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Observations about Venezuela by an Australian trade union delegate

Federico Fuentes, coordinator of the Australian trade unions' delegates to Venezuela stayed there for a long time and watched the dynamics of newly formed communal councils, new trade union initiatives, workers councils etc. during the period of 2005-2007. He was interviewed by Green Left Weekly which results in two articles on Venezuela. The 'Bolivarian Revolution' and 'Socialism in 21st Century' which are claimed to be in process in Venezuela have been looked at from the perspective of associated producers' and community's control of the society as a whole. Follow these two links...

Communal power versus capitalism in Venezuela
Venezuela: The struggle for workers’ power

The second article cites some weaknesses in organised workers' movement in Venezuela. The weaknesses are attributed here to the infightings between several groups with different viewpoints. Is there any inherent limitation in organised workers social position in the movements, in the production units and in the society as a whole which is transforming the difference in opinions into an infighting?

Noam Chomsky on the the responsibility of Intellectuals

Here is a dialogue between Noam Chomsky and Gabriel Matthew Schivone, available in Z NET. The role of contemporary intellectuals are considered and criticized, often philosophically, by Chomsky. It also puts question-mark on the power intellectuals assume they have to shape the state policy. And the dialogue moves to the area of brutal state-terror, it's acceptance and legitimization by "our dominant intellectual culture". The dialogue is helpful for one who is trying to understand the politics of 'left column's and 'Op-Ed' articles of corporate newspapers/magazines.... OK, follow the link.

Responsibility and War Guilt
A Culture-Setting Intelligentsia