To put it bluntly that was a fuking great article comrade thanks.
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This is an article i've written for a speech i'll be doing on Venezuela at a few public meetings. Enjoy.
When we speak of revolutions, and in particular socialist revolutions, we are immediately prone to discussing events like the Russian revolution of 1917 or the Paris Commune of 1871. These of course were great events, hugely significant to the movement and should be studied carefully. However, if we are to speak of revolution in the present day then we can look towards Latin America, and in particular Venezuela for a prime example of the masses taking direct control over their lives.
The left populist president Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998 in an unexpected landslide victory. Venezuela is a country rich in resources and is a large oil supplier to the United States. Yet, under capitalism the wealth of the country did not filter down to those who worked, the state run oil company was managed like a private company and it’s aim was to line the pockets of managers and other such bureaucrats. Chavez promised to use the wealth and resources of Venezuela to tackle poverty, illiteracy and other problems facing the Venezuelan people. Instantly this set him on a collision course with the oligarchy that have lived so well sucking the working class dry, and of course US imperialism which correctly saw Chavez and his followers as a great threat to their interests in Latin America and worldwide.
Gains of the revolution
The Venezuelan revolution is unique in a sense, the fact that an elected government has played extremely positive role acting as a catalyst for change is something that is rarely, if ever seen. Since the election of Hugo Chavez in 1998 many tremendous gains have been won for the people of Venezuela.
One million additional children have been brought into the education system, 657 new schools were built and 36,000 additional teachers hired (the education budget has more than doubled in just two years). Four universities have been created since 1998 and three million people enrolled in literacy and education programs.
2.2 hectares (5.5 million acres) of land have been distributed to 116,000 families organised in co-operatives.
Health programmes have targeted 17 million Venezuelans. With over 13,000 Cuban doctors now in Venezuela, some 1.2 million people who had originally been denied health care have been treated in health centres.
A new Bolivarian Constitution also guarantees the public ownership of Venezuela’s oil and the distribution of wealth to all citizens.
The opposition
We live in the age of imperialism, imperialism being the highest stage of capitalism. Because capitalism still exists in Venezuela, and because of the global nature of imperialism any radical left movements such as the Bolivarian revolution of Venezuela will be naturally opposed by US imperialism and the capitalist classes of Latin America who view the movement as a colossal thread to their comfortable lifestyle (at the expense of workers and indigenous peasants).
It was clear from the start that capitalism would use any means necessary to defend itself by attempting to crush the Bolivarian revolution. If President Chavez was guilty of one thing it might be that he was too soft on the right wingers and money men who financed campaigns against him through the many private television channels of the country, spreading poisonous lies and slander at every opportunity. Chavez on the other hand, until very recently had relied on one single state television channel to get his message across. The fact that he maintained massive levels of support throughout this speaks words in itself.
The opposition, backed heavily by US imperialism, has tried many dirty underhand tricks to destabilise and overthrow Chavez and crush the revolution. One of the most significant was the Bosses lock outs which began around December of 2001 where major factories and workplaces were closed to the workers in an attempt to ‘create’ a general strike. Whilst these events took place the opposition made further plans, along with the US government to oust Chavez in a Coup d'état.
The coup was carried out following the events of April 11th 2002, when a demonstration said to be 350,000-strong was organised against the Chavez government. Since the media in Venezuela are virulently anti-Chavez, this figure is almost certainly exaggerated. Press agency reports put the real number as no more than 50,000. Government security forces and pro-Chavez militia were alleged to have fired into a crowd of unarmed anti-Chavez protesters, killing 15 and wounding 157 people. The right wing used this as an excuse to demand the resignation of President Hugo Chavez. But in fact, later reports have indicated that most of those killed were pro-Chavez demonstrators who were apparently shot by snipers on rooftops. The whole thing was a manifest provocation.
