What's behind the outrage in the streets of Argentina

TUESDAY.... NOVEMBER 8.... 6:30 P.M. ..... NYC TOWN HALL

Press Releases

What's behind the outrage in the streets of Argentina

Global Solidarity
212 633-6646
www.venezuelanov8.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 5, 2005

For More Information contact:
Berta Joubert-Ceci, Johnnie Stevens, and Dustin Langley
212 633-6646, 917-293-1138

Outrage in the streets of Argentina direct result of U.S. policies, not the presence of Venezuelan President, say organizers of Venezuela Solidarity Evening.

On Tuesday, November 8 at 6:30 pm, the growing opposition to the Bush Adminstration’s policies in Latin America and worlwide will be heard in Manhattan’s Town Hall (123 W. 43rd St.).

This evening of solidarity follows days of protest on the streets of Argentina against U.S. and Bush administration policies. “It is clear that what is happening on the streets of Mar del Plata is a justifiable expression of outrage over years of U.S. intervention in Latin America,” said William Camacaro, Venezuelan, one of the organizers of the Evening of Solidarity.

“U.S. neoliberal policies have reduced entire segments of the population to abject poverty. Add to that the ongoing war on Iraq and U.S. hostility towards Venezuela, it is understandable why there is such opposition to Bush’s visit” said Teresa Gutierrez, another Town Hall organizer.

“If you wanted to identify the one person most responsible for violence, you would have to point the finger at George W. Bush,” said Gutierrez. “It is Bush Administration policies that have enraged the whole world--anywhere on the globe that he visits sees massive protests. It is the Bush Administration that backed the failed coup against President Hugo Chavez, and has announced contingency plans for military action against Venezuela. It was Bush ally Pat Robertson who called for the murder of Chavez. We will make use of our Town Hall forum night to expose the role of the U.S. and the Bush Administration as the real sources of violence on a global scale. And we will demonstrate that there is a broad and large movement in the U.S. not only willing to stand with Venezuela but to mobilize in opposition to U.S. aggression against that country. We must organize to prevent further U.S. interference.”

Members of Congress, representatives of the government of Venezuela, international solidarity activists, journalists, and labor leaders will present an Evening in Solidarity with Bolivarian Venezuela which will include: presentations by official representatives of the Venezuelan government that will highlight the goals and achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution; a discussion of ongoing U.S. hostility towards Venezuela; an examination of the impact of globalization and the proposed FTAA; and examination of U.S. interference in the internal politics of Venezuela; as well as international cultural performances.

Camacaro reported that in light of developments in Argentina, organizers would make every effort to get a message from President Chavez on developments during the Summit to be read or broadcast at Town Hall.

FTAA, Venezuela, and Bush

39 West 14th Street, Suite #206
NY, NY 10011
212 633-6646
www.venezuelanov8.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 4, 2005

For More Information contact:
Johnnie Stevens, Berta Joubert-Ceci, Dustin Langley
212 633-6646, 917-293-1138

As thousands turn out in Argentina to oppose Bush FTAA policies, Activists rally in New York in solidarity with Venezuela

On Tuesday, November 8, at 6:30 P.M. in NYC’s historic Town Hall, members of Congress, local officials, clergy, labor organizers, artists and international solidarity activists will present an international forum on developments in Venezuela. The evening’s program will include: presentations by official representatives of the Venezuelan government that will highlight the goals and achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution; a discussion of ongoing U.S. hostility towards Venezuela; an examination of U.S. interference in the internal politics of Venezuela; and international cultural performances. Town Hall is located at 123 W 43rd Street, New York, NY. Scheduled speakers and performers include the Venezuelan Ambassador to the U.S., Rep. Jose Serrano, NY City Council Member Charles Barron, Curtis Muhammad from New Orleans, former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, Lynne Stewart, Bill Fletcher, Vinie Burrows, Peter Coyote, TWU President Roger Toussaint, Teamsters National Black Caucus President Chris Silvera, attorney Leonard Weinglass, and others.

This meeting comes as the Bush policies in Latin America are being denounced by demonstrators in Argentina, where he is attending the Summit of the Americas. According to the New York Times, thousands have turned out to protest Bush’s visit, some holding banners that say, “We Said No and No Means No: No to Bush, No to F.T.A.A. and No to Repaying the Debt."

Hugo Chavez has been a vocal critic of the Free Trade Area of the Americas and is also attending the summit. His opposition to FTAA and determination to use the revenues from Venezuela’s massive oil reserves to finance health care, housing, literacy, and other social programs, have drawn increasing threats and hostility from the Bush Administration.

“Next Tuesday’s meeting at Town Hall will be an opportunity to present the truth about Bush’s policies in Latin America,” said Teresa Gutierrez, one of the event’s organizers. “Right now, tens of thousands of people in Argentina are in the streets—people who have been devastated by the neo-liberal trade policies forced on the region by Washington, policies that enrich U.S. corporations and destroy local economies. On Tuesday, we will demonstrate that there is a broad and large movement in the U.S. not only willing to stand with Venezuela but to organize against U.S. aggression in that country. We must organize to present further U.S. interference.”

William Camacaro of the Bolivarian Circles said, “There is an overwhelming response of thanks from the people of Venezuela about this event. Musicians are contacting us wanting to come to perform, messages thanking us for calling this event are filling our email accounts. Town Hall has sent a tremendous message to the people of Venezuela that they not only have friends in the U.S., they have many friends.”

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