On Oct 29, 2006, at 8:50 AM, Louis Proyect wrote:
I spent 11 years in an organization that practically defined group-think. Now that I am rapidly approaching retirement age, the last think I will give up is my intellectual independence. Revolutions are made by the masses, but revolutionary theory arises out of the sharp debate of individuals. Let's never forget that. In my own view, Venezuela is in the first act of its social drama. Taking a snapshot right now and saying "This is Venezuela" would be a mistake. There is a long way to go and let's let history draw the final conclusions.
This is a really important point - Venezuela looks like an early act in what could be a long movement against capitalism and U.S. domination in a region that Washington likes to think of as its backyard. It's inspiring allies and imitators - and even causing a little trouble within the U.S., in neighborhoods getting cheap Citgo heating oil. (And who were all those Americans - 50,000 of them - who bought Hegemony or Survival on Chavez' recommendation?) This is the most positive political development in a long time. Iran's revolution has ossified into a corrupt and reactionary state that's using its repressive powers against people who are tired of theocracy. What positive social forces is that an inspiration to? Doug
