Letters to the Editor

Just Joan not to be criticized

Editor: Having returned from my second trip to Venezuela, I can only report what I have seen with my own eyes. The author of the previous letter to the editor criticizing Joan’s portrayal of Venezuela demonstrates a typical lack of understanding of the context of the country, its people and the current government. The citing of income inequality and corruption statistics is deceiving. Venezuela is an oil-based, capitalist economy despite what McCarthyite alarmists in the U.S. think and [with oil] at $70+ a barrel there is lots of money and [there are] lots of rich people – just like in the U.S. Despite this, my wife and I were able to get a table at a Caracas steakhouse without a reservation. We did not see one “Hummer” in the two weeks we were there. A Hummer or SUV isn’t exactly functional in Latin American streets.
Certainly the rich are getting richer in Venezuela as they are everywhere else, which accounts for the growing inequality. This is common in all oil-based economies, but is particularly true in the U.S. We shouldn’t throw stones.
And as for the author’s criticism regarding “government corruption” — isn’t this redundant? You mean to tell me that people with money actually have more influence with government officials than people without money? Really? Where is this not true? Whether it’s bribes in Latin America or “no-bid” government contracts in the U.S., corruption and nepotism are huge problems in governments throughout the world. To criticize Chavez for this is unfair, as it existed in huge amounts long before he ever came to power both in Venezuela and elsewhere.
What the author and the U.S. media have not focused on in regards to Venezuela is the poor. Historically, the poor of Venezuela (and the world) have been left out of the political sphere. Chavez, with all of his shortcomings, has without a doubt catalyzed a process in which the poor have entered the political sphere in ways that have been unprecedented in Latin America. This process has been aided by government programs or “missions” that have given poor access to education, literacy, healthcare and food. With these resources they have then been able to develop agricultural, manufacturing and other types of economic development programs at the community level on their own with some help from the government. This has resulted in a boisterous, hopeful and confident people. Those who have never been to Venezuela, especially the poorest neighborhoods, can stand back and call it “neo-Marxism.” But on the ground, it looks a lot like democracy to me.
Michael A. Mancini
Rebecca L. Rogers

Who is the frustrated party here?

Editor: You say “how terribly frustrating” it must be to live in a “socialized” country where the people are oppressed, as opposed to our glorious land where, what? We still have the illusion that life is fair? As you said yourself, life is unfair, so who is more frustrated, we the deluded or “them,” the oppressed? Actually, deep down we are not all that deluded. We understand that wealth and success often depend on luck, not hard work, otherwise why would the lottery be so popular?
Michael Acker

Thank you

Editor: I wish I could thank who wrote “I Wish You Enough,” author unknown.
It is one of the best things I have ever read. I made several copies for friends who get your paper. I love the Sun. Thank you for the paper.
Joan Harris