[NYTr] Desperate Destabilization Campaign in Venezuela

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

[The mainstream news is all garbage on Venezuela, as Gollinger's article
distributed earlier indicates.  Rather than distributing any of it,
we're sending only the VIO news summary of today, which pretty clearly
explains -- along with Gollinger -- what's really happening.  The first
2 paragraphs deal with Chavez's Colombian mediation, the rest with
distortions in mainstream coverage of the domestic Venezuelan
situation. 

The Constitutional Reforms, like previous referenda in Venezuela, 
like the elections, like the failed coup of 2002, are obviously going to
result in wide support for Chavez, the frenzied efforts of the rich
elite notwithstanding. However, the possibility of a "marigold
revolution" Gollinger mentions should not be ignored, especially in
view of the other desperation moves by US-supported forces in
Bolivia, for example, and the continuing abject failure of Bush
policies elsewhere, and more and more crises cropping up for these US
bozos in the middle East, the economy, etc. -NY Transfer]

Gollinger on Media Manipulation of Venezuela Events
http://blythe-systems.com/pipermail/nytr/Week-of-Mon-20071105/071308.html

Summary from VIO Venezuela News Roundup - Nov 9, 2007

CNN reports that optimism characterized yesterday's preliminary
meetings on a hostage-for-prisoner swap being negotiated by President
Chavez that could ease a decades-long conflict between Colombian rebels
and the state.  Rebel leaders promised to offer proof that the 45
hostages are safe as a first step toward their release in the
humanitarian deal.  Presidents Chavez and Uribe are communicating as
the talks go forward, and Chavez accepted an invitation to visit French
President Sarkozy later this month to discuss efforts to free a captive
who is a French citizen.  Chavez told the press late yesterday he is
"optimistic more than ever of this humanitarian exchange."

The humanitarian deal is one topic that President Chavez plans to
discuss at [the Ibero-American Summit] a Latin American summit on social
equality that begins today in Santiago, Chile.  Three days of meetings
will focus mainly on strategies for poverty reduction, including how to
achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth in the region.
Venezuela has become an important leader in this area, as oil revenues
are being harnessed for use in human development initiatives including
social missions in medicine, nutrition, education, and other areas.
According to a New York Times article last Sunday, the rate of extreme
poverty in Venezuela has already fallen by 9 percent.

Opposition protests on Wednesday against a referendum on the
constitutional reform proposal continue to make news today.  The AP
reports that leaders at Venezuela's Central University are alleging
that the government is responsible for the violence that erupted on
that campus following the anti-referendum protest, causing two students
to become injured.  The event unfolded after university heads denied
offers of safety assistance from the Minister of Higher Education, who
suggested that police be present on campus for security reasons.  While
critics charge that President Chavez would end the autonomy of
Venezuela's large public universities, one of the reforms that will
soon to face a national referendum proposes to expand student-self
management on campuses.  Marches in support of a "yes" vote on the
reforms are also held frequently, but gain less attention from
Venezuela's opposition-dominated mass media.

An account by Reuters attributes the gun violence on Wednesday to
supporters of President Chavez, though the identity of the shooters
remains unknown in Venezuela.  An AP article notes that critics of
Chavez blamed him for the violence, but evidence remains lacking.
Reuters today makes several other statements that have no basis in
fact, claiming President Chavez has "vowed" to remain in office for
decades and to "crack down" on students.  The reasons for the 2002 coup
are entirely misrepresented, with no mention of the business leaders
who spearheaded the coup with backing from U.S. government agencies.
Bloodshed in 2002 was blamed on pro-government supporters by the
opposition media, but the allegations were later found to be false.
The Reuters story portrays Venezuela as country that is generally
violent, though in fact it stands out as being one of the most peaceful
and conflict-free nations in Latin America.  It also has a strong
record on human rights, though a separate Reuters article today
attempts to make the opposite claim based on quotes by wealthy members
of the political opposition who have chosen to emigrate abroad to
Panama.  President Chavez has emphasized equality and social justice
while downplaying capitalist materialism.

****************

1)"Chavez, Colombian rebels 'optimistic' after hostage talks" CNN

2)"President Chávez expects to have proof of life before meeting with
Sarkozy" El Universal 

3)"Chavez hits Latin summit, singing" Reuters

4)"Venezuela's Chavez condemns 'fascist violence' amid anti-reform
protests" AP 

5)"Crackdown in Venezuela Called a Ploy" AP

6)"Venezuela violence stokes fears before Chavez vote" Reuters

7)"Tension grips Venezuela; more violence is predicted" Miami Herald

8)""Ugly" Chavez among Venezuela's sexiest men: poll" Reuters

9)"Rich Venezuelans Pick Panama Over Chavez" Reuters

10)"House Approves Peru Free Trade Pact" AP