theim
Senior Member
The BBC is running a little thing where they ask readers what they think of Hugo Chavez. Now, I am copying these here, and I want you to read them, ALL of them. Specifically, pay attention to what people in Europe, America, and Canada say and what people actually living in Venezuela say.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
If Chavez and his policies are so good why are most educated young professionals leaving the country? The brain drain has to be an indication of social discomfort, if we believe the economy is fine in Venezuela.
Argimiro Rodriguez, London, UK
Mr Chavez, I am a history teacher and an avid observer of Latin American politics. I want nothing more than for you to succeed in your social reforms. My question is why do you think socialism has not worked in Latin America? Does the US have something to do with its failure?
Brian Stefanelli, Staten Island, New York
I am a single mother of 3 with a food shop in Caracas. The government has just opened a Mercal store close to me with subsidised prices at 50% of what I can sell. My business will soon be finished. I am one of millions of poorer Venezuelans that are facing lower income and unemployment. Does the government plan to employ 25m people? Why don't they understand they can best help us by allowing our businesses to do well? Most of us do want work and do well and provide for our families.
Andreina, Caracas, Venezuela
My question is actually for the readers. Doesn't it strike you as odd that all the people that seem to like President Chavez's policies are foreigners? You need to hear the other side of the story. The one of prosecution, disrespect for basic human rights, economic uncertainty, poverty. He is not different than any other populist presidents we've had in the past... well, maybe he is: he is selling himself and his so-called revolution to the world. I would invite any of you to come to my adored country for a few months... leave your comfortable lives in US, Canada, Denmark, etc and come here and see for yourself. He is the best marketing person there is.
Maria Paula, Caracas, Venezuela
President Chavez might have the welfare of his people in his heart, however, the socialist policies will not benefit the people or the state. By becoming the Messiah of the poor, Chavez is alienating the middle class who needs to work harder, and the wealthy who can help the economy.
Zerougui,Washington, USA
When are you going to stop supporting those like Castro and Mugabe who refuse to allow their citizens political and economic freedom? By doing that you are being anti-human. It's no better than the way you say Bush is behaving.
Laszlo Detre, Ottawa, Canada
Poverty in my country is increasing. Freedom of speech is dominated by the government. Those against the President's rule are coined as traitors and villains. Private property its been undermined. Mr. Chavez, if you think that been rich is a bad thing, as you have said - can you explain to poor people why are you surrounded of luxury?
Daniel, Cumana, Venezuela
Mr Chavez, you are to be commended for your stand against poverty, and the less than sympathetic capitalist nations. I know socialism is the only reasonable form of government, and that it can work. It worked in Britain in the 1960s, and I trust will work for many years in Venezuela.
Michael Grimes, Trenton, Ontario, Canada
President Chavez, when will you stop using the guise of American imperialism to cover your own country's inadequacies? Your people live without basic utilities and even food. Many are living in fear of rebels, crime, and drug rings. They need strong leadership, from both you and the global community, not an American and European enemy. Every time you push America and Europe aid out of your country, you push your own people further away from progress.
Erik Risendal, Virginia, USA
Honourable Mr Chavez, I salute you for your admirable stand with the people of the third world. Your courage in drawing a line between Venezuela and the powerful arrogant superpower is encouraging to others! God bless. Would we see a unified front from the third and developing countries on the international issues?
Hossain, USA
Mr President Hugo Chavez - I believe you are working, to improve the lot of the needy and the poorest of your countrymen. Standing up to a bully is never easy. Take for example Canada's softwood lumber export - US does not wish to honour NAFTA. So what is the point an "agreement" with the US? Or its disagreement they respect more. You are not a colony of US as some like to think.
JD Singh, Ottawa, Canada
President Chavez I like your policy in south America, you are about bring a great change in Latin America, they need a men like you to transform south America into a new world of equality. I hope others look into your leadership and learn from it.
