[ppi] [ppiindia] Hugo Chaves
- From: "Ambon" <sea@xxxxxxxxxx>
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- Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2005 12:40:00 +0200
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**Netters,
BBC TV mempunyai program yang namanya "Talking Point", siapa saja bisa
mengajukan pertanyaan melalui telepon [collect call] atau e-mail kepada tamu.
Hari minggu ini tamu adalah Hugo Chavez dari Venezuela. Program mulai 16.05
GMT. Bagi yang mau mengajukan pertanyaan atau mau melihat progamnya silahkan
baca :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/4350254.stm
Last Updated: Saturday, 22 October 2005, 15:59 GMT 16:59 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Has Hugo Chavez performed well?
Watch interview clip
Audio-only version
What do you think the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, has achieved?
Mr Chavez has been criticised by the United States for being Fidel
Castro's ally and promoting left-wing causes in Latin America.
Since coming to power in 1998 he has split the country between those who
say he has become increasingly autocratic, and those who say he speaks for the
poor.
Venezuela is the world's fifth largest oil producer and a key member of
Opec, supplying 15% of US oil imports.
Is President Chavez the voice of the poor? Or is he an autocrat? Is he a
hero or a villain? What do you think of his attitude to the USA? Send your
questions to President Hugo Chavez using the form on the right.
President Hugo Chavez answered your questions in a special pre recorded
edition of Talking Point. This will be broadcast on BBC World Television and
BBC World Service Radio on Sunday 23 October at 1406 GMT / 1506 BST.
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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so
far:
Mr Chavez quickly wins our hearts, so we forget the main issue at stake:
Mr Chavez presidency was supposed to last 5 years. That would have been three
years ago. Democracy is dead in Venezuela, thanks to SmartMatic/Sequoia. Wake
Up World! This is what electronic elections do to Democracy!.
Jaime Cohen, San Bernardino, Venezuela
After reading some of the comments here, it's obvious that some of the
people here have no idea of what they are talking about, specially the ones
outside the country. I support Chavez and his government is one of the most
democratic that this country ever had.
AM, Caracas, Venezuela
It is interesting that the Venezuelans who've commented so far criticise
their president and others for backing their president. Could it be that a
disproportionate number of Venezuelans who voted with the majority to elect and
retain Hugo Chavez aren't fluent English speakers and can't afford computers
because of his predecessors' policies? As far as I'm concerned, anyone who Bush
dislikes this much must be quite good. If only the Bush Administration would
spend half the energy and money to overthrow Mugabe, lives might be saved. But
saving or enhancing lives have never been a goal of right-wingers, whether
they're American, British or Venezuelan.
Mort, Detroit, US
President Hugo Chavez is a real, compassionate leader who defies the
simple-minded categorizations that our corporate-conservative mass media force
feeds us every day.
Mikw Wahl, Rochester, New York
The readers, Hugo Chavez and the BBC should notice that 99% of the
comments from Venezuelan people are against Chavez. If foreigners want to
praise him, they should come and live here for a year, and lets see and see
'Chavez's great government' for themselves.
Ana Lopez, Caracas, Venezuela
I salute your heroic effort of trying to establish a cartel of
developing countries opposed to US tyranny
Michele, Rome, Italy
President Chavez I salute your heroic effort of trying to establish a
cartel of developing countries opposed to US tyranny. You will go down in
history as one of the few leaders of the world not afraid of speaking out
against George Bush's policies of oppression and exploitation. Thank you!
Michele, Rome, Italy
What a surprise! A left-wing, anti-American love affair with Hugo Chavez!
Let's look at one fact, shall we? Despite record oil prices, the economy of
Venezuela has been sinking for years and international development has been
running away as fast as possible. Yes, what a wonderful job you have done Hugo!
Irwin, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Mr Chavez, you are a good actor! Your speeches are always full of pathos
and vehemence! And in many issues you are absolutely right. Due to this, you
are so popular at mass media! But what the benefits this popularity brings to
your Motherland and the common Venezuelans? As I understand, there are many
domestic problems in Venezuela: poverty, high unemployment rate, poor education
and medicine and so on. So, maybe it's better to pay more attention to
country's difficulties than to your own image.
Natasha, Moscow, Russia
When Chavez is no longer in power, shall the will of the people prevail
if the majority wishes to return to privatization of the national economy and
its institutions, as would be the case in a democracy? If, as many
non-Venezuelans in this survey say, the Venezuelan opinion is skewed by the
anti-Chavez opinions of the rich, computer-owning citizens, then and only then
will this be known.
Dave, VA, USA
I am stunned by the amount of people on this web site, which praises his
social reforms. These individuals are oblivious of the realities and
circumstances of the so-called social revolution. The only revolution going on
in Venezuela is more like evolution of the previous poverty, social insecurity
and uncertainty - but worse.
JC, USA
President Chavez, like all of us, is far from perfect. However, he has
ample reason to suspect the USA of having unfriendly designs towards his
country's sovereignty. Venezuela is oil-rich, a resource of obvious importance
to the American economy. President Chavez has consistently refused to acquiesce
to American wishes on a number of economic and political issues. This is a
behaviour that the American superpower does not easily abide. Moreover,
Chavez's championing the political and economic rights of the poor in his
country sorely irritates the Bush Administration, who fears such notions may
spread to other Latin American countries. America has already been caught
trying to finesse Chavez' removal from power. Having failed in that effort, it
then staunchly supported the economic elite of Venezuela who claimed Chavez had
lost the support of his electorate. That, we now know is not true. Will America
be content to let the Venezuelan people elect their own rulers? The wo
rld can only hope so.
Eric Calderone, New York, USA
By allying himself with regimes in Iran, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Chavez shows his
true colours. Like others before him, he exploits the poor while claiming to
help them. History has shown that free markets are best for a nation's economy,
and socialism breeds poverty. Compare nations on either side of the iron
curtain if you doubt this premise.
PCRH, Dallas, TX, USA
Congratulations Senor Chavez, continue with your economic reform at home.
Abroad continue being a beacon of hope for all of us who resent and fear US
imperialism
Steve Gowtridge, London, UK
Chavez is proof that world leaders need only bash America to gain
international appeal. Pay no attention to Venezuelan mass poverty and
corruption. If you want to ruin a country, institute socialism.
Matt, USA
I am among a group of Venezuelans that even agreeing with you in some of
your views don't agree on the way you put them in practice. I agree with you in
some of your views regarding USA international politics, but I don't agree on
the way you insult the governments of other people or their presidents as much
as I wouldn't allow anybody to insult mine. I don't agree with the missions but
I do agree that the medicine and the healthcare has to be available to the
people especially the poor. Same with the education, same with providing decent
places to live and land to produce. But I don't agree with expropriations by
summarial decision of the executive power without any legal procedure to allow
the land owners to defend themselves.
Kira Kariakin, Caracas, Venezuela
While watching during the turbulent times that Venezuela has gone
through, you Mr Chavez, have worked hard to create a state of equality.
However, within the world today, soaked in the belief of Western ideology, how
are you going to prevent people and politicians within your nation from
undermining you? The fact is people are greedy and politicians want to line
their pockets with money; how do you prevent that from happening, and how will
you ensure that it won't happen after you are gone?
Christopher Rivera, New York City, USA
It is disheartening that you should apparently see Robert Mugabe as
an ally
Douglas Lindsay, Glasgow, Scotland
President Chavez, it is great to see the oil revenues of Venezuela at
last being used to help the poor of your country, and you deserve credit for
that. However, it is disheartening that you should apparently see Robert Mugabe
as an ally. Mugabe is no Castro - you do your socialist cause a great
disservice by failing to distance yourself from him.
Douglas Lindsay, Glasgow, Scotland.
Is partisan politics distracting us from more pressing social issues?
Would we achieve more if we threw of the bonds of ideology and instead attacked
things from a neutral perspective addressing only the issues at hand?
Pedro Enchilante, Norwich
President Chavez: Your concern for the downtrodden Venezuelans is a
source of hope for politics in the world. With that in mind, what are the
employment prospects for the poor in your country? Are there opportunities
opening up in the oil industry? How has the educational system adapted to
meeting the needs of the population? I wanted to thank you for your efforts to
address injustice throughout the world.
Ben Hanson, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
I admire your work and your perseverance against all the critics
Derek Vihvelin, Saint John, Canada
Dear Hugo Chavez, I admire your work and your perseverance against all
the critics. Stand strong and best wishes bringing prosperity to Venezuela!
