Re: [OPE-L] May Day 2005 in Caracas: the revolution advances

[Gerald_A_Levy@xxxxxxx]

> For what it is worth, I see Chavez and Allende as quite different as
> leaders.

Hi Paul Z:

Yes, I agree that Chavez is quite different from Allende.  In addition
to what you mentioned,  I think that a noteworthy difference is that
whereas Allende was a lifelong socialist who was a centrist leader of
a coalition government,  Chavez is someone whose politics are still
evolving and being shaped by the class struggle.  I think he might be
more like an early (pre-communist but post-revolutionary) Castro.

The Bolivaran Revolution in Venezuela, I think, is much more
identified with Chavez personally than the Unidad Popular  government
was identified with the person of Allende.  If it hadn't been Allende
then UP would have found some other representative.  A danger
for the revolution in Venezuela, and especially for Chavez personally,
is the extent to which people (both supporters and opponents)
identify the revolution in Venezuela with Chavez.  At a couple of
demonstrations that I attended in NYC this was reflected in the
slogan:  "Chavez  IS the People".   (Michael:  is this a popular slogan
in Venezuela?)  For the revolution to be extended, this attitude is going
to have to be surpassed.  I may be wrong but I think Chavez recognizes
this.  I'm not sure, though, if he has thought through a strategy to
overcome it.

In solidarity, Jerry