Democracy: Forms and Substance

[lordthorpez]

yes yes WHERE is that cartoon from? I simply must know.

[WhereIsTheExit]

What was the Anima in this video? looks interesting. Can anyone tell me?

[elizzard45]

what are those cartoon clips from?

[Gloomshadow1]

he he I wanna take it back to the Dark Ages, roll up with my Knights on horseback and just lay claim to shit, make people plant crops for me and tie them to the land just like the good ol days! Even institute "Prima Noctum", go back to my lair and practice my Dark Arts..just think of it.

[Mjhavok]

Shibboleth

[TheLeftLibertarian]

Also, check out the book, Changing Venezuela By Taking Power. I believe the author, Wilpert, runs the website Venezuelaanalysis. The book puts Venezuela in its historical setting and gives a detailed account of whats happening in the country. Anyway well said, Buddagem.

[rring88]

Parenti kicks ass

[johnnymo87]

Where is all the cartoon footage from? And what is the name of the song that plays at the end?

[moebigsley1976]

Pearl Jam - "Evolution"

[moebigsley1976]

The audio at the end is System Of THe Down the song I don;t know.

[Proudtobeacommie]

Does anyone have any particular impression about how Democratic Venezuela is?

I've heard different stories about how people say Hugo Chavez is trying to become a dictator and they point to the banning of RCTV and the nationalization of the oil industry as well as a supposed subversion of the Constitution. I've looked at main stream news articles and they are rather hostile to him and his government. I'd appreciate some other views or information

[prjctcivilian]

RCTV helped lead a revolution and nationally proclaimed chavez's opposition as the leader of the country during a rebellion. The nationalization of the oil industry is a great thing. let the people own whats theirs. (as long as he gives workers control of course) and he changing of the constitution just makes it so he can get elected many times- we have it in canada....

[buddhagem]

An excellent source of news on Venezuela is Venezuelananalysis You'll find lots of good stuff about what's really going on there. Check it outl

[Proudtobeacommie]

Cheers for that, I'll check it out.

[DixyHair]

I must admit, you make some very good points. I'll have to re-think some positions.

[porkchopexpress07]

The elites' mistake is that they give us a taste of democracy. We sometimes start wanting the real thing. I think Obama exploited that hunger and is trying to stuff that genie back in the bottle so he can get on with his imperial duties. People want true change in their lives instead they get that new prison. ;)

[buddhagem]

It was no mistake, my friend. They didn't give us anything. We took it through a long and brutal struggle; we wrenched it out of their greedy little hands and we have to continue to fight to maintain what we've achieved and continue to build upon it. When the people are ready to lead, the leaders will follow.

[porkchopexpress07]

Damn straight. That's why I scoff when I hear appeals to sacrifice and "give and take". Who said "freedom is not given,but taken"?

[prjctcivilian]

but the democracy they give is is representational and happens 1 in 4 yrs or something. Read marx's theory of alienation and you will see the importance of the common practice of democracy is all areas where possible

[porkchopexpress07]

Good point and recomendation. I believe I've read it at some point. Chomsky brings up variations of often.

[prjctcivilian]

cool like which books

[porkchopexpress07]

On my shelf/off the top of my head: I think

Media Control and Chomsky on Anarchism. His writing relating to class war tend to go there. Same with Parenti.

[prjctcivilian]

thanks,

[Chomskyan]

Parenti was great in this.