| News and opinions on situation in Venezuela | |
| 25/08/04 | Opposition ranting, raving, sabotaging, bombing and threatening does not work |
VHeadline.com Venezuela Venezuela's Electronic News — www.vheadline.com www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=22568 VHeadline.com commentarist Oscar Heck writes: Chavez is right! He has stated that he will no longer recognize the misnamed Democratic Coordinator (CD) as the body which claims to represents Venezuelan opposition factors. Note that when using the word “opposition,” it has nothing to do with what is conventionally known as an opposition to government, which sits at the National Assembly. In the case of the Venezuelan “opposition” (under the umbrella of the CD), it represents groups and organizations (within and outside elected ranks) which have all one thing in common: they hate Chavez, they consider him inept (which is laughable) – and they want him out at all costs. These groups are often US-financed organizations which claim to do pro-democracy work such as training seminars. Other groups are political groups which have no seats in the National Assembly, and others are political groups which do have seats in the National Assembly. In addition, some of the groups which have subscribed to being “part” of the Venezuelan “opposition” (under the CD), are traditional business and “union” organizations such as the quickly-eroding Confederation of Trade Unions (CTV), the elite Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce (Fedecamaras) and Petroleum People (Gente de Petroleo), a self-named “union' (!) claiming to represent the fired middle-management and engineers of PDVSA who participated in the sabotage of PDVSA in 2002-3. The true opposition to Chavez‚ government (opposition elected members sitting at the National Assembly) is usually completely ignored by the Venezuelan media, which is mostly owned by anti-Chavez Venezuelans who co-collaborate with the CD itself. It is a strange phenomenon. It is as if, in Canada, for example, the elected opposition at the National Assembly would be completely overlooked and overshadowed by a group of anti-Paul-Martin (Canada's elected Prime Minister) people who decided to come together and call themselves the Democratic Coordinator with only one goal in mind: get rid of Paul Martin by whatever means possible, legitimate or not, ethical or criminal – but not through the elected National Assembly(?). Very strange. However – now that my disgust with the CD has worn out a little bit, I can perhaps make some suggestions to ex-CD Venezuelans who consider themselves willing to accept the fact that Chavez won the referendum fair and square – and with a clear majority. First: Forget the CD – completely! They have done nothing but cause trouble, chaos and bloodshed. They are not deserving of representing any rational movement against Chavez or against the present elected Venezuelan government. Second: Respect the democratic process. The true opposition sits in the National Assembly. This is the real government opposition, elected members who represent different groups/region of voters – and who are responsible to keep the Chavez government in check through discussions on the floor of the National Assembly – and not on the streets creating havoc with traffic and bombing Embassies. This is how it works in a real democracy. Third: Start preparing for the upcoming referendum-propelled elections at local levels. These elections, against previously-elected governors/mayors who lost recent referendums (some Chavistas and some opposition), will take place very soon – within the next few months. Instead of wasting time blocking streets and kissing up to the inept and violent CD, get moving, get organized. Choose new electable candidates, promote your cause and work toward winning these elections. The winners of these election are the ones who will represent you (and your cause) at the National Assembly! I know that the concept of a National Assembly (with elected members) is a new concept in Venezuela (since Chavez came into power), but this is the way it works – and it is usually a pretty good way to govern a country. It is a much healthier system than the old system by which all previous governments ran the country – without an elected National Assembly and by using non-contestable Presidential decrees as the favorite tool. Fourth: If the people who consider themselves opposition people (and who are not sitting at the National Assembly) still find the need to create and additional “popular movement” such as the CD, then start a new “organization” which is made up of rational, thinking, honest and caring leaders. Do not choose leaders who are “out-for-themselves” or leaders who necessarily come from traditionally “good families.” There is not one single leader of the CD who had enough common sense to say, “We accept the results of the referendum and we will continue to find ways to spread our ideas without violence.” If you do create a new organization, it should be understood by all members that the democratic process must be adhered to if the movement is going to survive as a viable avenue for change in Venezuela. Ranting and raving, pelting people with stones, sabotaging industry, blocking streets and highways, bombing buildings and threatening and assassinating people does not work. The CD has proved it already. Forget the CD and start anew. Fifth: Listen to Chavez – instead of listening only to Globovision (which is poison to the mind). Do not rely solely on the anti-Chavez material which is being sent to you via the net. Listen to VTV – watch “Alo Presidente” –∑ watch the interviews and information sessions which are given by Chavez, by his ministers and by their collaborators. Listen to them – and then, if necessary, speak up against them (with rationality and in-depth analysis and thoughtfulness). Have viable plans and suggestions to back your claims. By listening to Chavez directly (rather than through edited sequences on Globovision), you will get a better picture of reality and you will even notice that Chavez is not so bad after all. You will then be able to propose concrete projects and doable ideas – and you might find yourself collaborating with government programs while simultaneously being able to help modify and refine them (instead of irrationally attacking them and destroying them). Contribute positively to society. As Chavez has said on so many occasions, the Venezuelan government needs a rational opposition. This is your chance to make a difference and to regain the respect that has been lost under the auspices of the CD. Finally, don't be too “serious” or too “professional.” Don't be cold or angry or disparaging. Be human, be warm, be tender and caring. Show the world your good side – most of us have a good side. Be happy, be jovial, sing and dance. Life is too short to be bitter and unhappy. Don't be malcontents for the sake of trying to show a point. Few people will listen – and if they do – they will eventually forget you. Most of all, be honest and ask yourselves the question: What would we do if we were in their shoes? How would we feel? Oscar Heck www.vheadline.com/heck commentaries by Oscar Heck VHeadline.com remains 100% independent of all political factions in Venezuela Our editorial statement reads: Please give your support to our continuing efforts if you wish to subscribe or unsubscribe click on www.vheadline.com/subscriber/member_details.asp Subscriber Member Details SUBSCRIBERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY, AND THEY ALONE, HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAINTAINING THEIR FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO VHEADLINE.COM VENEZUELA AND THAT OUR EDITORIAL STAFF DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE ANY READER. PLEASE NOTE: |
|
|
|
|