Venezuela: Who’s the bully?

By Zach Morgenstern

Originally published by UofT's "the newspaper" Feb 23rd, 2014

From solidarity rally in Toronto - Feb 22nd 2014
Photo from Hugo Chavez Peoples' Defense Front

Imagine you went to school with a bully, someone who intimidates and physically assaults other students to get their way. Imagine one of the bully’s targets is an honors student with no blotches on his/her permanent record. Finally, imagine you are approached by the bully. The bully tells you the honors student has been beating up other kids, and that you should do whatever it takes to stop the violence.

Now chances are if you are most people, you would not buy the bully’s attempt to the play the angel and slander his/her very likeable, and trustworthy enemy.

Unfortunately, it seems we do not have this common sense when it comes to our perception of international politics. In 2002, Venezuela’s opposition launched a coup against then President Hugo Chávez. Their short-lived government named businessman Pedro Carmona president, and then proceeded to shut-down the national assembly and supreme court. The coup regime abolished the country’s constitution, which had been approved by popular referendum in 1999.

The Day We Met Chavez

The 16th WFYS

Chavez funeral

By Johan Boyden

When the news came it was probably natural that almost all of us from that delegation thought about our experience, eight years ago. When I bumped into some of the delegation at International Women's Day events, since his death came so close to IWD, it seemed natural to talk about it.

It was 16th World Festival of Youth and Students, in Caracas. I remember we got off the airplane after our long flight, arriving late at night, and immediately stepped into a wall of hot and humid air. A bit tired, we stumbled into the darkness with our bags.

And then, there they were. A welcoming party of Venezuela youth. Some were holding roses. Each woman in our delegation got a rose as she stepped onto Venezuela soil.

I remember noticing what they were wearing. Bright red t‑shirts emblazoned with the slogan: "Another world is possible, and that is socialism!"

I have difficultly describing the impact of these few words on a t‑shirt. After all it seems that today, with the economic crisis, more and more young people today are opening their eyes. The most popular searched words in the online Merriam‑Webster Dictionary last year were "socialism" and "capitalism."

During the "Dirty Thirties," in a speech advocating for public health care, Dr. Norman Bethune once said that "Twenty five years ago it was thought to be contemptible to be a socialist. Today it is ridiculous not to be one."

Well, that dark night at Simon Bolivar International Airport felt a bit like the twenty five years had just ended.

It was, I think, a quote from President Hugo Chavez. A clear statement. Here, in Venezuela, thousands of young people are debating a profoundly different future. Over the next two weeks we would learn that their truly was a serious, vibrant, and exciting argument.

Up to that point, the link between socialism and the Bolivarian Revolution had been far from clear. Only days before had Chavez made the connection as necessary. Over the next few days during the World Festival of Youth and Students, Chavez would speak and develop this pro‑socialist perspective in more detail.

It seemed ground‑breaking. It was.

It took us ages to get out of the airport, to the "bed city" where we stayed and finally, down to a giant parade ground for the opening ceremonies. Who would have known, just a few years later, we would be looking into the newspaper and recognize the very same parade ground where his funeral procession would go, surrounded by hundreds of thousands.

Those parade grounds are at the bottom of a valley. The city is all around, then big steep hills rise up which become giant mountains in the distance. The hills are covered with the communities of the poor, the barrios.

Dusk fell. Then came the deep, black tropical darkness. Moving as a group, we slowly walked what seemed like a few miles, finally turning past a big podium. And then there he was. Hugo Chavez. The man himself. Full of life, surrounded by other youth leaders, welcoming the youth of the world who had assembled to raise high the banner of the festival: "for peace and solidarity, we struggle against imperialism and war."

It seemed the procession was regularly interrupted. Chavez had a few people from some of the delegations brought up to the podium. The US delegation's flag‑bearer, for example, received a giant bear‑hug. And then he spoke. For our tired bodies it seemed long. There was no translation.

"I was so young, I didn't appreciate how we were witnessing history," one former delegate told me the other day.

We looked up at the hills, and realized that the twinkling tiny network of lights in a few small areas must generally outline the rich communities with electricity, hostile to the Bolivarian Revolution, while the slopes which had fallen into darkness were its social base.

The festival was beginning. I personally didn't glimpse him again. But over the next week, in the voices and stories of all the youth involved in the Bolivarian process, it kind of felt like we were meeting with Chavez.

As the World Federation of Democratic Youth said, "the ones who die for life, shouldn't be called dead." Today those youth we met are eight years older. If they retain a tenth of the energy they had then, I am confident I will meet Chavez again.

