Chavez seizes farms from wealthy landowners, to be run as peoples cooperatives

[The Vegan Marxist]

Chavez seizes farms from wealthy landowners, to be run as peoples cooperatives
By AL JAZEERA, April 11th 2011

Venezuelan agrarian land reforms continue. Publicly owned land has already been given to hundreds and thousands of farmers. Based on a 2001 land law that allows the government to expropriate land if judged either idle or unproductive, the Venezuelan government is now seizing privately owned farms in the country’s agricultural heartland. The government says the land will be used more efficiently, and workers’ conditions improved. The goal is to transform farms from profit-making enterprises benefiting a few people to co-operatives that support a much broader group of Venezuelans. The picture on the left was taken in 2005. The writing on the wall ‘Englishmen out’ was a movement to displace an English owned farm that was reportedly inefficient, with inadequate working conditions and did not create produce that was of any great benefit to Venezuela.

Text source: The Ecosocialist (http://www.theecosocialist.com/1/post/2011/04/venezuela-chavez-seizes-farms-from-wealthy-landowners-to-be-run-as-peoples-cooperatives.html)

YPpcsRYM2ms

http://venezuelanalysis.com/video/6124

[Sensible Socialist]

First housing cooperatives, and now more farming cooperatives? Things seem to be looking up in Venezuela. While I don't completely agree with the gradual style of Chavez, it's certainly refreshing to see more changes being made that give power to the people.

[IndependentCitizen]

Whilst this is great news, how about workers' controlled workplaces? As far as I'm aware, this isn't happening yet.

[RadioRaheem84]

Venezuela is truly the revolution we've been waiting for, albeit slow and rather reformist.

[The Vegan Marxist]

Whilst this is great news, how about workers' controlled workplaces? As far as I'm aware, this isn't happening yet.

Then you haven't been paying attention to Venezuela's news:

http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/5503

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/5369

Hell, you can find a whole list of articles pertaining to this topic:

http://venezuelanalysis.com/search/node/worker%20control

Of course, workers have been calling for GREATER worker control. Meaning, that there's already a presence of worker control management in Venezuela. They're just calling for more of it, which seems to be happening:

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/5504

[Klaatu]

What often happens in these small, powerless countries is that foreign imperialists come in and "farm" the land, and export most of the agriculturial products back to their uber-wealthy countries, sans much of any percentage of the wealth being paid back to the natives. That, or only a very few of the natives profit immensely (and these usually grab for power, crushing all in their path)

[The Vegan Marxist]

Venezuela is truly the revolution we've been waiting for, albeit slow and rather reformist.

Who's to say it should go by fast? Our impatience? Maybe taking this slow is reason for Venezuela's success!

[IndependentCitizen]

Then you haven't been paying attention to Venezuela's news:

http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/5503

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/5369

Hell, you can find a whole list of articles pertaining to this topic:

http://venezuelanalysis.com/search/node/worker%20control

Of course, workers have been calling for GREATER worker control. Meaning, that there's already a presence of worker control management in Venezuela. They're just calling for more of it, which seems to be happening:

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/5504

No, at the moment there's so much going on, I often don't get time to read up on news around the globe, whilst carrying out my normal routine. But thank you nonetheless for the links, shall bookmark them and give them a read later.

[Sensible Socialist]

Who's to say it should go by fast? Our impatience? Maybe taking this slow is reason for Venezuela's success!
With the United States and other foreign powers in the midst of several global wars, it's unlikely that they would make serious attempts to stop Chavez from instituting more socialist reforms. Years ago, the threat may have been greater, but I would assume that today, at least, he has more leeway.

[Volcanicity]

Whilst this is great news, how about workers' controlled workplaces? As far as I'm aware, this isn't happening yet.
More encouraging news from Venezuela.

These are the words of a sixty year old woman working in a co-operative in Venezuela producing textiles as part of an interview in Venezuela analysis:

CIRO RAMOS DE RODRIGUEZ: " I am sixty years old and I have never seen a government like this one. He is caring towards the poor, towards those who don't have things, to solve problems. This president wants that no one in this country is poor."

The full interview can be found here.
http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/6128.

[Imposter Marxist]

Chavez is a bourgeois man. These people's cooperatives are bourgeois.

[The Vegan Marxist]

Chavez is a bourgeois man. These people's cooperatives are bourgeois.

:confused:

Is that sarcasm or are you actually serious?

[Imposter Marxist]

:confused:

Is that sarcasm or are you actually serious?

Lol, sarcasm. :D

[The Vegan Marxist]

A commune-under-construction, Paula Correa, in Aragua, is based on 360 hectares of land recovered by the Venezuelan government and handed over to the people to run, in 2007. Using environmentally friendly techniques, the land is used to grow vegetables, which then go to the communities and to the government run distribution chains.The land was previously owned by large land holders (the Salazar family), who paid workers little, if anything at all, and who only grew sugar on it, a product that doesn't take advantage of the land available.

The government approached communal councils in the area, suggested they ran the land, and gave them training. The "social production unit" now uses a range of technology, and a combination of open air farming as well as "sheltered" or "protected" farms.

http://venezuelanalysis.com/images/6127

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0503.jpg
Growing tomatoes (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0468.jpg
Preparing the land for planting (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0486.jpg
The social production unit and home of the commune (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0491.jpg
The social production unit and home of the commune (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0506.jpg
Tomato plants. They also plant bazil, to help combate plagues (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0521.jpg
Compost or "worm farming" basins (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0528.jpg
A meeting of the 103 workers of the social production unit (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0533.jpg
The compost helps improve soil quality (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0541_0.jpg
Capsicums are distributed to the communities and to the government run food distribution networks. (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0555.jpg
Ivon Tovar talking to the government media (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0576.jpg
Jaime Gonzalez, in charge of compost (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0634.jpg
Production in these houses is multiplied three-fold. (YVKE Mundial- Félix González)

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0722.jpg
The "cultivation houses" also protect from plagues.

[Fulanito de Tal]

http://venezuelanalysis.com/files/imagecache/images_set/images/2011/04/_dsc0722.jpg
The "cultivation houses" also protect from plagues.

I love that sign!

[Blackscare]

Who's to say it should go by fast? Our impatience? Maybe taking this slow is reason for Venezuela's success!


True, I for one think that Stalin's main fault in preserving the long-term integrity of the revolution was his rapid, forced collectivization.


Well, it may not have been his main fault, but still pretty foolish.

[Thirsty Crow]

Who's to say it should go by fast? Our impatience? Maybe taking this slow is reason for Venezuela's success!
The precondition for Venezuealn workers' success is the international working class' success.
In other words, Venezuela is still integrated within the global market, and it cannot abolish the social relations which are rooted in productive relations corresponding precisely to the operation of the world market.

International revolution or bust.

This should be kept in mind while still positively assessing the changes taking place in Venezuela.

[The Vegan Marxist]

I really don't have time dealing with idealist theories like Trotsky's "permanent revolution". Telling people that they won't be able to achieve socialism without an international revolution, no one will be able to see or feel socialism for many more centuries.

[Goatpie]

This has really made my week. This is real progress and the people seem happy and atleast their goverments are doing something :)

[Gorilla]

The precondition for Venezuealn workers' success is the international working class' success.
In other words, Venezuela is still integrated within the global market, and it cannot abolish the social relations which are rooted in productive relations corresponding precisely to the operation of the world market.

International revolution or bust.

This should be kept in mind while still positively assessing the changes taking place in Venezuela.

Practically speaking, what does this mean Venezuelan revolutionaries should be doing differently?

[Thirsty Crow]

I really don't have time dealing with idealist theories like Trotsky's "permanent revolution". Telling people that they won't be able to achieve socialism without an international revolution, no one will be able to see or feel socialism for many more centuries.
See, you just keep repeating the same mistake: labelling a theory "idealist" when it arises out of a clearly materialist analysis of capitalism as a world system (in fact, I didn't even refer to Trotsky's theory; it rather a simple conclusion drawn from Marx's analysis of capitalism which was adopted by the workers' movement early on, and it figured especially within the Second International). And this simple fact does not imply that I hold the position which states that a simultaneous revolution is necessary. But in your overly simplified view on revolutionary sstruggle, you cling on to two basic positions: either a simultaneous global revolution or socialism in one country. That is a false dilemma which betrays your lack of knowledge which may contribute to a sound theoretical basis.

