Chavez

In January I went to the World Social Forum in Kenya. The World Social Forum is held as an open platform for grassroots social movements from around the world to meet, discuss, give talks, hold workshops, and generally shout about changing the world, accompanied by singing, dancing and being merry.

In these posts, I just felt like talking about my experiences there a little bit, some of the things I’ve learnt, and whatnot, y’know…

First, some interesting stuff about the Chavez government in Venezuela. I saw two Venezuelans, who work for a human rights group called Provea talking about their report, of which I have a CD-ROM, on “economic, social, and polical rights” in Venezuela since Chavez has been in power. The reports are very revealing. It commends the situation greatly on the “economic and social” front (I know these terms are a bit vague, but its how the report has it) which is obvious. Since Chavez, families who have lived in slums for generations have been given housing, landless peasants have felt the benefits of agrarian reform, hundreds of thousands of children are able to go to school for the first time, and healthcare has improved from zilch, to at least half-decent for the poor indiginous masses.

The detailed description of these things takes up most of the report and holds the Chavez government in a very good light, however they make note that with regards specifically to housing, health and education, Chavez has fallen short of his promises quite majorly in certain areas of the population. This is where things seem to get messy.

There has been continued dissidence amongst small sectors of the population, obviously the anarchist community (with whom one of the speakers organises), but more generally, just politically active people who haven’t had their lives improved that greatly by Chavez’s government. This dissidence is now being crushed by state force, often violently. Also, propaganda campaigns, and political spin are portraying anybody who doesn’t support Chavez as a so-called “imperialist”. Basically labelling people as supporters of the old US enforced economic model, and the constant threat (and implementation) US CIA and military intervention, if they don’t favour him. Odd since a lot of those people protesting are the ones who helped bring him to power.

The guys went on to talk about how Chavez is consolidating state and military power, and is attempting to dissolve the Communsit Party, to make one big party, broadening the base of his own power, and obviously weakening democracy. Sections of his party are now called “batallions”, and he has conjured fanatical support from large sections of the population. These measures, according to the human rights activists were in a sense “militarising” society as he called it. They are part of “batallions”. Any one against them is an “imperialist”. They will crush those who resist. (As well as state repression of protest, the civilian supporters of Chavez have often broken up protests about housing etc.)

State violence against resistance? Moving away from democracy? Consolidating state and military power? Militarising society? Has all the hallmarks of a state commie tragedy to me.

Of course I don’t want to speak too soon. Positive things are still going on under Chavez; as well as further economic development for the poor, Chavez’s government is using its riches to act as a key player in creating genuine integration between South American countries. Something that hasn’t happened since the colonial invasions 500 years ago, and was most recently held at bay by the Washington Consensus. South America is moving towards economic independence, with help from Chavez and his petro-dollars.

You’ve just got to heed the warnings thats all. When Chavez speaks, he seems like a real nice guy, you just wanna cuddle him for being so courageous and honest in front of the UN etc. But, aspects of his rule with regards to civil liberties, and his current political agenda, point dangerously towards the creation of a dictatorship.

All the best to my Venezuelan comrades, out there reporting this stuff, making it known all over, and bravely taking to the streets when necessary. Its only possible to stave of another “socialist” tragedy, if the population remains vigilant and active, and doesn’t get sucked in to propagandised “batallions” to guarantee him election victory.

To the indigineous people of South America, you’re efforts and activities have inspired hope and generated genuine change. You put westerners to shame. But please, prove your commitment to democracy and don’t put too much trust in very rich men that you put in power!

Solidarity

Ste

p.s. please note that all the things I have heard about what Chavez is doing have come from the mouths of, based on reports by, Venezuelan human rights activists. Therefore, my opinions expressed here assume that their reports are true, whether or not you hear this kind of information in the mainstream press, or in lefty papers and circles. Maybe they were lying or perhaps exaggerating, but they stressed, if you really wanna see what its like, go to Venezuela. Cant argue with that.