Johan Boyden is the leader of the Young Communist League of Canada, which is helping organize a cross‑Canada delegation to the 18th World Festival of Youth and Students taking place late this year in Ecuador.

Harper mocks Chavez

Ted Snider, from Rabble.ca

Upon hearing the news of the death of Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez, Canada's prime minister, Stephen Harper had this to say:

Canada looks forward to working with his successor and other leaders in the region to build a hemisphere that is more prosperous, secure and democratic ... At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Prosperous? Democratic? Harper should take a better look not only at Chavez, but at himself, before he insensitively responds to the death of a man whom a majority of Venezuelans had just re-elected and lectures them on economics and democracy.

Prime Minister Harper prides himself on his economic prowess. But under his government, unemployment has increased from 6.8 per cent when he took office to the 7 per cent level it is at today. Harper has had seven years to improve unemployment, but his policies have done nothing. Chavez has cut unemployment amongst Venezuelans by more than half. In 1999, the year Chavez took office, unemployment was 18 per cent. By 2011 it had dropped to 8.2 per cent and by last year to about 6 per cent.

When it comes to cutting poverty, Harper has done somewhat better. But not as good as Chavez. When Harper took office in 2006, poverty levels stood at 15.9 per cent of Canadians. In 2012, it had improved to 9.4 per cent: an improvement of 40 per cent. However, in the last five years, since 2008, when the number had already improved to 10.8 per cent, Harper's policies have done little to improve poverty in Canada.

In Venezuela, poverty has dropped from 42.8 per cent when Chavez took office to 26.7 per cent -- a vast improvement of 37 per cent. However, according to economist Mark Weisbrot, Chavez did not really have control of the oil industry or the economy until 2003.

When measured from that date, when Chavez's policies began to have an effect on the economy, the improvement in poverty increases to 49.7 per cent. When extreme poverty is considered, the results are even more impressive. In 1999, 16.6 per cent of Venezuelans lived in extreme poverty; by 2011 that number had dropped to 7 per cent: an improvement of 57.8 per cent. And again, if you only look at the period that Chavez could realistically affect, the improvement was an incredible 70 per cent.

In terms of inequity in the economy, the score card for Harper is no better. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening in Canada. Under Harper, Canada's rich-poor gap is one of the fastest growing in the world, according to the Conference Board of Canada. The Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development says the gap between the top 10 per cent and the bottom 10 per cent is currently 10:1. In the early 1990s, it was only 8:1. The Gini index measures how much distribution of income deviates from being equal. Zero means everyone has the same income; one means one person has it all. So the lower the number, the better. Under Harper's administration, Canada's Gini index has been virtually unchanged. In Venezuela, under the Chavez administration, the Gini index has improved by about 17 per cent.

While Canada's economic growth stalled in 2012, Venezuela's continued to grow by 5.5 per cent. Though in the 20 years prior to Chavez's presidency, Venezuela had the worst performing economy in South America, since 2003, when Chavez's policies began to have an effect, Venezuela's economy has grown by more than 94 per cent.

As Harper has no right to criticize Chavez on economics, so he has no right to lecture Venezuelans on democracy. Aside from the insensitivity of expressing joy that Venezuelans can "build for themselves a better, brighter future" now that the man they four times overwhelmingly elected to majority governments has died, Harper's categorization of Chavez's government as not based on the principles of democracy requires as much unwillingness to look at reality as his economic criticism of Chavez.

While Harper was busy twice proroguing government, Chavez was holding fourteen national elections and referendums, taking his policies to the people for approval an average of once a year. Harper, however, literally suspended parliament in order to avoid a nonconfidence vote and hold on to power. And he lectures Chavez on democracy. What's worse is that Harper locked the doors on parliament to avoid discussion of diplomat Richard Colvin's strong evidence that Harper's government was handing Afghan detainees over to Afghan prisons known to torture. Good thing Harper also threw the bit about "rule of law" and "respect for human rights" into his eulogy for Chavez.

Harper's remarks mirror much of the western media, who have tarred Chavez's democratic credentials by consistently attaching the adjective dictator to his name with no evidence. But Chavez was no undemocratic dictator. Chavez won four consecutive elections and submitted many important decisions to national referendums. In every case, Chavez honoured the will of the people: even the one time that he lost, by the slimmest of margins, in the December 2007 referendum.

Though Harper says that Chavez's death ushers in the hope that Venezuela can now build a future based on the principles of democracy, Jimmy Carter said in 2012 that "of the ninety-two elections that we've monitored, I would say that the election process in Venezuela is the best in the world."

