Venezuela Resources
“Yes, it is important to end poverty, to end misery, but the most important thing is to offer power to the poor so that they can fight for themselves.”–Hugo Chávez, December 2004.
Websites:
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/
News and analysis from a variety of authors, includes the 1999 Constitution in English translation.
http://venezuelanotes.blogspot.com/
US political economist Steven Brouwer’s notes from Venezuela—focusing on cooperatives and grassroots struggles.
“Chavez Code” author Eva Golinger’s website on U.S. efforts to undermine the government of Venezuela.
http://www.cowboyincaracas.com/
“Cowboy in Caracas” author Charlie Hardy’s reflections from Venezuela.
Books:
Understanding the Venezuelan Revolution: Hugo Chávez talks to Marta Harnecker. (2005) Book-length interview in which Harnecker asks many tough questions.
Charles Hardy, Cowboy in Caracas: A North American’s Memoir of Venezuela’s Democratic Revolution. (2007) Good quick introduction from a former barrio priest, in Venezuela for decades (originally from Wyoming.)
Richard Gott, Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution. (2005) Progressive British journalist who’s been covering Latin America since the 1960’s.
Eva Golinger, The Chavez Code: Cracking U.S. Intervention in Venezuela. (2005) Golinger is a hero in Venezuela for obtaining documents proving U.S. efforts to destabilize Venezuela’s government.
Documentary films:
“The Revolution will not be Televised” Irish film-makers cover the quickly-reversed 2002 coup against Chavez from the inside.
“Venezuela Bolivariana” fast-paced history, overview, and talks with grassroots people. Available for viewing online.
List prepared by Jenny Brown and Joe Courter for presentations in Gainesville, Florida, April 2008. jbrown72073@cs.com