By doing so, you reproduce the same analytical mistakes which contributed to the total disaster that was the revolutionary ferment at the end of WWI. Moreover, you do not even pretend to support the conscious actions aimed at international development of workers' struggles which necessarily leads to an uncritical glorification of Chavez's measures (and do note that I did not oppose these measures).

There are structural limits to the developments in Venezuela. Once these are reached, it'd be better if everyone involved would be well equipped with some basic knowledge and organizational capacities for transcending them. If this does not happen, all you will be left with is capitalist restructuring, massive social crisis and a complete lack of any kind of a platform from which and for which workers may act. In other words - another disaster.


Practically speaking, what does this mean Venezuelan revolutionaries should be doing differently?
For one thing, they may put a pressure on their deformed ideological cousins in Bolivia who are currently instigating a degree of neoliberal austerity measures.

http://www.isreview.org/issues/73/feat-bolivia.shtml

[RedSonRising]

Haha yeaaaaaah expropriate those fools!! Finally some action. I liked those reforms and all but I was getting restless for some more meaningful changes in social relations in the workplace.

You know, Venezuela has been struggling a lot with inflation and a lack of maintanence of facilities because nobody wants to invest (which of course is a priority only from a capitalist point of view), but the structure of the state wasn't socialistically developed enough to pick up the slack in most communities and redistribute the wealth or empower the locals to do so...hence the 'worst' of both worlds for a while. Hopefully this rough transition patch gets smoothed over by an acceleration of the revolutionary process in a positive way.

[L.A.P.]

who's to say it should go by fast? Our impatience? Maybe taking this slow is reason for venezuela's success!

liberal!

[Gorilla]

For one thing, they may put a pressure on their deformed ideological cousins in Bolivia who are currently instigating a degree of neoliberal austerity measures.

http://www.isreview.org/issues/73/feat-bolivia.shtml

Well, yeah, that sounds like a good idea but given that we started out with this...


The precondition for Venezuealn workers' success is the international working class' success.
In other words, Venezuela is still integrated within the global market, and it cannot abolish the social relations which are rooted in productive relations corresponding precisely to the operation of the world market.

International revolution or bust.

This should be kept in mind while still positively assessing the changes taking place in Venezuela.

I was hoping for something with a little more bang-pow in it.

[Arilou Lalee'lay]

I tend to agree that it's all or nothing. Eventually, a capitalist power will probably just invade Venezuela if their movement develops much. Probably. That doesn't mean all tactics shouldn't be tried and tried again.

Still, hell yes, kick the bastards off!

Chavez is the most successful reformist I know of, despite what, imo, are huge gaps in his thoeretical knowledge. His rise should be closely studied, and when similar landscapes of discontent and poverty exist in parts of our own countries, emulated.

[The Vegan Marxist]

liberal!

Then I guess I'm one of those liberals who were closeted socialists like Norman Thomas talked about. :thumbup:

[Fulanito de Tal]

I really don't have time dealing with idealist theories like Trotsky's "permanent revolution". Telling people that they won't be able to achieve socialism without an international revolution, no one will be able to see or feel socialism for many more centuries.

This is probably one of my favorite posts on this site ever. :thumbup:

[Sperm-Doll Setsuna]

True, I for one think that Stalin's main fault in preserving the long-term integrity of the revolution was his rapid, forced collectivization.


Well, it may not have been his main fault, but still pretty foolish.

It sure was a mistake to drive the collective farms so hard, but I don't think the issue was that it was forced or rapid but that it was done in a manner that created a significant deficit of tools and resources for agriculture. Not to mention that living conditions on the collective farms ended up being pretty harsh and in some cases made people remain more or less reliant on subsistence farming. Stalin should have gone for a lot more sovkhozy over the kolkhozy.

[Die Neue Zeit]

True, I for one think that Stalin's main fault in preserving the long-term integrity of the revolution was his rapid, forced collectivization.

Well, it may not have been his main fault, but still pretty foolish.

His fault was in kolkhozization, not in sovkhozization.

Venezuela really needs a lot more state farms and less private and collective farms. Chavez could use some technical farming advice from his buddy Lukashenko. :(

[agnixie]

His fault was in kolkhozization, not in sovkhozization.

