Stop the Threats Against Venezuela and Cuba!

Yesterday (hat tip to WIIIAI), CondoLIEzza Rice was testifying in Congress, stepping up U.S. threats against Cuba and especially Venezuela ("especially" not because Washington considers Venezuela a greater threat to its interests, but because they consider Venezuela more vulnerable). She called them "sidekicks" of Iran (whatever that means) and, as she has before, a "danger" to the region. Her concept of "danger" is rather curious. She accused Venezuela of "attempting to influence neighbors away from democratic processes." And her "evidence"? Alleged involvement in "political upheavals in Nicaragua, where the pro-U.S. President Enrique Bolanos barely survived a possible impeachment." That's funny, I thought impeachment was part of the democratic process. She also described the trial of Sumate as a "disgrace" and a "kangaroo trial," which is rich coming from the Secretary of State of a country which believes in holding hundreds of people prisoner for years without any trial at all.
Coincidentally, also yesterday a broad section of the U.S. left issued a call for a national demonstration in Washington, D.C. on April 8 to protest U.S. policy on Venezuela and Cuba. Whether you can be there or not, this call for a demonstration should awaken all of us to the fact that the U.S. threats against Venezuela and Cuba are no mere bluster. Unlike the situation in Iran, where the liklihood of a U.S. or Israeli attack (not invasion) is very real, but their liklihood of fostering internal opposition in practically nil, in Venezuela (and, I note, Bolivia as well, although the U.S. is still working the "quiet angle" there) there are very definitely government opponents (like Sumate) who are active and not to be underestimated, even if at present their ability to muster electoral challenges to Chavez is limited. Anyone who supports the right of countries to self-determination, to determine their own path in the world free of U.S. meddling (and worse), has to take the words of the U.S. administration seriously.