Derek Vihvelin, Saint John, Canada
Mr Chavez, I am deeply impressed by your reforming government. Can your
political programme survive without you to guide it and are the reactionary
forces in your country a danger to you personally?
Jamie Gibson, Sheffield, UK
So far you have shown that you are a revolutionary leader, who could
stand against the big capitalist interest and US without fear. Many people
around the globe appreciate you dearly. You are the hope of the poor masses.
Greatest human being of the 20th century, Che Guevara would have thrilled to
see your work. Keep up the hard work for a South American union, where
exploitation and poverty would be history. Hasta la victoria siempre!
Matt, Montreal, Canada
As a Venezuelan I don't understand what you are doing in my country.
Since you are President we're poorer and more negligent about public issues.
You are an autocratic leader and you must go out of the presidency to give
chance a really representatives of the poor. Venezuela would thank you.
Carlos Fernando Calatrava P, Caracas, Venezuela
Venezuela is left with millions of poor, and a government forcing
itself to be the feeder for all of them
Rodney, Oranjestad, Aruba
Many praise Chavez policies, yet the government control of the economy
and the way the programs are being performed leaves little or no incentive to
business to operate in the country. Poverty also erodes established operations.
In other words, the economy is not moving in a proper direction, the middle
class has just been wiped out, and now Venezuela is left with millions of poor,
and a government forcing itself to be the feeder for all of them, instead of
creating market opportunities while protecting the lower income sectors
Rodney, Oranjestad, Aruba
It is sad that all the prior political leaders in Venezuela have failed
the country. They have never done as much for the poor as Chavez. All the
US-supported dictators in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
have always failed the poor people. I don't think the US can be trusted for
acting on behalf of the poor people of the region. Historically, who will still
honestly trust the US in this region?
Mauro, Amsterdam
I'd say he's performed very well. He's alienating the wealthy elites, and
parts of the middle class. His rather one-sided view of the US is amusing one
moment, insulting the next. I wonder if President Chavez's plan for taking the
land from those who legally own it will follow that of Mugabe in Zimbabwe. But,
then again, Chavez can always depend upon the US to buy his oil. Whether he
wants to believe it or not, it's a damned sight cheaper and easier than trying
to unseat a loudmouth. His speeches against Bush, regardless of your impression
of the US President, do nothing. I'm actually in favour of significant cuts in
oil importation and shifting to less fossil-fuel usage for the USA. That would
include Venezuelan oil.
Christopher Magee, Fairfax, VA USA
President Chavez is more concerned about trying to get under the skin of
the US Government than he is about his own country and his own people. The
business environment in this country has gone downhill fast in the years he has
led this country. He is not well liked in this country. The outsiders who know
nothing that goes on are the one's who have a fascination with him.
Eduardo Perez, Caracas, Venezuela
Instantly anyone who does not agree with America or follow their demands
is demonised. Hugo Chavez is no exception. He, like any other leader, is not
perfect but as the US see him as a threat to their direct authority over other
nations their anti-Chavez rhetoric has tainted his office. I seriously doubt
that any other pro-US politician who could replace Chavez would do better for
the Venezuelan people. Just as with Castro who dared defy the US and threw them
out of Cuba he is labelled as a threat in one way or another. It is time that a
national leader stands up to the intimidation of the US and their politics and
he is an elected leader after all, isn't democracy what the US strives for, the
opportunity for the people to decide for themselves which they did. He has the
right to his opinions and full credit for doing so. Again, I doubt any pro US
Venezuelan President would do much more for the people.
Andrew Stamford, Australia
Regarding the performance of Hugo Chavez, I would give him an A rating
for health and education services to the poorer people, as well as a good
subsidised food program. But I would give him an F with regards to creating a
healthy business climate to stimulate investment and create employment. The
majority of Venezuelans receive their income from the formal and informal
business sector - not from the government - and these Venezuelans are poorer
than ever.
Fernando Gonzalez, Catia, Caracas
The brain drain has to be an indication of social discomfort
Argimiro Rodriguez, London, UK
If Chavez and his policies are so good why are most educated young
professionals leaving the country? The brain drain has to be an indication of
social discomfort, if we believe the economy is fine in Venezuela.
