Went to see John Pilger's War on Democracy last night. In it (and we have to admit that it is a biased piece of news journalism) Pilger exposes, well reminds us about the US's involvement in the overthrow (or attempts thereof) of several democratic Governments in Latin America since WW2.
Cuba is the obvious one.
Add Guatemala.
And Chile.
And now attempts in Venezuela.
Venezuela has democratically elected Hugo Chavez to lead a reforming and socialist government. Its a leadership that seeks to change life for the millions of poor people living in the Barios. And the USA has supported attempts to overthrow him.
Why am I telling you this? Well in the first instance I am stuck. I don't know what to do.. I want to boycott the US. I want to have it shut down like a filthy kitchen. I want us to get out of its pocket and admit that we taught them how to lead bloody empire.
But I also tell because of what happened in Venezuela. When there was a coup attempt against Chavez (who I am not suggesting is perfect), the people moved. Hundreds of thousands of poor people got out of their homes and marched. They surrounded the overthrowers. They rose up and peacefully restored their leader.
I wept as I heard their story. Could it be that we are seeing signs of a future age. An age when those with the weapons can be refused, where "He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." Maybe a world where we can truly say that "the meek shall inherit the earth".
Cuba is the obvious one.
Add Guatemala.
And Chile.
And now attempts in Venezuela.
Venezuela has democratically elected Hugo Chavez to lead a reforming and socialist government. Its a leadership that seeks to change life for the millions of poor people living in the Barios. And the USA has supported attempts to overthrow him.
Why am I telling you this? Well in the first instance I am stuck. I don't know what to do.. I want to boycott the US. I want to have it shut down like a filthy kitchen. I want us to get out of its pocket and admit that we taught them how to lead bloody empire.
But I also tell because of what happened in Venezuela. When there was a coup attempt against Chavez (who I am not suggesting is perfect), the people moved. Hundreds of thousands of poor people got out of their homes and marched. They surrounded the overthrowers. They rose up and peacefully restored their leader.
I wept as I heard their story. Could it be that we are seeing signs of a future age. An age when those with the weapons can be refused, where "He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." Maybe a world where we can truly say that "the meek shall inherit the earth".
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