We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Friday, December 11, 2015

Facing Opposition Onslaught, Chavismo Must Return to Roots

Click here to access article by Lucas Koerner from Venezuelanalysis.

I read many observers who have already commented on the implications of the recent right-wing victory in Venezuela that will in January install a dominant majority in their legislature. This, I believe, is the best.
The outcome affords the Venezuelan right an unprecedented opportunity to roll back the gains of the Bolivarian Revolution by legal means, without having to resort to coups or other forms of extra-institutional violence. But will they succeed?
I also recommend you read this informative article entitled "Venezuela At An Impasse" posted on The Indypendent to learn more about the awful economic conditions facing Venezuelans.