London, July 2, 2006 | [Without accents] A few days ago, I publicly announced my decision to step back from political activism. Following this announcement, I received a significant number of emails expressing, in most cases, support and solidarity, for which I am extremely grateful. Some criticized my labeling of Sumate as irresponsible, while others reproached my decision, perceiving it as the easiest route for someone deemed “apoltronao” in Europe. Speculators have also voiced their opinions, and, understandably, my critics are enjoying a lot. However, it’s essential for me to elaborate on the reasons behind my withdrawal.
First of all, I must say that I delayed this decision for a long time, but I reached Saturday. Contrary to what some believe represents my economic situation, believe me when I say I’m far from being “apoltronao.” If that were the case, my struggle, often individual, would have been much more precise and effective, since, as you can imagine, going against someone who possesses 30 billion dollars in their pocket and oil to spare is not an easy or cheap task. As Napoleon said, to carry out a war successfully, three things are needed: money, money, and money. Unfortunately, I have none of those three elements, and being a gentleman, I have no life against the dollar. With my nails, a throw, an industrial amount of irreverence, and lots of creativity, I have achieved some things. But one does not live by political activism alone; the bills still need to be paid. And when everything is neglected for an ideal that only brings enmity everywhere, the time to retreat comes. In other words, this pig has reached its Saturday…
The natural progression for someone who has wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to political activism in a cause is, in democratic countries, to step into the arena and try to gain the support of many in the realm of ideas. However, what are the real chances of that happening in my case, in Venezuela? None, and do you know why? Because I have no followers in either of the factions dominating the politics of my country. I have no representation, and that’s why I must represent myself. Since I have no skeletons in my closet, I expose the misdeeds of both opponents and chavistas, which makes me hated by both. I cannot join any party because I believe in none, nor can I support any candidacy since those involved are irresponsible people who only represent their own interests and, on top of that, now try to be more chavista than the very chavistas themselves. The new generation of politicians is emerging and will undoubtedly do so once it reaches considerable proportions. But if there’s no unity of criterion and purpose, a consensus on the need to provide well-being for all—not just a few—and an agreement of non-aggression among them until democracy returns, the stateless and their legal advisors will continue to thrive in power. Forget about benign leftists, populists, and other fluff; the people of Venezuela need work, stability, peace, and harmony. The so-called left had its chance; in fact, it’s been entrenched in power for almost 50 years, and what we are living today is nothing but a consequence of it.
The lawsuit against the mayor of this city has been another trigger, as the accusations made are neither whimsical nor unfounded. Ken Livingstone, in fulfilling his duties and in a public forum, accused me of supposedly supporting terrorism against Venezuelan democracy, which exists only in the mental realms of chavismo and in clinics frequented by opposition candidates. This observation isn’t trivial, as right here in London, people suspected of being somehow connected to terrorism have been killed not long ago. With the typical lightness of a chavista, Livingstone tossed out that little pearl. He has no evidence to prove in a real court what he stated. However, the challenge of facing him is formidable, given my situation, and that I hired one of the most powerful law firms in this country. A good analogy for this whole issue is that of a soldier trying to swat a mosquito with a bazooka.
My solitary struggle will continue to wane until it completely disappears, not because I want it to, but because under these circumstances, I can’t. Venezuela takes a back seat now, as it is paramount for me to defend myself against those who, abusing their power, attack me directly. However, I’d like to conclude positively by stating that if we all did a little bit, if we all considered our homeland as our home that needs to be defended against wrongdoers and criminals seeking to destroy it, things would improve significantly. One swallow does not make a summer, and a handful of honest people, no matter how idealistic, cannot overthrow a dictatorship. Just ask the Cubans if they doubt my words.
Thus, dear friends, it is with great regret that I have decided to withdraw. If Venezuelans, through relentless effort, manage to change the atmosphere in Venezuela, I will be the first to return to my cause, to fight for what I believe is just and beneficial for all.