The class interests behind the coup were obvious. The head of the counter-revolutionary government was a wealthy businessman, Pedro Carmona - the chief of the bosses' association. His first action was to rescind Chavez's so-called anti-investment laws - that is, all those laws intended to defend Venezuela's interests and raise the living standards of the masses. The corrupt and rotten Venezuelan bourgeoisie is incapable of playing a progressive role. Its plans would signify putting the country and its considerable oil wealth firmly in the grasp of US imperialism. The PDVSA managers had already drawn up a plan for restoring and expanding production that could bring Venezuela 300,000 barrels per day above its OPEC quota.
Defeat of the Coup
The anger and astonishment of the Venezuelan masses and supporters of Chavez sparked immediate protests all over the country and in particular in Caracas. It wasn’t long before hundreds of thousands of people had gathered outside the presidential palace demanding the return of Chavez, the Man they had democratically chosen to lead the country.
As the newly formed and self proclaimed ‘government’ inside grew increasingly concerned and began to argue as the wheels came off their plan, a number of soldiers inside the palace who had remained loyal to Chavez decided to take action, they arrested the feuding coup hopefuls locking most of them up in rooms inside the palace, unfortunately however Carmona and a handful of leading opposition figures managed to escape somehow. The soldiers soon appeared on the palace roof flying the Venezuelan flag to the euphoria of the masses outside. As Chavez’s government ministers began to return one by one plans were made to bring the President back by helicopter from the island in which the opposition had been holding him captive. It wasn’t long before joyful scenes of celebration unfolded as Chavez returned, the opposition had suffered a crushing defeat.
The referendum
As expected, the opposition regrouped and planned their next attack. They aimed to take advantage of the democratic Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela to collect just under two and a half million signatures which would enable them to force
a presidential recall referendum. After much campaigning and controversy – it was reported that they were forging the signatures of mentally ill people and even dead people to further their cause – a referendum was granted by Chavez much to the anger and disappointment of the masses. Although their frustration soon turned to determination as the Bolivarian circles, workers community groups, trade unionists and militant students began to prepare for the election and to deliver another heavy blow to the corrupt and stubborn opposition.
On Monday 16th August 2004 the blow was delivered Chavez had won by a massive 60%. Again it was the key role of the masses that held firm the revolutionary principles and kept Venezuela on track to build a socialist society of workers and peasants democracy. Although the opposition have been battered and bruised by the masses they will not give up, and in order to safeguard the heroic gains of the revolution efforts must be stepped up to abolish capitalism and remove the remaining powers of the vultures who uphold it.
Forwards to socialism
“Everyday I become more convinced, there is no doubt in my mind, and as many intellectuals have said, that it is necessary to transcend capitalism. But capitalism can’t be transcended from within capitalism itself, but through socialism, true socialism, with equality and justice. But I’m also convinced that it is possible to do it under democracy, but not in the type of democracy being imposed from Washington,”
These were the words of President Hugo Chavez recently, reaffirming his growing determination to fight alongside the working classes to rid Venezuela, Latin America and ultimately the entire planet of the rotting, decaying barbaric capitalist system that has long since ran out of any usefulness to mankind as a whole.
This year has seen a much needed move towards the building of socialism with a number of nationalisations taking place in major factories such as Venepal. Moves like these are designed for workplaces to be co-run by the State and the workers and can result in much needed progress and better conditions for all. If we look at a classic example of workers control, the Zanon ceramics factory in Argentina which was originally closed down by the owners claiming it wasn't making enough profit, the plant's former workers simply occupied it themselves and went back to work. Since then the cooperative running the factory, situated in Neuqeun Province in Argentina's Patagonia region, has taken on 50 per cent more workers than was the case under the previous management and overseen a 300 per cent increase in production levels. Workers at the factory have also built a health clinic for the local community, who had waited 20 years for the government to provide such a facility.