Argimiro Rodriguez, London, UK
Mr Chavez, I am a history teacher and an avid observer of Latin American
politics. I want nothing more than for you to succeed in your social reforms.
My question is why do you think socialism has not worked in Latin America? Does
the US have something to do with its failure?
Brian Stefanelli, Staten Island, New York
I am a single mother of 3 with a food shop in Caracas. The government has
just opened a Mercal store close to me with subsidised prices at 50% of what I
can sell. My business will soon be finished. I am one of millions of poorer
Venezuelans that are facing lower income and unemployment. Does the government
plan to employ 25m people? Why don't they understand they can best help us by
allowing our businesses to do well? Most of us do want work and do well and
provide for our families.
Andreina, Caracas, Venezuela
My question is actually for the readers. Doesn't it strike you as odd
that all the people that seem to like President Chavez's policies are
foreigners? You need to hear the other side of the story. The one of
prosecution, disrespect for basic human rights, economic uncertainty, poverty.
He is not different than any other populist presidents we've had in the past...
well, maybe he is: he is selling himself and his so-called revolution to the
world. I would invite any of you to come to my adored country for a few
months... leave your comfortable lives in US, Canada, Denmark, etc and come
here and see for yourself. He is the best marketing person there is.
Maria Paula, Caracas, Venezuela
To Maria Paulus: Actually, it's not odd that it's only foreigners who
admire President Chavez on this site and not Venezuelans. The vast majority of
Venezuelans love his policies. They just don't have access to the internet to
express their feelings like the rest of us.
Jabu Gubula, Pretoria, South Africa
President Chavez might have the welfare of his people in his heart,
however, the socialist policies will not benefit the people or the state. By
becoming the Messiah of the poor, Chavez is alienating the middle class who
needs to work harder, and the wealthy who can help the economy.
Zerougui,Washington, USA
When are you going to stop supporting those like Castro and Mugabe who
refuse to allow their citizens political and economic freedom? By doing that
you are being anti-human. It's no better than the way you say Bush is behaving.
Laszlo Detre, Ottawa, Canada
Poverty in my country is increasing
Daniel, Cumana, Venezuela
Poverty in my country is increasing. Freedom of speech is dominated by
the government. Those against the President's rule are coined as traitors and
villains. Private property its been undermined. Mr. Chavez, if you think that
been rich is a bad thing, as you have said - can you explain to poor people why
are you surrounded of luxury?
Daniel, Cumana, Venezuela
Mr Chavez, you are to be commended for your stand against poverty, and
the less than sympathetic capitalist nations. I know socialism is the only
reasonable form of government, and that it can work. It worked in Britain in
the 1960s, and I trust will work for many years in Venezuela.
Michael Grimes, Trenton, Ontario, Canada
President Chavez, when will you stop using the guise of American
imperialism to cover your own country's inadequacies? Your people live without
basic utilities and even food. Many are living in fear of rebels, crime, and
drug rings. They need strong leadership, from both you and the global
community, not an American and European enemy. Every time you push America and
Europe aid out of your country, you push your own people further away from
progress.
Erik Risendal, Virginia, USA
Honourable Mr Chavez, I salute you for your admirable stand with the
people of the third world. Your courage in drawing a line between Venezuela and
the powerful arrogant superpower is encouraging to others! God bless. Would we
see a unified front from the third and developing countries on the
international issues?
Hossain, USA
Mr President Hugo Chavez - I believe you are working, to improve the lot
of the needy and the poorest of your countrymen. Standing up to a bully is
never easy. Take for example Canada's softwood lumber export - US does not wish
to honour NAFTA. So what is the point an "agreement" with the US? Or its
disagreement they respect more. You are not a colony of US as some like to
think.
JD Singh, Ottawa, Canada
President Chavez I like your policy in south America, you are about bring
a great change in Latin America, they need a men like you to transform south
America into a new world of equality. I hope others look into your leadership
and learn from it.
Roh, New York
As a socialist, I constantly bemoan what seems to be the inability of
progressive governments to enact long-term institutions that will create
permanent change. I worry that after your time in office is over, Venezuela
will cease to be a guiding force of progressivism in Latin America. What will
you do to ensure that your legacy remains beyond your tenure? Additionally, as
the example of the Soviet Union clearly shows, a "socialist" state with an
elite vanguard is no socialist state at all. True democracy, with its freedoms
of speech and association is the bedrock upon which any lasting socialist state
must be founded. What do you plan to do to ensure that these rights are
protected and that their exercise is encouraged? Thank you!
