Re: question on constitutional changes

["michael a. lebowitz" <mlebowit@xxxxxx>]

At 21:10 09/04/2007, marty wrote:

> I am interested in this effort to rewrite constitutions, which is
> not surprising given that constitutions reflect class power and
> interests.  As a way of thinking more critically about the struggles
> that lie ahead in Ecuador, I am interested in learning more about
> the actual constitutional changes that took place in
> Venezuela.  More specifically, can someone give a brief account of
> the key constitutional changes that took place in Venezuela and how
> they helped to strengthen progressive forces?
> Also, I wonder if this is something that progressive forces would
> want to promote in the US, assuming that the process could be shaped
> by a broad mass movement.  What would be the changes that we would
> want and why?  Or, said differently, in what ways does the existing
> constitution inhibit the kind of changes we would want?

Quickly, I'll just say--- 'don't try this at home!' Unless, that is,
the creation of a new constitution is the culmination of a period of
struggle. Remember that Chavez was struggling for a new constitution
throughout the 90s and, although urged for years to run for
president, toured the country pushing for one (and even broke with
his military comrade Arias Cardenas-- now reconciled and UN rep---
who decided to run under the existing constitution). When Chavez
ultimately ran in 98 with the calling of a constituent assembly among
the themes, the ground was prepared and the social movements were key
in that process.
        There've been similar struggles over  time in both Bolivia
and Ecuador but I don't think new constitutions played as central a
role in agitation; however, the example of the protagonistic
democracy embedded in the Venezuelan constitution does serve as a
beacon in those places.
        michael
Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6

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