Chavez, a man of the poor

Congratulations, Mr Chavez, on your victory. I have followed the Venezuelan situation for several years by reading online blogs, eg Caracas Chronicles, and Venezuelan publications in English, eg El Universal. I have also read the heavily negative reporting of the foreign traditional press. The blogs and press are mainly anti-Chavista while AVN, Correo del Orinoco and Venezuela Analysis are pro-Chavista. As an outsider I do not know what is the reality.

 

This mass of conflicting information has resulted in one thought solidifying in my mind. Regardless of the reality, Chavez, your real victory is your focus on the plight of the Venezuelan poor. Prior to 1992, over 70 per cent of Venezuela was considered poor—in an oil-rich country! I have driven through Venezuela several times from Guiria and now realise the significance of houses with four walls and no furniture. I now understand what the female citizen means when she says her parents and grand parents never had dental treatment. Chavez, this is your strength. The poor in Venezuela are finally, after years of institutionalised neglect and being treated like non-humans are being regarded as “normal” citizens and given access to facilities which everyone else consider “normal’. 

 

Sterling S Mohammed

via e-mail