Venezuelan Revolution at UEA
- 27 October 2006
Ronny Pante continued his speaking tour
of UK universities at the University of East Anglia in Norwich on 26th
October, continuing to prove that youth in Britain feel solidarity and
excitement towards the revolutionary movement in Venezuela. The mood
at the meeting was eager, with a great deal of questions on how we can
make our own desire for a transition from capitalism to socialism concrete.
Ronny spoke to around 25 students, giving
an extensive insiders perspective on the background to and history of
the revolutionary reawakening taking place since the 1989 Caracazo.
Based on the nature and extent of the subsequent questions from students,
it would seem that many in the audience felt the insider's description
gave revolution a tangible spirit, which will hopefully lead to a growing
movement at this university. After the talk and lengthy period of questioning,
several students stayed behind to chat, sign up to Hands off Venezuela
and buy pamphlets and books from Ronny. However, unfortunately the informal
chat could not last long as Ronny had to rush off to catch a train back
to London.
Hopefully this should not be a problem,
as we have many more events planned at the university to encourage and
express the enthusiasm that has been shown. In a week's time we have
a showing of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, and then Diana
Raby is speaking on her new book followed by a showing of The Old
Man and Jesus. Before the election on 3rd December, 
we
plan to have a campaign to really raise awareness of the dynamic, living
reality of the situation in Venezuela and to bring students in to actively
organising in support and solidarity of the campaign. We are also running
a broad based campaign against the government's ‘suggestion' that
lecturers spy on Muslim pupils, which has the potential to show that
socialism means actively changing the world. If all goes well, we will
end the year having passed Student Union Council resolutions against
the government's attack on civil liberties and in support and affiliation
to Hands off Venezuela.
Ronny's visit has highlighted that student politics can and is helping change the world for the better.
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