I think Julio's point is right on about the tendency of virtual
leftists [not to mention gifts to world like Rory Carroll] to point out
how foolish masses can be. Certainly, it does appear that the decision
to embalm Chavez does reflect the passionate desire of Venezuelan
masses. But I think there is more to be said about this.
A person I know [who I now recall also became apoplectic about the
Venezuelan decision to end term limits-- this from someone who lives in
a parliamentary system where there are none!] immediately demanded that
I justify this new grotesque decision, saying 'IMHO, treating leaders
this way does not encourage materialist thinking, but rather idol
worship, cults of personality.'
My response was:
I have no emotional feelings one way or another myself about
thisquestion [although I admit to being moved lining up with all the
Vietnamese to see the body of Ho and to think about the meaning of it
all]. However, I think it is brilliant [aside from responding to the
desire of the masses] because it is a statement that (a) this was not a
president like carlos andres perez et al but one who marked a
qualitative change-- a liberatorof the country and of LA, whose body
shall be placed along side of Bolivar's remains, (b) because it offers
the possibility of providing a way for the masses to renew their
dedication to carry on the struggle, (c) because that places greater
pressure on leaders who follow [no guarantee obviously, see vietnam] and
(d) sets up an interesting dynamic if the opposition is elected at some
point and wishes to remove the body. Materialist thinking is thinking
about class struggle not personal preferences, and it is concrete rather
than abstract and ahistorical.
--
---------------------
Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Home: Phone 604-689-9510
Cell: 778-230-6137
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