How Florida Reactionaries Undermine Venezuelan Democracy

[Judi Lynn]

March 12, 2014
The Anti-Cuba Privateers

How Florida Reactionaries Undermine Venezuelan Democracy

by W.T. WHITNEY


Remember the Tonkin Gulf Resolution? In 1964 that joint congressional resolution propelled the United States into war lasting nine years. Resolution 488, passed by House of Representatives by a 393 – 1 vote on March 4, is a moral and practical equivalent. Its title was “Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully for democracy, a reduction in violent crime and calling for an end to recent violence.”

The vote took place under a provision known as “suspension of the rules” which Congress uses for “legislation of non-controversial bills.” The sole dissenter was a Kentucky Republican. Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen introduced R 488. In Florida she represents the 27th congressional district, part of Miami-Dade County. All but unanimous backing for the resolution is reprehensible – for three reasons.

One, the resolution did not tell the truth. It speaks of Venezuelans “protesting peacefully.” Actually as of March 7 protesters had shot five people dead. Three were soldiers. Six deaths are attributed to opposition roadblocks, 30 more because roadblocks prevented access to emergency services. Soldiers had killed three people, one a government supporter. When protests started in Táchira, Mérida, and Caracas in early February, police did not intervene until government offices and police cars were being attacked and burned and until food and medical supply trucks were blocked. The government arrested officers who violated orders to to act with restraint.

The resolution suggests Venezuela is undemocratic. Over 15 years, however, governments there have won 17 out of 18 national elections. They are elections that for fairness and efficiency are “the best in the world,” according to the Carter Center in Georgia. Press freedom abounds: Venezuela’ predominately privately-owned newspapers and television outlets disseminate opposition viewpoints. Their television broadcasts reach 90 percent of viewers nationally.

More:
http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/03/12/how-florida-reactionaries-undermine-venezuelan-democracy/

[tomp]

1. no surprise.

as usual, dems and repubs unite against anything even close to a socialistic idea, and for surreptitious manipulation of public opinion, in collusion with mainstream media.

[dotymed]

2. This is why

America is (rightly) viewed as a bully.

[Overseas]

3. K&R. Well said.

[zeemike]

4. It is funny how that works.

The protesters there are called peaceful when they throw rocks at the cops, burn stuff in the streets and set up roadblocks...and here in this country they are criticized when they do none of those things and are peaceful and the cops attack them.
That tells you right there what the deal is.