Chavez Charms London

May 15th, 2006 at 19:59 Björn Hallberg

Hugo Chavez visits London and the best part, as always, is the protesting that invariably ensues, organized by fringe groups of middle class bellyachers and other extremists feigning concern for “democracy” and bringing up the same tired old propaganda. In this case the hypocrisy is made abundantly clear by the British Tories, though the same batty ravings can be heard from so called liberals and conservatives alike.

Ken Livingstone - President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela will today become the second head of state - after the Queen - to be welcomed to London’s City Hall. When it comes to the social transformation taking place in Venezuela, the political qualifications often necessary in our imperfect world can be set aside. It is crystal clear on which side right and justice lies. For many years people have demanded that social progress and democracy go hand in hand, and that is exactly what is now taking place in Venezuela.

Little wonder, then, that Chávez and his supporters have won 10 elections in eight years. These victories were achieved despite a private media largely controlled by opponents of the government. Yet Chávez’s visit has been met with absurd claims from rightwing activists that he is some kind of dictator.

It is a sign of how little David Cameron’s Conservative party has changed that London Tories are boycotting today’s meeting with Chávez. This contrasts, of course, with the Tories’ longstanding feting of the murdering torturer General Augusto Pinochet. To justify their position they ludicrously compare Chávez to Stalin. Sometimes it is necessary to choose the lesser of two evils. Britain fought with Stalin against Hitler. But with Chávez the choice is not difficult at all. He is both carrying out a progressive programme and doing so through the mandate of the ballot box.

• Revolution: Revolution in the Camden air as Chávez - with amigo Ken - gets a hero’s welcome
• Funny: The Times gets worked up over Chavez gossip, assert that “Mission Robinson” got its name from “Robinson Crusoe.” Makes you wonder about their other assertions. Perhaps Chavez could raise the literacy rate in Britain as well?
• Gesticulations: U.S. bans arms sales to Venezuela That means a few measly millions of dollars per year in riot gear and such. Interestingly, Washington did not even mention putting and end to oil imports and so it’s fairly clear which party has the most to lose here. America’s rationale for the buffoonish measure had something to do with terrorism, yeah, ain’t they original.

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