Discussion with Robert Longa: Elections, Group Liberation, and Their Implications
Rewritten Article:
Embrace the Heroic Spirit of the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force! Nestled in the heart of the bustling 23 de Enero neighborhood in Caracas, the Alexis Vive crew has worked tirelessly to establish the vibrant and thriving El Panal Commune. This endeavor began before communes became an official part of the discourse, fueled by resilience and grassroots organizing. Today, El Panal is built on a socialist economy. Here, we share insights from a conversation with the charismatic communal spokesperson and Alexis Vive founder, Robert Longa, about Venezuela's participatory democracy and the recent overwhelming presidential election victory of Nicolas Maduro, faced with imperialist and fascist aggression.
In this pulsating democratic landscape, what is the essence of Venezuela's democratic project as you see it?
The embers of revolutionary fervor flickered across Latin America in the 20th century, a phenomenon rivetingly coined as "foquismo" by Régis Debray. This theory aimed to encapsulate the essence of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara's guerrilla tactics. However, another experiment took shape, seeking to move toward socialism within the confines of liberal democracy. This effort emerged with Chile's Popular Unity government [1970-73].
Tragically, this experiment was brutally extinguished by the twisted flames of a fascist coup led by Augusto Pinochet in 1973, with the backing of US imperialism. The taste left was biting and sour, as the powers-that-be boldly demonstrated their unwillingness to abide by the rules of their own game when it didn't suit their interests.
Years later, the winds of resistance began to blow across Latin America once more, challenging the oppressive grip of neoliberalism. In 1992, a group of red-beret-clad officers, under the leadership of Hugo Chávez, stormed history. Two years later, in 1994, the EZLN issued its electrifying "First Declaration from the Lacandan Jungle" in Mexico. Meanwhile, the Argentinian Piquetero movement grew, while the Indigenous peoples of Bolivia organized their fiery resistance to neoliberalism.
These movements continued to grow, signaling a renewed spirit of rebellion. Yet, they had yet to amass enough force to inflict a decisive blow to the system. Such force was not far off, however. In 1998, Chávez triumphed in the elections, followed by Evo Morales, Néstor Kirchner, Rafael Correa, and Luiz Inácio "Lula" Da Silva taking power via democratic processes. These men were not isolated phenomena but rather the political embodiments of vibrant social movements that had been staking their claim on the continent.
Most importantly, the events of the early 21st century culminated in a profound radicalization of the Bolivarian Revolution, as Hugo Chávez embraced the socialist cause with passion and conviction.*
As the focus shifts to the recent presidential elections, why was it crucial for Maduro to secure this victory in the face of imperialist aggression?
In the wake of every meaningful step toward sovereignty and true democracy, imperialism met it with violence. From a coup in 2002 to the oil sabotage of 2002-2003, from the Daktari Paramilitary Operation in 2004 to attempts to disrupt both Venezuela's economy and electoral processes, imperialist forces fought tooth and nail to keep the Bolivarian Revolution at bay.
But Maduro stood firm, and the people stood with him. Every attack was met with a fierce counterpunch by the left. For the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, Maduro represents the 21st-century embodiment of Lenin's anti-imperialist leader, reactivating the socialist project with force, strategy, and above all, the support of the people.
Additionally, this leader actively promoted Latin American integration, carrying on the legacy left by independence hero Simón Bolívar. However, it was not just Maduro who drove this revolution; it was the pueblo, committed to participatory and protagonistic democracy, who propelled this movement forward. This conception of democracy transcends the limits of liberal democracy, with the communal assembly serving as the highest democratic authority for us at El Panal.
I will mention this again and again: the true foundation of our democracy lies in its participatory and protagonistic nature.
Now that Maduro has secured a strong victory, what steps will El Panal Commune take to support and defend the government?
In the heat of the campaign, our organization met frequently, organizing assemblies, activities, and even an operations center that monitored media and social media trends. We also went door-to-door, mobilizing the people to make their voices heard at the polls.
As we move forward, we will continue to defend the revolution and work to bring about lasting change. We, like Lenin, understand that a movement must strategically leverage conjunctures to achieve its goals. This electoral and post-electoral period is a crucial moment for us at the Fuerza Patriótica Alexis Vive.
Who will change our country? It won't be the guarimbas, it won't be the terrorists, and it will not be sanctions.No, it will be the people, united and determined, that will bring about the necessary changes.
As the smoke clears from the elections, it is essential to remember that the United States continues to try to overthrow the Venezuelan government. We know that, in their desperation, imperialist powers will resort to violence and propaganda to achieve their ends.But we will not be deterred. The people will stand united, will protect our vote, and will continue to fight for a brighter future.
Finally, do you believe that US imperialism is nearing its end?
Imperialism now is like a wounded animal, desperately lashing out in a violent attempt to hold onto power. This desperation is evident in their proxy wars and attempts to foment chaos in various regions around the globe. But as it clings to power, it only demonstrates how dangerous a force it still is.
Although the grip of imperialism seems to be weakening, this does not guarantee its imminent collapse. What does this mean for us in Venezuela? Our country has vast natural resources, including the world's largest oil reserves, abundant natural gas, and highly sought-after minerals. Imperialist powers will not let go without a fight.
In these tumultuous times, it is essential for the people of the world to stand together, united against the forces of violence and oppression. Only through solidarity and determination can we disarm the perilous and clawing grasp of US imperialism.
- The Alexis Vive Patriotic Force, operating within El Panal Commune, remains steadfast in its Bolivarian ideology, striving to organize a promising political landscape that stands against war-and-conflicts, imperialism, and fascism.
- The recent presidential election victory of Nicolas Maduro, a result of general news, is pivotal in upholding civilian rights and participatory democracy in the face of adversity, embodying the spirit of Lenin's anti-imperialist leaders.
- In light of Maduro's triumph, the El Panal Commune vows to continue its civic duty of organizing and supporting the government, working tirelessly to defend the socialist economy and promote Latin American integration.
- As US imperialism faces its potential decline, it remains crucial for civic society to stay vigilant against the perilous claws of violence and oppression, standing united against imperialist aggression and seeking to establish a more just and prosperous future for all.