Venezuela has very high ratings of satisfaction with its democracy and of support for its government. Chavez's government has been marked by its distribution of power to local organizations. It is participatory and grassroots: entirely different from the U.S. backed dictatorships initiated in Venezuela by Woodrow Wilson and finally ended by Hugo Chavez.

Chavez has consistently won a majority of the vote. In 2006, he was re-elected by 63 per cent of the people. Thirteen years into his presidency, he still attracted over 54 per cent of the vote: a popular majority never attained by Harper.

The people elected him and reelected him because of his participatory style of democracy and because of the economic improvements and his care for the poor. He increased Venezuelans' access to education -- college enrollment doubled since 2004, with many students qualifying for free tuition -- and he increased access to health care for millions. These too are part of the better, brighter future that Chavez was delivering and Harper is dismissing.

So before Harper insensitively and arrogantly dyslogizes Chavez, he should take a closer look at Chavez, and at himself.

Ted Snider has his masters in philosophy and teaches high school English and politics in Toronto

WFDY: "We will live and overcome!"

President Hugo Chavez speaks at the anti-imperialist court, 16th WFYS 

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF DEMOCRATIC YOUTH TO THE FAMILY, YOUTH AND PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA FOR THE DEATH OF THE COMMANDANT AND PRESIDENT HUGO CHÁVEZ FRÍAS.

Relatives of the President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías. Venezuelan youth. People of Venezuela.With a deep sorrow we have received the new of the death of our comrade Mr. President Hugo Chávez Frías, one of the most loved leaders of America who consecrated his life in benefit of his nation and his people.

We remember the leader in the deepest sad moment with the youth of the world in the XVI World Festival of Youth and Students celebrated in the Bolivarian land in 2005, in the anti-imperialist court, heading the fight and the claim of the people against the imperialist and capitalist system attacks.

We remember him in his eternal fight for the independence and sovereignty of his people, for the unity of all Latin America and Caribbean. In this last years, even in the middle of the unexpected illness he continued in the building of his Revolution for destitute and forgotten as a sacred duty continuing the ideas of Bolivar, Hidalgo, José Martí, Che Guevara and all those heroes who had magnified the history of this large and great Latin-American homeland.

With his invaluable example, being a simple soldier who made his duty without asking privileges. Faced all the onslaught of betrayal, the enemies’ danger that also respected him, and received the love of all, especially youth. He was firm in every fight, always in defence of the neediest. His vibrant word, his infinite love to Venezuela, his sings and happiness, his passion for the people and his impassioned verses; will be the eloquent and exciting legacy of the poet when said: “The ones who die for life, shouldn't be called dead.”

In the name of all the member and friend organizations of the World Federation of Democratic Youth, we express the most honest condolences to all his relatives, to the Venezuelan youth and to all the brave people, who since knew the death offer him the most deserved tribute.Ever onward to victory!

We will live and overcome!

CC/HQ
Budapest, Hungary
March 5th, 2013

Cuba remembers Chavez: he has died, and not..

Iliana García Giraldino  (Siempre con Cuba/ICAP)

The news was truly devastating. The news of the Venezuelan Commander in Chief’s decease swept all across the world leaving an immense trail of sadness and pain that will always etch on the historical mind of humanity, where the eternal Bolivarian commander will remain alive for good.

The passionate hope worldwide that the president would overcome this battle against cancer disease, just faded at the very moment of his decease, which however can not defeat all the love emerged from the bottom of the beloved Hugo Chavez’ heart. That seed of love he planted and the love he has received and will receive from the peoples.

He has deceased and not. There is no way possible his ideas fade significance with his physical disappearance. The Venezuelan leader set an example of braveness and faith, the courage that always defined him, his integrationist thinking, his solidarity with the deprived, with the ones dropped out from society. The leader deserves a place of honour in the heavens of the heroes, from which he will enlighten the path of sovereignty, dignity and patriotism.

Venezuela mourns, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. Men of good will also weep. The whole Cuban people just shuddered at the harrowing news. Chávez was- and also belongs to Cuba, the island he felt deep love of, the island he felt he was part of, as well as he belonged to the cuban people. Chávez used to be one more cuban. He used to talk to Cubans with the sympathy and ease of an older brother.

His image next to Fidel, both smiling, is a symbol for the Cuban people. In that picture, and like in many others we know, is summed up the feelings of Cuba. Every time Chavez embraced Fidel and Raul, he embraced all cubans at the same time.

Cuba and Venezuela as one nation are grieving this ruthless moment.  The woes and sorrows felt by the Cuban people are felt in the most remote areas in Venezuela. Like brothers, we have to bear the pain. Like brothers will go on, faithful to Chavez’ ideas, the one who carried out and bolstered the Bolivarian Revolution, The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), PETROCARIBE, The CELAC, and popular health, sporting and cultural programs. He will live within the souls of the children and women he saved with sanitary programs, in the redeemed people of his beloved homeland.

