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Too uncritical of Chavez?
I AM from Venezuela and live in the USA, where I have just
gained an education at graduate level, in a program truly related to community
building. I concur with many socialist ideas, initiatives and movements; for
instance, I feel comforted when I read articles published in Socialism Today
that question authority and criticize capitalism. I am an advocate for the
inclusiveness of all individuals in society, the role of women, minorities, and
any other individual who has been segregated in the world.
In Socialism Today, I have noticed some sort of sympathy for
the role of the current president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. Although I strongly
believe in the need for changes in our society and the redefinition of goals,
this process should not be obscured by the misconduct of the current leaders. In
Venezuela, a country immersed in poverty and a low level of education, but rich
in natural resources and enthusiastic people, Mr Chavez has sent a tremendous
message: the participation of low-income groups in the decision-making process
is imperative, and Venezuela must define its strategies according to its own
interests, regardless of those of the powerful groups. Moreover, he has
empowered the powerless by raising their voices. This is my humble understanding
of his achievement, and I find his message gratifying.
However, he and his administration have not been able to
build consensus among the whole society. Corruption, violence and false
expectations are a few of the issues that are ruining our hopes. Consequently,
Mr Chavez is about to destroy the opportunity of creating a beautiful example of
socialism in Latin America. The media and big business groups, and also many
independent organizations, have definitely taken the decision to discourage
support for President Chavez’s ideas. Unfortunately, he has done a lot to feed
them. If you asked for my opinion, I would say that eventually Mr Chavez could
become a perversion of what socialism is and even will hurt low-income
grassroots groups, those that he claims to protect.
Leo A
Cambridge, Massachusetts
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