Customer Reviews

Under Attack: Morning Dawn in Venezuela

5 star:		(11)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I must say that I was quite suspicious about the book as I read two extremely contradicting reviews, however, I am now fully convinced that the negative review came from someone either being pro-Bush or from the Venezolan opposition as I couldn't find any of the arguments made by the reviewer be true, even not the poor editing of the book he cited. I am happy that I had a chance to read a sober analysis of the process of the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela and be presented with so many economic facts which clearly speak for itself. The author has chosen a good way of explaining complicated matters such as the oil - issue and the hidden agenda of the former management of the oil company. I can only recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the real story in a time mass media is trying to distract our attention.

Really a good read. It helps understand why the revolution happens. It also makes clear that a revolution nowadays may lack some features we in the "Western Free Democracies" consider basic requirements for calling a system a "democracy" as long as the overall direction is the right one: the one that leads to a more civilised, just and fair society in which not the shareholder value of a rich minority counts but every single citizen. To understand Chavez one needs to see that he is radically taking back for his people what past colonial and today's neo-colonial powers have stolen from them. The book espcially concentrates on the economic issues laying open how it was possible that poverty spread while the profits from the oil export were steadily increasing without reaching the people as some gangsters used the transfer pricing system to put the profits into their own pockets. These are the people who now scream "Democracy" because Chavez tells them that he won't tolerate it any more. And they scream "Freedom" but mean the freedom of movement of capital. This book really puts the finger into a wound "Free Western Democracies" carry next to their heart.

I read this book and must say I am fascinated by the information presented which I haven't found anywhere else. Especially since the Venezuelan opposition and most of the international media guided by Washington almost daily disinform and brainwash people I am very glad that finally someone not only speaks out the truth but also gives reason to think about the Bolivarian revolution and why it has gotten under attack by Bush and the oil conglomerates. This book lays open where the profits from the oil go and who is benefitting from it. If it was fiction I would call it a polit thriller but it is reality.
I highly recommend to read this book to anyone who wishes to get first hand inform ation and understand the conflict in Latin American countries nowadays.

Knowing that Chávez is staying in power for some more years it is more than ever before important to know what he is up to. I read that he now formed a Socialist Unity party. Well, we have seen that before, so I think one has to observe with great care how democracy is developing. On the other hand, I saw that there is lots of talk about his participatory democracy and community councils he has established to give people a chance to make their own decisions. And, I heard that former World Bank Vice President Stiglitz lauded Venezuela for it's economic policy. Also the author of this book has contributed a lot to understand the economic issues that determine the cause of Venezuela. I likeed the way, the author presented the facts and not like many other writers and journalists these days just becomes indulgent about a new socialism. It's more important than ever before to observe what is going on in Latin America as Chávez is to launch the Bank of the South in November together with other South American Nations, so he has a great influence. The book helped me to see clear in those keys issues and I now understand why the opposition, the white rich class and the US doesn't like Chávez. It's not rhethorics it is fundamental: he has a different economic agenda and we should at least listen to him.

Hard to tell whether Chavez becomes one day a dictator and whether the one man style of rule he seemed to excercise but at least one can grasp why he is keen on having absolute power like Louis XIV: it is the only way to have big issues being moved. What is fascinating is the fact that the Bolivarian Revolution is an entirely peaceful movement up to now having been always legitimised by democratic votes. I wished China, the US, Russia and some EU countries were the same. The book helped me to understand why Chavez is doing it and why he has to do it in exactly this fashion. I recommend this book although it is a bit out-dated but nevertheless helpful to understand the reasons for what is going on in Venezuela and Latin America.

while I am very interested of seing what is going on in Venezuela I really wonder whether there will be an up-dated version of this book. I really soaked in the information contained and found it very well written, but the development in the recent years should encourage the author to re-write the book and up-date the information contained.

Really interesting, a lot of back ground information which I am grateful to have now. I was very sceptical about Chavez, but now I start to understand where he is coming from. I believe in democracy and would hate to live in a militarised country. What I heard about Venezuela so far was telling me that they are becoming a second Cuba, but the economic facts presented in this book do in a way justify a radical approach. I just hope that Chavez, as right and honest he might be, doesn't overkill it.

I am happy to have had the opportunity to read the book and find so much detailed infiormation in it. I know that it has been published more then 3 years ago, so it would probably need an up-date, but still, it is very helpful to read it in order to understand where the Bolivarian Revolution and Latin America as a whole might go. Obviously, Chavez not only transforms Venezuela and even if one disagrees with what he is doing, one should know the facts presented in this book which I found less bias than anything that is usually presented in the mainstream media. If the author reads my comment, then continue with your good work and please up-date it!

I visited Venezuela only recently but I had only information from this book as it had been offered on a travel website. However, I have been disappointed as it didn't work out for me as a travel guide, but I found so much interesting information in it that I wouldn't like to miss it. I now understand much better how Venezuelans think and why they behave as they do. Everybody who is interested in Venezuela as a whole and not only the beaches should read this book!

Definetly the best ever analysis of the economic situations of the pre-Chávez Venezuela. Just wished an up-dated version would be made available.