This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
It shouldn't surprise. It's the American way. Bolivarianism chooses another. Its good example shames Western faux democracies. Today they're more hypocrisy than ever.
Prioritizing wealth, power and imperial interests means depriving most people of vital social services. No wonder unemployment, poverty, homelessness, hunger, and overall human misery keep growing.
Venezuela is mirror opposite. Beneficial social change is prioritized. It shows. Poor people are helped generously. Child mortality fell from 20 per 1,000 to 13. Unemployment dropped from 14.5% to 7.6%. Income inequality is Latin America's lowest. Poverty was cut in half. Extreme poverty fell from 23.4% to 8.5%.
According to Census figures, half of US households are impoverished or bordering on it. Real unemployment approaches 23%. Most jobs are temporary or part-time low pay/poor or no benefit ones. They're rotten. With no other choice, people take them. It's either that or starve and sleep on city streets.
America's industrial base is a shadow of its former self. It's located offshore in low wage countries. US workers are left high and dry. Conditions keep worsening, not improving.
Venezuela's far from perfect. Violent crime, corruption, high inflation, infrastructure needs, and a menacing northern neighbor are worrisome. Chavez's health is uncertain. His cancer's in remission. If it returns and he can't serve, who'll succeed him isn't clear.
Venezuela's poor love him for good reason. They turned Sunday evening into New Year's eve. Victory was sweet, and they celebrated.
Sour grapes showed up prominently elsewhere. It's standard practice after every Bolivarian triumph. More on that below.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