Venezuela really needs a lot more state farms and less private and collective farms. Chavez could use some technical farming advice from his buddy Lukashenko. :(

Yes, obviously, because state bureaucracy is known to universally benefit the workers instead of reinforcing the notion of a middle class/worker divide and only benefitting itself.

Collective > state.

Also good to see the next step in the agrarian reforms.

[Sperm-Doll Setsuna]

Yes, obviously, because state bureaucracy is known to universally benefit the workers instead of reinforcing the notion of a middle class/worker divide and only benefitting itself.

Collective > state.

Oh please. Those are enterprises of production, they are not inherent bureaucracies. Infact the employees of a kolhozy are more like land-bound peasants than the free workers of a sovkhozy, and this is why a sovkhozy is preferable.

[DaringMehring]

The "Bolivarian" process is fascinating to me. It is a mix of Marxism and indiginism-nationalism that has charted a twisted path; but appears always to be pushing in the direction of progress and human gain. Chavez has made huge strides, legalizing formerly "invisible" Venezuelans who were not official citizens, and starting health and public education programs. He has also shown some twitches of trying to legally direct the formation of commune-like social structures.

At the same time, he operates within a capitalist state which is itself enclosed in a capitalist world. The questions of -- can socialism ever be made by reforms in these conditions? and -- can socialism be made from direction from above? and -- does directing "socialism" from above in a capitalist state usually lead to defusing and stealing the steam of a socialist groundswell movement? have usually been answered no, no, and yes, by Marxists. Therefore, the historical role of Chavez and the Bolivarian process is not clear.

The whole thing is amazingly dynamic (mainly between Chavez, the populist base, and the socialist base, and also in the attacks by the right and the interference of US imperialism). The situation could change in a big way, quickly. My tentative understanding is that Venezuela can only achieve socialism through the permanent revolution, in which it makes a revolutionary break at some point when the proletariat is matured enough, and then quickly helps spread the revolution to other countries.

Chavez has stated that he believes in permanent revolution. His actions with ALBA certainly seem like an appropriate precursor, and his actions helping to form commune-like structures also seem like a good move to make in preparation of the proletarian revolution. BUT --- will it all get stuck and die out in the "Bolivarian" phase? Will Chavez begin to delay and prevent the socialist revolution, and try to take the path of indefinite, slow manipulations of capitalism? Will outside powers overpower the masses of the country, and turn them right by force or by propaganda?

The whole thing is a huge "stay tuned" to me. There are too many factors for me to offer a prediction.

But --- always in solidarity with the exploited of Venezuela and the world!

[Nolan]

Trotskyist Permanent Revolution: No one moves until everyone else moves. TOTALLY MAKES SENSE.



Anyway, Venezuelan reactionaries are starting to lose faith in electoral politics, at least that's the impression I get. I think if Chavez blows them out of the water again we'll start seeing armed groups with MUD (lol) backing.

[DaringMehring]

Trotskyist Permanent Revolution: No one moves until everyone else moves. TOTALLY MAKES SENSE.


That is an obvious straw man. But this isn't history/theory, so I'll just say, I stand by what I said. To establish socialism Venezuela has to 1) jump the stage of capitalism at some point before turning into a fully industrialized country with first-world standards, 2) spearhead a revolutionary push that includes other countries at least in the region & aims for the destruction of capitalism worldwide.

If you disagree on either point, I'd like to hear why.

[Nolan]

That is an obvious straw man. But this isn't history/theory, so I'll just say, I stand by what I said. To establish socialism Venezuela has to 1) jump the stage of capitalism at some point before turning into a fully industrialized country with first-world standards, 2) spearhead a revolutionary push that includes other countries at least in the region & aims for the destruction of capitalism worldwide.

If you disagree on either point, I'd like to hear why.

I don't disagree, but Venezuela is not going to establish socialism. We might as well be talking about Colombia only class consciousness is supposedly much higher in Venezuela.

Chavez is bourgeois to a degree most people don't understand. Venezuela is building a social democracy, and this is the only example in modern history where bourgeois democracy has been forced to live up to its stated ideals to such a great extent. But it can only go so far.

[ellipsis]

YES agrarian reform. Use/redistribution of fallow lands and other means of production is a necessary part of a successful revolution.