As the lyrics of the song of Ali Primera ¨We will avoid the beautiful open door to life to be shut¨

Unity, unity, unity, was Commander in Chief’s legacy in his call to continue fighting regardless of the circumstances, the Bolivarian Revolution, and to continue building Socialism.

I can not imagine Chávez motionless. He will continue to deliver his speeches, quoting impassioned Bolivar’s phrases and José Marti’s verses, speaking with the people, carrying children in his arms, grinning to life, replying fiercely to whomever attempts to threaten the homeland, with his defiant stand facing the empire, caring with his family, holding hands with Fidel and Raúl, chanting the songs of Alí Primera, who in a song dedicated to Bolívar he expressed:

… who knows if you are ever seen over a star,  
with bright parrots enlightening the jungle,  
over the wet plantations shining its essence,  
with your horse of war galloping next to me, with your libertarian sword near me, with your shout of battle…

You are very close to everyone, beloved Commander, leading the peoples of the world from a star

Communist Party of Venezuela on death of Hugo Chavez

President Hugo Chavez Frias and Oscar Figuera, PCV general secretary

The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Venezuela, with deep sorrow over the passing of our President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, undisputed leader of the Bolivarian process in Venezuela, Latin America and the world, wishes to express its firm conviction to continue raising the flags of struggle for socialist revolution and revolutionary popular unity.

President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias dedicated his life to efforts that helped in the construction and defense of the country, seeking the conquest of a society of justice and freedom for the working people of Venezuela, Latin America and the world, who are facing global imperialism and its lackeys.

It is indisputable that our comrade president always took, with exemplary revolutionary discipline and selflessness, the difficult and demanding task of leading our country through the paths of the construction of a more just society, and assumed this task as a lifetime commitment.

From the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Venezuela we condemn the war politics and media manipulation undertaken by reactionary sectors of Venezuela, under the guidance of U.S. imperialism, the main enemy of the working class and all working people.

We call on the Venezuelan people, the revolutionary political and social forces to close ranks, to remain alert and vigilant against the claims of imperialism to create chaos and instability in our country. This is why we must demonstrate high levels of organization and disciplined mobilization of our people, building from all instances created in recent years.

We extend to his closest loved and those who loved him dearly in life, our expressions of solidarity and condolences, especially to his sons and daughter and other relatives.

The Political Bureau pays tribute to Comrade President Hugo Chavez , revolutionary who will forever be framed in the collective imagination of our country as an example of strength, dedication, courage and revolutionary greatness.

We call on the Venezuelan people to continue to strive for the courage, fortitude, unselfishness and infinite love for humanity and behavior specific to revolutionary action of Comrade President Hugo Chavez, to now and forever be an example to our people and new generations of fighters for life.

Congradulations to the Venezuelan People

Rebel Youth reprints this People's Voice Editorial and sends our best wishes to the Communist Youth of Venezuela and the youth of the PSUV.

     The October 7 election in Venezuela was a major victory for President Hugo Chavez, for working people and the poor in that country, and for the global movements for democracy, national liberation, social justice, peace, and revolutionary change. The "Great Patriotic Pole" (GPP) coalition which includes Chavez's PSUV, the Communist Party of Venezuela and other left forces won 54.4% of the popular vote, to 45% for the right-wing Democratic Unity candidate Henrique Apriles Radonski.

     This success was achieved under difficult circumstances for the Bolivarian Revolution, which faces complex challenges at a time of global capitalist crisis. The GPP was confronted not only by united domestic capital, but also by Yanqui imperialism and the world-wide corporate media. Absurdly posing as defenders of social justice, this counter-revolutionary alliance also engaged in vicious tactics, predicting that the outcome would be "razor thin" in hopes of provoking post-election violence.

     In the end, there was a record turnout and eight million Venezuelans cast their ballots for President Chavez, giving him a strong mandate for another six-year term. But already, capitalist media pundits in Canada are calling on Chavez to yield to the demands of his opponents. When was the last time these hypocrites ordered the dictatorial Stephen Harper to pay attention to the 61% of Canadians who voted against his destructive far-right policies?

     Despite such background noise, the outcome will strengthen progress towards socialism in Venezuela. The Bolivarian Revolution remains a bulwark of Latin America's rejection of domination by Washington, towards policies which put the interests of the people ahead of the greed of big capital. We congratulate the people of Venezuela for standing firm against the threats of imperialism!