Here we witness the magnificent benefits of workers control, but this is just a single factory. When you imagine the possibilities of having an entire country or continent ran in such a manner you will understand why the imperialists are so incredibly terrified and taking such extreme measures to attempt to defeat the revolution before it can reach a point of no return – this would see the permanent defeat of imperialism and an end to poverty and suffering on a worldwide scale. We must throw our weight behind this revolution, not only as the Venezuelan revolution but as the beginning of the worldwide revolution, the final uprising of the working classes and the realization of our dreams of socialism, freedom and liberation.
John4Leader
Socialist Youth Network Forum
Socialist Youth Network
"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change."
Malcolm X
To put it bluntly that was a fuking great article comrade thanks.
merci
John4Leader
Socialist Youth Network Forum
Socialist Youth Network
"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change."
Malcolm X
Nice article. I like Chavez, and this goes to show Democracy can work.
Nice article. It sumurisses the situation in venezuela well. Maybe all these anti-chavez people could actually read this instead of branding him an enemy of the working class?
In what relations do the Communists stand to the proletarians as a whole? The Communists do not form a separate party opposed to other working class parties. They have no interests separate and apart from those of the proletariat as a whole. They do not set up any sectarian principles of their own, by which to shape and mould the proletarian movement.
-Karl Marx
It is only by strengthening ourselves ideologically, inculcating in ourselves the values and ideals of the struggle and building up the ranks of the revolutionary party that we will make it.
- Ta Power
I remain skeptical of the participation and reliance on bourgeosie democracy. As mentioned in the article, it hardly ever goes to the people's benefit and it may only be a small amount of time before the same thing happens here.
If it works more power to them I guess, any opposition to US imperialism would be nice.
As far as socialism goes maybe it will bring about something of the sort. I am not sure, however, that it is actually increasing the class consciousness of people and doing something for the international communist revolution.
Where will u be do your speech.
Workers of the World Unite, you have nothing to Lose but your Chains.
-Karl Marx
Death to this Capitalist system
I liked this article. Where di you get your figures from? It would be good to know if I end up having to do some research, where I can find info that is not distorted. As for Chavez, I was reading a couple articles from Greg Palast about him, and what is so interesting about this situation is the complete difference between the supporters and dissenters. It is Rich/Foreign-Blood vs. Poor/Native, and the poor are comming out in droves. The situation in Caracas, with the "shanty towns" reminds me of another article I read that was making a link between these towns around the world and Marx's definition of the Proletariat.
The land of the free,
Whoever told you that was your enemy
Venezuela, is getting poorest than before, no matter how many barriels of oil produce every day and no matter what price them sale, Chavez is destroy the Venezuela economy like before with corrupt 30 years democracy.
I feel very sad to see that a country with all this resources don,t have any direction, Most of the people belived in Chavez, but now most of them relised was a mistake.
Venezuela without oil now for sure colapse. We can't compare Ernesto Che Guevara with a Chavez, is ridiculous.
Chavez divided Venezuela in 2 groups, I finished with right of prived properties, most of the people become more poor and economy is getting worst. I was Chavez suported before, but corrupcion is now part of working class.
Well "Ben", I must say of all the half smart opposition supporters I've had the misfortune of coming across you are by far the most dense.
Let me introduce you to the idea of DEBATE, you see in order to have one it is neccesary to provide EVIDENCE of your insane claims, simply saying that Venezuelans are "poorer" under Chavez, even with all of the revolutions social programs and benefits will not cut it.
The "economy" is getting worse hey, well seeing as Venezuela is steering a course counter to that of the united states and its allies in the IMF this is hardly suprising, what is truly important however is that Venezuelans are now finally in control of their own resources and means of production, building socialism, so bollocks to the economy.
Oh and by the way, Chavez has not "divided Venezuela into two groups", capitalism did that, and will continue to until the transition to socialism is complete.
So please go and die, thanks.
Hasta la victoria siempre!
Until the Victory always!
STOP APEC!!
