Reply #8: I like how the Venezuelans in particular--and all of South America--are

[Peace Patriot]

standing up for themselves, in so many ways. The leading presidential candidate in Ecuador, for instance--another leftist (majorityist)--recently stated his intention to get Ecuador out from under World Bank/IMF debt (and never get into it again), a feat that Argentina has now accomplished, with the help of Venezuela (and after a huge citizen rebellion). The World Bank/IMF is the chief means by which global corporate predators (often US-based) get their claws around the throats of the people, drain the country of revenue (sucking on all the social programs), loot the country's resources, dump cheap US big ag produce on local food markets to destroy local agriculture, and use the people for slave labor in sweatshops and other enterprises. This is one of the mail things that all these new leftist governments are about--in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela and Bolivia--and soon in Ecuador, and possibly Peru (next election cycle): national and regional self-determination, and freedom from US domination.

South America is one of the brightest spots on the globe, as to democracy, majority rule, compassionate policy, lack of militarism, and smarts on the part of the country's leaders. Venezuela, Bolivia, and also, recently, the Ecuadoran candidate, have all been vocal about US policy and Bush. Strength in numbers! It looks like Chile and others have resisted US strongarming re Venezuela gaining a seat on the Security Council next year. (It looks like they will support Venezuela's bid for that seat.) These are all good signs of regional solidarity (and there are many others). I'm hoping Venezuela can provide some leadership in the UN on Bush torture and suspension of habeas corpus, and other outrages, as well as on matters like Posada Cariles and other brutal interference (and all interference) in Latin America. (--i.e., US Congress FUNDING the political opposition to Chavez in Venezuela, against Venezuelan law, and no doubt doing the same in other countries). The more vocal they are, and the more they hang together, the safer they all are.

It's amazing what miracles TRANSPARENT elections can accomplish!

Viva la revolución!