[Fulanito de Tal]

The "Bolivarian" process is fascinating to me. It is a mix of Marxism and indiginism-nationalism that has charted a twisted path; but appears always to be pushing in the direction of progress and human gain. Chavez has made huge strides, legalizing formerly "invisible" Venezuelans who were not official citizens, and starting health and public education programs. He has also shown some twitches of trying to legally direct the formation of commune-like social structures.

At the same time, he operates within a capitalist state which is itself enclosed in a capitalist world. The questions of -- can socialism ever be made by reforms in these conditions? and -- can socialism be made from direction from above? and -- does directing "socialism" from above in a capitalist state usually lead to defusing and stealing the steam of a socialist groundswell movement? have usually been answered no, no, and yes, by Marxists. Therefore, the historical role of Chavez and the Bolivarian process is not clear.

I agree. Chavez's accomplishments will be a definite contribution to Marxist theory. Until know, the outcomes of Guzman, Mosaddegh, and Allende have been used to support that communism can only be achieve with a violent overthrow of the bourgeoisie. However, if he accomplishes it in incremental steps, we'll have to a have international conference like the one when Einstein published his theory of relativity.

[The Vegan Marxist]

Venezuela is building a social democracy, and this is the only example in modern history where bourgeois democracy has been forced to live up to its stated ideals to such a great extent. But it can only go so far.

Sweden is a social-democracy. One of the most social-democratic country in the world. But Venezuela tops Sweden in almost every area. To state that Venezuela will not achieve socialism because it doesn't apply to our current mindset on Marxist theory is dogmatic. I too have my doubts and skepticism, but I don't outright state socialism cannot be achieved in Venezuela due to said reasons stated above.

[coda]

Yes, agree that it can only go so far in relation to the limitations put upon them by the Capitalist world Market. Unless, Venezuela is totally self-sustaining needing nothing outside itself, then it will continue to be subservient to the command of fluctuating market prices and Venezuela's demands upon it, much like what is happening in Cuba right now. That is neither Chavez' or Castro's fault at all, but the impersonal way that Capitalism deeply entrenches into every facet of existence. There is no escaping it but by complete overthrow.

But looks very promising that some decent movement is happening there in the right direction with the cooperative farming and work councils.

They also have great and expanding international humanitarian aid initiatives giving millions of gallons of free oil for home heating programs in the US of people affected by Hurricanes Katrina & Rita, low income and poverty.

http://venezuela-us.org/live/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/01-25-2011-FS-CITGO-Venezuela-Heating-Oil-Program.pdf

[Rafiq]

I really don't have time dealing with idealist theories like Trotsky's "permanent revolution". Telling people that they won't be able to achieve socialism without an international revolution, no one will be able to see or feel socialism for many more centuries.

It's not that I think you won't be able to achieve some of it, it's that I believe it's not going to last very long without a workers international revolution.

[pranabjyoti]

It's not that I think you won't be able to achieve some of it, it's that I believe it's not going to last very long without a workers international revolution.
Those who call themselves followers of Trotsky just unable to understand one thing. THE WORLD REVOLUTION IS ALREADY STARTED AND WIN IN ONE COUNTRY MEANS A WIN IN A FRONT. Basically, I like to call the "permanent revolution" theory of Trotsky to be "overnight revolution" in which everything worldwide will be settled with a single fight. It's basically just the inability to understand that the war is long and will continue for a long time. In such a scenario, the first and foremost duty of every revolutionary is to gather the fruits of victory in a single front and make it a stronghold to go for the next front.

[Dimmu]

Looks really promising, i hope that these reforms continue. Lets hope for a prospering country based on socialist ideas!

[Ismail]

As a note in regards to Stalin and the collectivization dispute, it was primarily done to increase productivity first and foremost. The government had 3 choices: state farms, collective farms, and cooperative forums. The lattermost was the most desired for obvious reasons, but Stalin noted that the peasantry was not organized enough to allow for that on a large scale. State farming was seen as the next best thing, but many peasants resented being turned into farm workers receiving regular wages and it would have required a lot of agro-industrial investment that didn't yet exist. Collectives were seen as the best option since they allowed a peasant to retain his or her character while also bringing an end to any possible exploitative relationships, not to mention that the expected coordinated mechanization and so on of large hectares of combined land would have benefited production nicely.

