Marcel Granier recently said something that all Venezuelans should internalize: “No one is going to solve Venezuela’s problems; only we Venezuelans can and must do it.” Compared to the caudillo’s political approach of consulting all decisions with Cuban dictators, Marcel’s statement is a nationalistic affirmation. Beyond nationalism—often vilified and distorted by chavistas—the global reality is clear: the international community does not intervene in the internal matters of any nation, unless countries act unilaterally, dragging along satellite nations. We’ve seen this with Afghanistan, the Gulf War, the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Iraq, etc. Closer to home, the Uribe administration, faced with Ecuador’s refusal to help detain FARC leaders operating on its territory, decided to invade Ecuador and kill Raul Reyes. This is similar to the chavista revolution, deeply embedded in any interference allowed by Venezuela’s public funds.
Most Venezuelans tend to wait for someone else to solve issues. It appears to be a peculiar idiosyncratic trait developed over many years of hearing that Venezuela is a wealthy country, and thus the state should take care of every idle person born within its territory. Marcel’s argument can be summarized as: someone didn’t show up. This contradicts the Venezuelan mindset of waiting for a solution from someone else. It means taking control of our own destiny and building a future based on individual effort. This argument leaves no room for the degrading handouts the state wishes to offer, nor for complacent attitudes summed up in the famous “let’s see how it goes.”
The future Venezuela, the one we want, must be built by Venezuelans. Individually. For in order to create a collective of individuals ready to take charge of their destiny and build a country, the first effort required is individual. We cannot keep waiting for someone to resolve our problems. It’s as irresponsible as going to the bathroom and expecting someone else to clean it for you. The mess we find ourselves in is entirely our responsibility. And it is a mess because we, and not someone else, allowed our country to deteriorate. Many people think that shaping a future is feasible while everything around them is chaotic. Others believe, “Since I am doing well, I won’t get involved in political mess.” This is mistaken and incredibly irresponsible. Don’t the laws passed by chavista seals affect those who are doing well in Venezuela? What about their children and families? No one escapes the disaster, the chavista whirlwind. No one. Crime, whether common or official, keeps all Venezuelans on edge. Likewise, corruption, inflation, and instability affect every single Venezuelan. Without exception.
The Venezuela I envision, some might call it a utopia, is one where the many victims of crime, corruption, and abuse have a place to demand justice. A Venezuela where the administration of justice is in the hands of truly qualified individuals who deserve salaries commensurate with their work. The Venezuela I desire is not one that celebrates the living or the one who stole the most money, but rather the most successful, in any field. I want a country where everyone, without exception, is subject to the rule of law in a genuinely democratic state, where all are equal before the law and authorities. A Venezuela where all Venezuelans can freely engage in personal, economic, professional, artistic, political, and religious activities of their choosing. A Venezuela that respects human, civil, and political rights. One where criminals are promptly tried and prosecuted according to the law. I wish for a country where young people want to stay because of the multitude of opportunities available. A country where saving and purchasing a home are easy. A decentralized country where Venezuelans can view any of its regions as destinations for professional development. A country where traveling abroad is as convenient and affordable as in Europe, where multiple airlines compete on equal terms. I want a Venezuela that is more than oil, rum, and supposedly beautiful women, where talent and initiative are valued and supported, a country on the technological forefront, with a continually growing middle class. I wish for a country integrated with others in the region, marked by cordial and mutually beneficial relationships. A country that’s a preferred destination for international investors, offering medium- and long-term opportunities. A Venezuela rich in capable, educated, successful individuals eager to work for the future well-being of their country. I desire an independent Venezuela, economically, politically, culturally, and militarily. A Venezuela that is invited to rejoin the international community as a state of law, promoting democracy and freedom. I want a modern Venezuela, with railways, excellent communication routes, and stellar educational, healthcare, and housing infrastructure. A country where listening to its political leaders fills one with pride, instead of shame. A country that actively pursues and collaborates with international authorities to arrest criminals and terrorists. A nation where paying taxes is a point of pride, managed efficiently by a small state.
I believe that the future Venezuela is the one we should begin creating today. Many Venezuelans likely share, broadly, the thoughts expressed in this article. Living in peace, prosperity, and harmony is a normal, natural desire. I don’t think most Venezuelans see themselves reflected in that cursed disaster known as chavismo, which, above all, denigrates the individual, negates their existence, and pursues conflict, war, or as they say, “homeland, socialism or death.” I do not belong to that homeland where anyone who is not socialist must wait for death. While waiting for someone to solve our issues, Chavez arrived and not only failed to resolve anything but destroyed everything and incited hatred among us. Similar attempts in our past resulted in bloody wars that plunged the country into a conflict lasting a century.
I desire a century of peace, progress, and prosperity, and I believe that this wish is mutual. It is time to roll up our sleeves. Therefore, I invite those who read this article and agree with its premises to begin acting individually, to connect with others who may share these ideas. The future of Venezuela hinges on everyone’s effort. We have already seen what one leader can do when the people delegate the responsibility of resolving national matters to them. Venezuela doesn’t need another leader; it needs millions of them, each in their sphere of influence, doing a little for the common good. If you agree, please share this article. Will you let someone keep resolving things for you without your input? The future starts today, and the actions we take today will shape tomorrow.