Resistance Socialist Youth-Green Left Weekly-Venezuela Solidarity
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/
Check out the above websit, this is a avery good source for further research they also have all the figures.
yes, comrades let us support the venezuelan revolution, as it can ultimately lead to our revolution. remember, anything is possible if you have ur heart on it. also, remember that we outnumber the bourgeoisie by huuuge numbers. so pray for chavez, pray for latin america, and pray for TRUE equality and justice in the us and the world. hasta la victoria siempre!
Kasama Project- We Are the Ones
South Asia Revolution - Information Project
Kasama Threads
"Settle your quarrels, come together, understand the reality of our situation, understand that fascism is already here, that people are dying who could be saved, that generations more will live poor butchered half-lives if you fail to act. Do what must be done, discover your humanity and your love in revolution." - George Jackson
companeros... the venezuelan revolutions is gonna trigger the whole latin american revolution just like che predicted it... his plan was to spark the rev in bolivia so it would spread around latin american like fire.. thats why im chavez he seen honest and doing thing to try to help.. im from the dominican republic and chavez helped us by lowering the oil prices by cutting supplys on USA. so to me the venezuela revolution its the tickets for a massive rev from venzuela to latin america africa then europe but lets not get ahead of ourself first lets work with chavez..... sorry for my grammar not good in ingles
HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE, Patria o Muerte. CHE
"El campesino tenía hambre, padecía miseria, sufría explotación y si se levantó en armas fue para obtener el pan que la avidez del rico le negaba... Se lanzó a la revuelta no para conquistar ilusorios derechos políticos que no dan de comer, sino para procurar el pedazo de tierra que ha de proporcionarle alimento y libertad, un hogar dichosos y un porvenir de independencia y en agradecimiento". Emiliano Zapata
its okay man. you dont have to worry about it. just believe.
Kasama Project- We Are the Ones
South Asia Revolution - Information Project
Kasama Threads
"Settle your quarrels, come together, understand the reality of our situation, understand that fascism is already here, that people are dying who could be saved, that generations more will live poor butchered half-lives if you fail to act. Do what must be done, discover your humanity and your love in revolution." - George Jackson
PREACH IT BROTHA!!!
Anyway, I am in full support of the Venezuelan Revolution. Trinidad is only a few km off the coast of Venezuela, and activity there may spark something here.
A revolution of the Caribbean islands as well/or a coalition of them with the South American countries such as Venezuela would be a great idea IMO. Chavez is doing that currently through building unity within the region with the Petrocaribe oil affair, which, unfortunately, my country as well as Barbados did not join. Some speculate that Washington is behind it because we are a supplier of oil to the US and have always had a good relationship with the Americans...
Anyway great article, even though I read it kinda late on, I find it was really enlightening.
Haha, that "ben" guy couldnt even put together a feasible sentence, let alone a feasible point. Great supporter of Chavez, one of the first leaders in South America that doesn't seem to be corrupted by the west.
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The first torrent.
<span style=\'color:red\'>I understand how: I do not understand Why-1984</span>
The revolution will not be televised torrents
Fore easier access
Thanks for the link.
chavez is hope....from latin america through africa to asia..the world communists must be prepared to fight beacuse i fear america is going to use violence indirectly in form of civil war against chavez. we must learn the foreign tounge specially those in asia and be prepared..save the venezulan revolution at any cost..remember salvador allende..we must not let chavez end up like him
long live chavez! long live the people! long live the workers
you untesticled hippy morons, as a venezuelan-italian-american, you do not know what is going on there. Your too busy wrapped up in capitalism this and that waaaaaahhh waaaaahhhh whining and complaining and forgetting the lives that Chavez is wrecking. Ask a Venezuelan born person how he feels about the condition in his country. And the funny thing is, the majority of you clowns live in a capitalist country STILL. You will never live in Cuba, you will never live in Venezuela. You will preach the crap you sow, but will never wallow in it. Amazing. When you decide to go, take the grateful dead with you too...hippies.
