Venezuelan Community Councils are Direct, Participatory Democracy
by William Floyd,
Throughout Caracas and greater Venezuela are COMMUNITY COUNCILS
(Consejos Comunales) of 200-400 families. They sponsor free suppers, organize water committees, decide neighborhood planning and many, many local issues. They are also responsible for conducting Social Audits (Contraloria Social) of local elected Officials and Administrations. (!)
In 2005 there were 3,700 Community Councils. The Federal Government funds all local County, City and Town Councils, Mayors, etc. In 2005 the Bolivarians split the funding: 30% for Community Councils, and 70% for elected Officials. The 3,700 Community Councils received about $1.5 billion in 2005.
By 2007, Community Councils had blossomed to 16,000. The Bolivarians raised the funding of the Councils to 50%, or about $5 billion. Today, according to SOA Watch activists, there are 37,000 Venezuelan Community Councils.
Democratic decisions of Councils are final. When Council votes conflict with local Mayors or Town Halls, the CC takes precedent over these elected officials.
75% of TV and Daily Newspapers are 24/7 "Hate Chavez". To counter this propaganda, many Community Councils have their own local Radio stations.
Key Accomplishments of Bolivarian “21st Century Socialism”
Tripled social security retirement payments
Free food, clothing, free healthcare and dental care
2 million illiterate adults have gained elementary school degrees
Land redistribution to poor farmers (7.5 million acres to 200,000 families
Worker-owned/controlled plants 2006 (500), 2010 (7000)
Army units are encouraged to help out on social projects.
This integrates soldiers in the social transformation.
10-15 Social Missions for the poor, handicapped, single women
On September 26, 2010, Venezuela elected a new National Assembly (Congress).
The State Department poured $50 million of US "Depression" dollars to steal the election from the Bolivarians. When will our US Congress call for a HEARING?
Someday in the future, “Citizen Assemblies,” consisting of (term-limited) Reps from all the Community Councils, will eventually replace elected representatives of the National Assembly.
Ref: “Changing Venezuela” Gregory Wilpert - web "www.Venezuelanalysis.com"
PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATIC WORKERS
