Customer Reviews

Understanding the Venezuelan Revolution: Hugo Chavez Talks to Marta Harnecker

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This is a great book to find the real truth behind the Venezuelan Revolution, unlike the rich media in the US that constantly bombards the American public with imperialistic views.

While the Bush administration, a plutocracy, is willing to do just about anything in order to avoid a new electoral victory by Hugo Chávez on December 3, 2006, Venezuela continues to implement reforms aimed at further improving the standard of living of the population. Its prestige in the continent is proportionally direct to the twilight of US influence in the region. The reason for that is quite simple: while Venezuela has destined 28 billion dollars in terms of external assistance for its neighbors for a seven-year term-an annual average of 3,6 billion dollars-, the United States has announced a massive decrease of its contribution for the year 2007, with a 28,5-percent fall in the assistance for the development of Latin America and the Caribbean, a 10-percent fall in medical assistance and an 11-pecent decrease of its financial contribution to the Organization of American States (OAS). Messages also opposed each other in this area: Caracas contributes 3,6 billion dollars annually as part of its assistance for Latin America, while Washington expects to decrease its 1,2 billion-dollar economic support.

The Bolivarian government successfully challenges the neo-liberal doctrine, which is unsustainable in social, economic and political terms and that explains the anger of the White House. Despite several aggressions and threats coming from the U.S., President Chávez launched signs of opening to Washington by saying: "If they change that attitude, we will respond in the same way. Everything can be improved, if they show respect for our sovereignty, respect for our decisions". However, is not very probable that reason and dialog lie in the incompetent and belligerent President Bush.

I read this book in two trips to Borders. Imagine reading Bush rambling about the axis of evil for more than 200 pages. Sound annoying? Yes. This book is not a "real" account of what is happening in Venezuela. It would be ridiculous to say that a reader will believe everything a government figure has to say about his own presidency just like it would be ridiculous to accept everything Bush or Blair had to say about their terms in office.
Don't read this if you're looking for an inside look into the revolution. Read it if you want to know what is inside Mr. Chavez's head. Even then, it's difficult to find any truth to what he or any president has to say.