Elisa Gomez, Dearborn, Michigan
Western media characterizes you as a man who would follow the paths of
men like Simon Bolivar, Fidel Castro, and Che Guevara. Is this true? If so, do
you support the overthrow of other Latin American governments in order to
realize a common Marxist state in Latin America as was once supported by Castro
and most notably, Guevara? Would such an ambition not plunge the whole of the
Americas into turmoil and, if so, how do you plan to limit what you call your
own revolution within Venezuela and maintain the tenuous geological stability
in which we have all lived, both northern and southern Americans, for the past
few decades?
Daniel Wall, Chicago, U.S.
You are a bright light amongst an otherwise dim group of world
leaders
Anthony, Irvine, CA, USA
President Chavez: I think you are a bright light amongst an otherwise dim
group of world leaders - a Bobby Kennedy for Latin America. It seems that most
politicians and institutions are mostly concerned about enhancing and
protecting the wealth of the super-rich while the rest of us are increasingly
on our own. What actions are necessary to establish or maintain a healthy
middle class as the predominant political power of a country?
Anthony, Irvine, CA, USA
Mr. President: How dare you pretend to export your "Bolivarian
Revolution" to the entire world, when the levels of poverty in our country, are
higher than ever? At International press conferences why don't you talk about
the way you control all of the states institutions? Perhaps you have forgotten
to tell the rest of the world how you are using a new law to control and
silence the private media.
Rafael Martinez, Valencia, Venezuela
What is Venezuela doing to encourage freedom, social justice and self
determination in the more reactionary states of Latin America?
Bill Goldman, Annapolis, MD, USA
Why don't the Latin American countries form a common market block, where
they can stand up to the dominance of the developed countries, and they can get
good trade agreement that help their citizen?
Abdallah, Chicago, USA
Some in the US have labelled your government as Marxist or Communist. It
seems obvious from your many market-friendly and pro-capitalist economic
policies this is not entirely the case, but I am curious what model(s) of
government you do see as exemplary of your administration. Are there particular
historical/current day examples you could point to as inspiration for your
brand of politics?
Kimrey Batts, Ann Abor MI, USA
President Chavez, I have been to Venezuela several times, since 1994 and
am still concerned about the country's prospects. Why is your cabinet
continuing to undermine the independence of Venezuela's institutions, when you
are popular enough to reverse a legacy of weak accountability and transparency?
Fouad, Beirut, Lebanon
Mr President, I think it is important for Venezuelans to know that,
despite the Bush administration and "fruitcake" right-wing televangelists, many
Americans support the work you are doing to help the poor and working people of
your country. You have advocated socialism for your country. The term
"socialist" scares many Americans (I am not a socialist myself), even those who
otherwise support a "progressive" agenda. Do you see 21st century socialism as
a temporary bridge for the poor and working class to raise their economic
status, who will then transition to a more conventional "free market" economy.
Or do you see 21st century socialism as a permanent trend and a solution that
will be more successful in developing your people in the long run?
Scott Milinder, Palm Harbor
What is the main goal of the government for the year 2006?
Leandro Chique, Preston, UK
I would love to hear Mr Chavez answer to the listeners quiz about who he
would like to have running the world. I would also like to know what Mr Chavez
thinks are the most important problems facing us today. Thank you for wonderful
programs!
Luci Smith, Copenhagen, Denmark
What guarantees are you making on paper, in your government
(amendments/laws) that will solidify your economic system of fairness to insure
that when you are gone Venezuela will never be able to be taken advantage of by
a select few again? Is it not possible to make it a law that an exact
percentage of Venezuela's resource/export wealth must be spent in a certain way
(health care, schools, public works etc)?
Carlton, Framingham, MA USA
I love your stance on matters of international politics and so on, but I
wanted to know what are your long term plans for the people of Venezuela and
the difference between the rich and the poor? And what can Venezuela do to help
solve this oil price crisis. Thank you Mr Chavez.
Thierry, Winnipeg, Canada
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