In 2005, Evo Morales made history by becoming the first indigenous person to be president of Bolivia.
He was elected on the promise that he would get the poor indigenous people that make up 60 per cent of the population out of poverty through a revolution in democracy.
Evo never imagined that this promise would lead to the worst period of socio-political instability that the country has seen for decades.His election promises - to lift the poor indigenous majority out of poverty and share the country's resources more equitably - were met with huge opposition from the wealthy land-owning minority of European descent.
Filmmaker Rodrigo Vazquez spent three years following Morales, from his presidential campaign through the years of bitter struggle for constitutional and economic reform.
The film follows his rise to power and his first three years in government. The business elite, the corporate media and the landowners violently oppose the president's plan to redistribute the nation's wealth amongst the have-nots.
Peaceful peasant demonstrations turn into confrontations with right-wing paramilitary forces, there are battles between the rich and the poor.
The filmmakers' unique access to Evo Morales reveals a dramatic story of power struggles, street battles and strategic alliances. But mostly it is about the power of democracy itself.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
The Rise of Morales
Rodrigo Vazquez - Al Jazeera; Witness special: President Evo
I recommend you watch this eye opening, informative 60 minute documentary on the rise of Evo Morales and the violent opposition to him by the wealthy European colonialists in Bolivia. The film illuminates facts such as how pre-Morales 91% of the farming land in the whole country was owned by 15 families, how all previous presidents had been part of the 20% ruling "European" elite and how anti-"indigenous Indian" racism runs rife in upper class. Especially take note of how the opposition leaders claim to represent democracy and then go against all democratic principles when they loose out or how the rich and powerful will do anything to keep control away from the proletariat. Mind opening stuff.
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Viva Morales!
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Viva Morales, indeed!
ReplyDeleteThe world needs more men like Morales. Although the bourgeoisie always seems to, get their bloody hands around good peoples neck, no matter how many there are.
But if the USSR hadn't corrupted the good name of communism, and gave a chance for western imperialist propaganda to corrupt it even further, I definitely think that more people would wake up, and realise that they're being oppressed, and that they're only worth what they earn and consume in a capitalist society.
I havn't watched the documentary yet, but I'll watch it when I've got time for it.
Brilliant comment. I couldn't have put it better myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd sure, I don't mind. Watch it when and if you have the time.
Haha, I just watched the first part of the film, and there is this man in the crowd yelling "Long live the proletariat" which I thought was quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteI know that there were good intentions behind the comment. But personally, I hope the proletariat isn't here for much longer.
I hope it vanishes and never comes back, 'cause that would mean that the bourgeoisie couldn't exist either.
Capitalism and class struggles are our true enemy. It fuels the fire of corruption, greed, war, poverty, hunger and unnecessary loss of lives!
Long live socialism and true justice!
I'm an anarchist, but I have to say that Evo Morales seems to be an extraordinarily good person, and one of the few who might use the power granted to him by the people to do real good. Can't wait to watch this documentary. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, to shout "Long live the proletariat" does seem rather contradictory. However I'm sure the man had good intentions.
ReplyDeleteThe day when the proletariat no longer exists is the day when we've achieved our aims.
And thanks spgreenlaw, hope you enjoy it.
I have something I want to bring to your attention. I hope it's alright with you to publicise this case, on this wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to write a whole lot, so I'll just let the statement speak for itself.
"“Asylum in the church” – let the Iraqi refugees stay
The Danish government has signed a repatriation agreement with the Iraqi authorities, and will begin the dispatch of the 282 Iraqi asylum seekers, who have been living at Danish asylum centres for many years. We are a group of people who neither can, nor will tolerate the dispatches. For this reason we support the group of Iraqi people who have applied for asylum in “Vor Frue” church in Copenhagen.
As citizens, we must take action, when the Danish authorities fail in protecting people who need protection.
Our demand is permanent residence, since:
• Iraq is a country in war and chaos. Going back, the Iraqi risk their lives.
• Denmark took part in starting the war in Iraq. We have a direct responsibility for the tragic situation, and for a situation where it has not been possible for the Iraqis to go back.
• The Iraqis have wasted enough years. The Iraqi refugees have waited for up to 10 years in the centres. These have been years where they have been living in fear for their future. Years, where their children have grown up in Denmark. Years, where humans and minds have been worn out. We have to give them back their lives.
• Previous dispatches have revealed that the Danish authorities send people back without taking any responsibility for their lives.
Who can take part?
Anyone who can vouch for this statement and who wants to be part of ensuring permanent residency for the Iraqis."
I encourage all who reads this to send an e-mail to alliancekirkeasyl@gmail.com (alliance church refuge)
and support these poor people, and make a statement aimed towards the danish authorities. They have rights, just like we and everybody else has.
Again, so sorry about this, but I thought it was my responsibility as human being, to bring this to mind.
Oh, that is fine. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, it is a movement we should all support.
ReplyDeleteThe post is very nicely written and it contains many useful facts. I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDelete