02-07-06,8:11am

On Friday, February 3rd, the Twin Cities Hands Off Venezuela Campaign presented Calle y Media's film 'Venezuela Bolivariana' at the Resource Center of the Americas (www.americas.org).

As part of the RCTA's Friday movie night, John Peterson, National Secretary of the U.S. Hands Off Venezuela Campaign introduced the film and led a discussion afterwards. The film, which covers a broad period of Venezuelan history, focusing on the years since the “Caracazo” of 1989, was very well received and sparked a lively discussion.

A wide range of topics relating to Venezuelan history and current events were raised and explored by the participants. Peterson explained that Bolivar's dream of unifying Latin America is once again on the agenda, and that this has serious implications for the whole of Latin America and the world. It is the example of the Bolivarian masses that most worries the Bush administration: revolutions do not respect borders.

The question of Venezuelan-Colombian relations was discussed in some detail, with an experienced Colombian human rights activist explaining the situation in Colombia, and making a moving appeal to the audience to defend the Venezuelan Revolution and the whole of Latin American from U.S. Intervention through Plan Colombia: the choice before us is 'socialism or death'. The importance of defending immigrant rights here in the U.S. was also discussed.

Peterson also reported on the upcoming National Venezuela Solidarity Conference to be held March 4-6 in Washington, DC. Funds are being raised to send a delegation from the Twin Cities, with a report back to be held after the conference.

The importance of the Venezuelan Revolutionary process was clear to everyone present, and the need to defend it against foreign intervention was enthusiastically supported. The latest ominous pronouncements by Rumsfeld and Negroponte underline the importance of organizing the campaign on an ever-broader basis. Everyone present agreed that the only way to defend the Venezuelan Revolutionary Process is to organize to effect real change here at home.

After the meeting, discussions continued around the HOV table; over a dozen people signed up for more information, and donations were made to build the Twin Cities delegation to the VSC in Washington, DC.

All in all, it was a successful event; we thank the Resource Center of the Americas for having us.

3-day Twin Cities premiere of the new “Calle y Media” film, “The Old Man and Jesus: Prophets of Rebellion” is planned for February 16, 17, and 18. Locations and times to be announced next week.

Both of these films are available at the HOV store (http://www.ushov.org/store.html).