Imagine if the Congress passed a law mandating that all school students in America be indoctrinated in socialism? Yeah, I know that is precisely the type of indoctrination that is already going on in many classrooms but the reaction to such a law actually spelling this out would cause demonstrations that would dwarf even those currently going on at the tea parties in opposition to ObamaCare. Well, this is precisely what is currently happening in Venezuela where the Hugo Chavez controlled National Assembly recently passed just such a law.
As a result, many previously apathetic Venezuelans are pouring into the streets to protest against this proposed indoctrination of their children. Now it's personal.
Unfortunately most of the MSM in this country are paying little attention even though the size of the demonstration yesterday, in which tear gas was used, is enormous as you can see in this video (note: the commentary reflects Chavista propaganda but the visuals give you an idea of the size):
Here is a brief description of yesterday's massive demostration in downtown Caracas by Rachel Jones of the Associated Press:
CARACAS, Venezuela — Police dispersed opponents of President Hugo Chavez's government on Saturday as thousands demonstrated both for and against an education law that critics fear will lead to political indoctrination in schools.
Officers fired tear gas, a water cannon and rubber bullets to scatter opposition marchers as they tried to break through a police barrier. Protesters including Miguel Rivero, a 43-year-old lawyer, said they requested but did not receive permission to march to the National Assembly.
"It's totally unjust," Rivero said, wiping tear gas from his eyes. "This repression is totally unnecessary."
Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami accused the protesters of "inciting violence" by throwing rocks and other objects at police.
Health authorities said they treated dozens of people for tear gas inhalation and at least 14 who were hit by rubber bullets or displayed other minor injuries. Interior Vice Minister Juan Francisco Romero said at least a dozen police were mildly injured.
The law approved by the largely pro-Chavez National Assembly last week orders schools to base curricula on "the Bolivarian Doctrine" — a reference to ideals espoused by 19th-century independence hero Simon Bolivar, such as national self-determination and Latin American unity.
Critics are quick to note that Chavez uses the term "Bolivarian" to describe his political movement, and some believe his socialist government intends to win over hearts and minds through classroom indoctrination.
And the critics are correct. "Bolivarian Doctrine" really means socialist doctrine as interpreted by the Chavistas.
Chavez says the law is necessary to change Venezuela's "bourgeois" educational system.
"This is political, nothing more," said Nancy Gonzalez, a 54-year-old retired education professor, adding that the law's vague language leaves many articles open to interpretation.
Pro-government legislators deny the law aims at political indoctrination.
Government supporter Adriana Lombardi — one of thousands who marched peacefully across town in favor of the measure — said she believes the law will mean her 3-year-old son will gain an improved understanding of Venezuelan history.
"This is our identity, where we come from," she said. "It's important, it's fundamental."
Unfortunately the huge scale of the demonstration against this school indoctination law was inadequately covered by this AP story which also failed to note the paltry size of the pro-Chavez march turnout. However, you can get more visual evidence as to the massive size of the demontration in this series of photos at this gallery.
School opens in a few weeks in Venezuela. Most of the citizens there are adamantly opposed to this indoctrination law. Hopefully our media will begin to pay more attention to the upheavals caused by this flagrant intrusion by the Chavistas into the realm of families in that country which might have big implications for the political future of Hugo Chavez.
Although our media seems to be missing this story, you can keep yourself updated by reading either the English language version of El Universal or the Venezuela News and Views blog.
