Speaking of Venezuela

It's typical that repressive governments harrass and oftentimes imprison, exile or kill their intellectuals and artists in order to crush free thinking and opposition. Venezuela, the country Washington likes to portray as a repressive dictatorship, is currently hosting a week-long ''Worldwide Gathering of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity.'' The conference is attended by international authors, economists, sociologists, political scientists, activists, journalists, historians, poets and musicians.

''It is imperative that intellectuals and artists develop a state of consciousness through their activities in the areas of thought, reflection and creation,'' explained Farruco Sesto, the Venezuelan Minister of Culture, noting that, ''In spite of the scientific and technological advances made, we live in a harsh world in which poverty and war continue. However, the people are continuing to develop a consciousness that a better world is possible - This inspires intellectuals, artists - they are going to meet in Caracas in order to convey the message that the world we live in is in danger and it is necessary to change this dangerous course that it is on''.

[...]

''There is no possibility of solving the evil in the world, of confronting the grave problems of humanity, conceiving that these changes are only material in nature. These profound transformations must also be carried out in a spiritual arena. This is a problem which transcends ideologies; it is a problem pertaining to the state of consciousness of the people, of nations, of the ethnicities, and of all the communities of the world.''

  Venezuelanalysis article

Ah...the state of consciousness of people. Human consciousness appears these days to be comatose. An awakening would be welcome.

In his address to the convention, President Hugo Chavez played upon the title of the workshop.

''I have a military background,'' noted Chavez to the gathered guests, - revolutionary military background. In the military we learned strategies for defense. And what's the best defense?'' he asked rhetorically. ''The attack!" [...] "In defense of humanity, we must take the offensive."

  article  Venezuelanalysis article