Chavez and Venezuela

[Manic Impressive]

So I'm a big supporter of what Chavez is trying to achieve in Venezuela. I see the situation there as a real step towards socialism and a real show of defiance towards the imperialism of the super powers.

However, some comrades I have spoken to have claimed he has attacked the working class and conditions have actually deteriorated under his term. Another comrade has claimed he has cosyed up to Russian imperialism. I would like some sources to back up these claims. While I can see the view-point that he may be reformist I have to question whether a violent revolution is a prerequisite of forming a socialist state especially in modern times. I would say Chavez is a democratic socialist not a social democrat. If you disagree please dish up a big spoon full of education to me.

[Armchair War Criminal]

However, some comrades I have spoken to have claimed he has attacked the working class and conditions have actually deteriorated under his term. Another comrade has claimed he has cosyed up to Russian imperialism.
Conditions have gotten better in some areas (especially for the poor) and worse in other areas. The sober fact, often muddled by the strong feelings on all sides, is that the state of Venezuela's economy has more to do with the price of oil than government policies. When oil was dear Chavez didn't have to worry about majoritarian support, even if he did have to worry about coups; now that it's cheap the PSUV is having difficulties holding onto its coalition.

Geopolitical alignment with Russia is a completely reasonable thing for a Latin American energy exporter to do.

[TwoSevensClash]

I'm more annoyed by him shacking up with Iran. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad supports the hanging of homosexuals and that shit is wrong!! Its annoying watching him do many good things then to hangout with this brute.

[Barry Lyndon]

There have been great improvements for the poor in Venezuela over the last decade, I believe poverty has been reduced by half, and the lower classes receive social services such as free medical care, education, etc that they didn't have before.
The problem is that for all the advances towards socialism, there remains a capitalist class in Venezuela which wants to destroy the revolution, and is receiving huge amounts of money from the US to undermine Chavez and the PSUV. To intimidate Chavez the US has built military bases close to Venezuela's border in Colombia.
In the face of these threats, and with their no longer being a USSR, Venezuela is basically reaching out to anyone who is currently opposed to US imperialism as an ally. So unfortunately it leads to Venezuela having relations with some pretty unsavory people, like Iran, Russia, Zimbabwe, and China.
I don't think it's Venezuela's fault that the world situation is like that, but its reality.

[RadioRaheem84]

The situation is simple. There is is still capitalism in Venezuela and it is at constant odds with the society the PSUV has set up right next to it. They undermine it in more ways than one and the government has to meet their moves at every turn. They have to deal with price speculation on food, company-management strikes (business strikes), inflation, etc.

This is what sucks about seeking socialism through a parliamentary route.

[Manic Impressive]

I was really expecting some negative responses about Chavez and I've never heard that side of the argument. I know there are some comrades out there who don't see things the same way so I'd like to hear their thoughts. anyone?

[PoliticalNightmare]

Another comrade has claimed he has cosyed up to Russian imperialism.

I'd like to address this point. This is not a completely unreasonable thing to do: when you have socialism in just one or very few countries, it is difficult to form trade links with the surrounding, world wide, hostile capitalist market.

So Chavez policy is to form trade links with countries that he may not necessarily agree with, politically wise. By doing so he can help support his economy. These are usually countries that are anti-Americans. His policy therefore is 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

One can criticise this point, certainly, but you have to keep in mind that Chavez has a country full of mouths to feed and the situation is not easy for him.


This is what sucks about seeking socialism through a parliamentary route.

Agreed.