.
Although many in the United States are apathetic towards Venezuela there is a base support for Chavez and the alternative that he represents. In leftist and radical circles he is revered, but in 2005 when he offered assistance by giving oil to poor neighborhoods in the United States, such as the South Bronx, and sent aid during hurricane Katrina, he struck a cord with many of the working class and people of color across the country.
The most impressive facet of this process for us has been experiencing the participatory and open nature of the revolution. Those outside of Venezuela are shown an inaccurate depiction of the Bolivarian process, we are told that Chavez is dangerous and centralizing state power. It is apparent from our experience here that while Chavez provides direction and unity at the national level, the revolution itself is carried out by the people from below, by the popular ministries, and by persons working outside the government those who have been empowered by this government to make their own revolution. This is the process we are excited to learn from which develops with each new phase of the transformation from capitalism to socialism.
There are still obstacles on this road, that of the private media which lies,and that of the private companies who monopolize expertise and refuse to participate in the stripping of their own privileges, but these are recognized by the revolution and with the deepening of the revolution there comes more resolve to defeat these enemies of economic and political democracy.
Venezuela is truly a remarkable example to the world and we thank all who struggle for justice in this country for sharing your experiences with us.
Although many in the United States are apathetic towards Venezuela there is a base support for Chavez and the alternative that he represents. In leftist and radical circles he is revered, but in 2005 when he offered assistance by giving oil to poor neighborhoods in the United States, such as the South Bronx, and sent aid during hurricane Katrina, he struck a cord with many of the working class and people of color across the country.
The most impressive facet of this process for us has been experiencing the participatory and open nature of the revolution. Those outside of Venezuela are shown an inaccurate depiction of the Bolivarian process, we are told that Chavez is dangerous and centralizing state power. It is apparent from our experience here that while Chavez provides direction and unity at the national level, the revolution itself is carried out by the people from below, by the popular ministries, and by persons working outside the government those who have been empowered by this government to make their own revolution. This is the process we are excited to learn from which develops with each new phase of the transformation from capitalism to socialism.
There are still obstacles on this road, that of the private media which lies,and that of the private companies who monopolize expertise and refuse to participate in the stripping of their own privileges, but these are recognized by the revolution and with the deepening of the revolution there comes more resolve to defeat these enemies of economic and political democracy.
Venezuela is truly a remarkable example to the world and we thank all who struggle for justice in this country for sharing your experiences with us.