Venezuela doesn't face the problems the USSR did, nor the circumstances. The USSR had the fear of chronic food shortages pre-collectivization and the peasantry were not efficient at what they did, not to mention differences in numbers, landmass, etc.

But yeah, this is a nice development for Venezuela.

[pranabjyoti]

As a note in regards to Stalin and the collectivization dispute, it was primarily done to increase productivity first and foremost. The government had 3 choices: state farms, collective farms, and cooperative forums. The lattermost was the most desired for obvious reasons, but Stalin noted that the peasantry was not organized enough to allow for that on a large scale. State farming was seen as the next best thing, but many peasants resented being turned into farm workers receiving regular wages and it would have required a lot of agro-industrial investment that didn't yet exist. Collectives were seen as the best option since they allowed a peasant to retain his or her character while also bringing an end to any possible exploitative relationships, not to mention that the expected coordinated mechanization and so on of large hectares of combined land would have benefited production nicely.

Venezuela doesn't face the problems the USSR did, nor the circumstances. The USSR had the fear of chronic food shortages pre-collectivization and the peasantry were not efficient at what they did, not to mention differences in numbers, landmass, etc.

But yeah, this is a nice development for Venezuela.
That's the best short analysis of the comparison between USSR under Stalin and present Venezuela. I am sure, if Chavez was in leadership of USSR during the 30's, he should also opt for collectivization. Basically, what he is doing is collectivization in the Venezuelan way.

[I.O.T.M]

Good stuff, this has made me reconsider my opinions on Chavez.

[Thirsty Crow]

It's not that I think you won't be able to achieve some of it, it's that I believe it's not going to last very long without a workers international revolution.
Oh it can last. Just look at North Korea. That's exactly what the working class of Venezuela need.

[SacRedMan]

Oh it can last. Just look at North Korea. That's exactly what the working class of Venezuela need.

Why should we take north Korea as example?

[Thirsty Crow]

Why should we take north Korea as example?
Because that's what happens when a country aiming at socialism remains in isolation (and isolation, that is, autarky is needed if any country is to withdraw from the capitalist world market).
Of course, I'm simplifying things. But the point is - autarky does not and can not work nowadays.

[stella2010]

Whilst this is great news, how about workers' controlled workplaces? As far as I'm aware, this isn't happening yet.

There is always support around the corner. Great news. I like it..

[AmericanSocialist]

Chavez is continually making efforts to form a socialists state. The critics are very unfair to him. What he has done is to me become a Castro in Latin America causing good changes. Yes it may be slow, but look how it is all falling into place. Long live Chavez fow sho man.

[The Vegan Marxist]

Oh it can last. Just look at North Korea. That's exactly what the working class of Venezuela need.

I'm all for supporting the DPRK, but we shouldn't kid ourselves with statements like the DPRK's model of socialism being the best of models. It's not too great, because it's addressing terrible conditions no one wants to go through. I seriously doubt Venezuela wants to revolve around those conditions. Really, I doubt Venezuela could ever go that far in isolation, because:

Venezuela isn't connected to a military power being aided by the imperialists; and
Unlike the DPRK, Venezuela is surrounded by anti-imperialist allies.

[Thirsty Crow]

I'm all for supporting the DPRK, but we shouldn't kid ourselves with statements like the DPRK's model of socialism being the best of models. It's not too great, because it's addressing terrible conditions no one wants to go through. I seriously doubt Venezuela wants to revolve around those conditions. Really, I doubt Venezuela could ever go that far in isolation, because:

Venezuela isn't connected to a military power being aided by the imperialists; and
Unlike the DPRK, Venezuela is surrounded by anti-imperialist allies.

There is no "DPRK's model" of socialism. There is only a terrible situation afflicting a group of people who organized and aimed at constructing a different society (and the result is the ruling militarist clique).
Venezuela's "anti-imperialist allies" may also transform according to the dictates of those institutions and governments which function as effective managers of global capitalism. In such a scenario, if the regime is bent on preserving the established institutions which function as limits to the national bourgeoisie, the only possible scenario would include a "siege state" like DPRK.

[Ocean Seal]

It might not be instant, it might not yet be socialist, but I know one thing for sure: the world needs more people like Hugo Chavez.