http://www.petitiononline.com/kerryven/To: John Kerry Campaign Headquarters
Vea una versión en Español de este documento al final.
We demand that democratic candidate for President of the United States, John Kerry retract his position on Venezuela, and get better informed about Latin America before issuing such biased opinions. We warn Kerry of not underestimating the support of progressives, who in the past election voted for candidates such as Ralph Nader, in the face of a democratic platform that clearly failed to meet their expectations.
Please call and/or send emails or faxes to the Kerry headquarters, demanding that Kerry be more informed about Venezuela and Latin America so that he will not commit the same errors of prior administrations whose thoughtless actions have increased anti-American sentiments throughout the region.
Background
The democratic candidate for President of the United States, John Kerry, published a statement on his web site this past March 19 (
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0319d.html), stating his position on the political situation in Venezuela. In this declaration, Kerry relies on inaccurate information and repeats views identical to those of the Venezuelan opposition to democratically-elected President Hugo Chavez.
Without offering any evidence, Kerry, follows the line of the Venezuelan opposition, accusing Chavez of aiding the Colombian guerrilla forces, permitting narcotrafficking, undermining democratic institutions, attempting to impede a possible recall referendum on his mandate, and of implementing policies that are detrimental to US interests.
Chavez is a President who has been elected twice by clear majorities in democratic elections, and who, at this time, still enjoys one of the highest levels of popularity amongst Latin American leaders. Chavez’s policies have earned him the support of millions of progressive and liberal voices throughout Latin America as well as in North America.
Kerry’s recent statement makes it clear that he has taken the side of the right-wing Venezuelan opposition, an opposition which is unequivocally responsible for the political instability in Venezuela due to its failure and refusal to accept Chavez as the President of Venezuela, despite his clear support by a majority of Venezuelans proven through numerous electoral victories.
The fact that in his statement Kerry suggests Bush has not put enough pressure on Chavez, completely ignores the ample evidence of the millions of dollars the Bush administration has given the Venezuelan opposition through the National Endowment for Democracy. Such substantial financing has been used numerous times in attempts to oust Chávez from office through extra-constitutional means.
......
Links:
Kerry Statement on Venezuela
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0319d.htmlSenator Kerry, You Are Wrong on Venezuela
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1138Why John Kerry Must Retract his Position on Venezuela
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1140A Rebuttal to Senator Kerry’s Statement on Venezuela
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1136Kerry says Bush is soft on Chávez
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/front/8253700.htmKerry Attacks Venezuela's Chavez
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4626832Declassified documents of US government aid to groups seeking to oust Chavez
http://www.venezuelafoia.info/--------------------------------------------
Honestly I have not kept up on Venezuela as much as I should have over the years (have enough to keep up on the tech field, at home, and so forth).
Some information:
1. There are a lot more folks more educated then I am on the issues there and Kerry's possible stance on it - is he right, wrong, do we need to get with him after he gets in office and push for him to get kicking on this? * and crew are obviosuly assholes where Venezuela is concerned (well, we could say that about anywhere really, what the hell has he done in 4 years???)
2. Are these people focused on the issue, or is there an agenda behind their works (ie, kerry sucks, * sucks, vote for bill instead)? Those focused on one (or a few issues) often take a view of that issue(s) and will nail any candidate on it regardless of whether they like them or not (versus a biased group which is never happy with X candidate and will find something negative in relation to their cause no matter what). This appears to be narrowly focused group who is looking more at the issue at hand and attacking both candidates on their stance.
3. This issue will obviously not affect whether or not anyone (here or otherwise I am guessing) votes for kerry (which means perhaps, this issue is low on the list of things which mean something). Where do you rate Venezuela on your list of priorities for Kerry to adress when he gets into office?
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