Roh, New York
As a socialist, I constantly bemoan what seems to be the inability of progressive governments to enact long-term institutions that will create permanent change. I worry that after your time in office is over, Venezuela will cease to be a guiding force of progressivism in Latin America. What will you do to ensure that your legacy remains beyond your tenure? Additionally, as the example of the Soviet Union clearly shows, a "socialist" state with an elite vanguard is no socialist state at all. True democracy, with its freedoms of speech and association is the bedrock upon which any lasting socialist state must be founded. What do you plan to do to ensure that these rights are protected and that their exercise is encouraged? Thank you!
Elisa Gomez, Dearborn, Michigan
Western media characterizes you as a man who would follow the paths of men like Simon Bolivar, Fidel Castro, and Che Guevara. Is this true? If so, do you support the overthrow of other Latin American governments in order to realize a common Marxist state in Latin America as was once supported by Castro and most notably, Guevara? Would such an ambition not plunge the whole of the Americas into turmoil and, if so, how do you plan to limit what you call your own revolution within Venezuela and maintain the tenuous geological stability in which we have all lived, both northern and southern Americans, for the past few decades?
Daniel Wall, Chicago, U.S.
President Chavez: I think you are a bright light amongst an otherwise dim group of world leaders - a Bobby Kennedy for Latin America. It seems that most politicians and institutions are mostly concerned about enhancing and protecting the wealth of the super-rich while the rest of us are increasingly on our own. What actions are necessary to establish or maintain a healthy middle class as the predominant political power of a country?
Anthony, Irvine, CA, USA
Mr. President: How dare you pretend to export your "Bolivarian Revolution" to the entire world, when the levels of poverty in our country, are higher than ever? At International press conferences why don't you talk about the way you control all of the states institutions? Perhaps you have forgotten to tell the rest of the world how you are using a new law to control and silence the private media.
Rafael Martinez, Valencia, Venezuela
What is Venezuela doing to encourage freedom, social justice and self determination in the more reactionary states of Latin America?
Bill Goldman, Annapolis, MD, USA
Why don't the Latin American countries form a common market block, where they can stand up to the dominance of the developed countries, and they can get good trade agreement that help their citizen?
Abdallah, Chicago, USA
Some in the US have labelled your government as Marxist or Communist. It seems obvious from your many market-friendly and pro-capitalist economic policies this is not entirely the case, but I am curious what model(s) of government you do see as exemplary of your administration. Are there particular historical/current day examples you could point to as inspiration for your brand of politics?
Kimrey Batts, Ann Abor MI, USA
President Chavez, I have been to Venezuela several times, since 1994 and am still concerned about the country's prospects. Why is your cabinet continuing to undermine the independence of Venezuela's institutions, when you are popular enough to reverse a legacy of weak accountability and transparency?
Fouad, Beirut, Lebanon
Mr President, I think it is important for Venezuelans to know that, despite the Bush administration and "fruitcake" right-wing televangelists, many Americans support the work you are doing to help the poor and working people of your country. You have advocated socialism for your country. The term "socialist" scares many Americans (I am not a socialist myself), even those who otherwise support a "progressive" agenda. Do you see 21st century socialism as a temporary bridge for the poor and working class to raise their economic status, who will then transition to a more conventional "free market" economy. Or do you see 21st century socialism as a permanent trend and a solution that will be more successful in developing your people in the long run?
Scott Milinder, Palm Harbor
I would love to hear Mr Chavez answer to the listeners quiz about who he would like to have running the world. I would also like to know what Mr Chavez thinks are the most important problems facing us today. Thank you for wonderful programs!
Luci Smith, Copenhagen, Denmark
What guarantees are you making on paper, in your government (amendments/laws) that will solidify your economic system of fairness to insure that when you are gone Venezuela will never be able to be taken advantage of by a select few again? Is it not possible to make it a law that an exact percentage of Venezuela's resource/export wealth must be spent in a certain way (health care, schools, public works etc)?
Carlton, Framingham, MA USA
I love your stance on matters of international politics and so on, but I wanted to know what are your long term plans for the people of Venezuela and the difference between the rich and the poor? And what can Venezuela do to help solve this oil price crisis. Thank you Mr Chavez.
Thierry, Winnipeg, Canada
