Chávez, Venezuela and the New Latin America: An interview with Hugo Chávez Paperback – August 1, 2005

UPDATE:Well, I've read this book and have enjoyed it very much. I am very impressed in the State's take over of the Oil industry which was previously "privatized," the revenue received by private ownership nowhere to be found in the Country of Venezuela. I think it is rather obvious where it has gone; into the United States benefit. This is a clear cut case of the abuse of privatization and subsequently, Chavez is using the revenues to clothe and educate the poor and the children . . . very much in admiration. I also found his close relationship with Fidel Castro and their views of socialism and growth a real credibility and respect towards both men. There is much to learn in socialistic ideals and liberalism within democracy. I think the combination represents moderate and more balanced politics. Rather, it is the extremes, in both the Right AND the Left, that creates the devastation's in political history.ORIGINAL REVIEW:Amazon has had this book on back order for quite some time. I wonder if the delay to get this book is because the FBI or the CIA monitors or questions anyone who buys this book. I'm just being paranoid you say? Maybe. But why not? They censor libraries on lists of persons who borrow books they deem questionable. We have lost our democracy and freedom to read books with privacy.I would really like to read this book before the president of the United States either creates another coo to kill the writer of the book, Hugo Chavez, or has him assassinated. This man really is a hero, one of the few world leaders that has almost been killed, and continues to speak his mind for the benefit of the working people, for democracy. True democracy always puts the masses ahead of the large monopolistic corporations. How many other leaders have rejected corporate money in favor of the working people?You see, Bush hates this guy. This is because Chavez runs OPEC with a lot of oil and he won't cow down to the U.S. and Bush's demands. I mean what country has the right (might makes right) to hold out to the mighty U.S.? So this book is a must to read."Soviet power has collapsed but that does not mean that neoliberal capitalism has to be the model followed by the peoples of the West... This world cannot be run by a universal police force that seeks to control everything." -President Hugo Chávez

I was encouraged to buy this book by the hysterical shrieking of the negative reviews. The Castro-bashing is always amusing in the context of the United States' history of butchering the people of Latin America. Say what you want about Castro or Chavez, their administations are challenging neoliberal policies that have caused untold suffering throughout the world and are currently bringing corporatist class war machinations to the USA.While these interviews with Chavez reveal what an interesting and articulate person he is, it's healthy to realize that Hugo is not a "hero" (as another reviewer asserted). The world doesn't need heroes, it needs the development of grassroots organizations and engaged people to figure out things for themselves. Fortunately, there are civic organizations like "Global Exchange" that take people to Venezuela to see some of the vision Chavez speaks of being put into action. Many people throughout Venezuela and beyond are thankful for that country's progressive efforts (including providing cheap oil to impoverished communities in the US), and resented the US-backed coup attempt. Venezuela's plutocracy was hoping to regain power, but an incredible show of popular support kept Chavez in office. There's actually a documentary that captured that event on film called "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." I don't believe it's on DVD yet, but you can learn more at [...]It's hard to say where Venezuela's social change efforts will lead. A great deal of the future success or failure depends on what actions are taken by the warlords of Imperial America, who no doubt already have Special Ops forces, CIA agents, and "Economic Hit Men" skulking all around Caracas. Venezuela's future also will be affected by the citizens of the US and other nations, and whether or not they choose to act in solidarity. This book and groups like Global Exchange will provide concerned people with the sort of insight and opportunities they need to contribute to democratic change in Venezuela and the United States."There is at the head of this great continent a very powerful country, very rich, very war-like, and capable of anything. The United States seems destined to plague and torment the continent in the name of freedom."-Simon Bolivar (1783-1830)

If you wish to have a decent look at the opinions of a man who has become, increasingly, a thorn in the side of the U.S. government, this is an excellent book. The author basically presents the viewpoint of Hugo Chavez as gathered in interviews with little or no editorializing. As such, it provides a fair explanation for some of his actions, his distrust of the U.S. and other economic powers, and his visions for the future of Venezuela. Through this book you can get a sense for the ability Chavez has to relate to people, particularly poor people in his own country, and gain some understanding of the reasons for his popularity. I would highly recommend reading other books that present opposing viewpoints, however, since some of what's presented is obviously affected by Chavez's rose-colored glasses.

I got the book faster that I expected. I was in great condition I believe it was new since it had that new book smell. Anyways I was happy with my purchase.

This is a first class little book for light reading, it gives a good insight into Mr Chavez anyone wanting a in-depth look into Mr Chavez should look at there literature but for the price you can't go wrong with this little book.