Being Pachamerican is knowing yourself as daughter and son of the Pachamama, and therefore siblings to all human beings and other animals, the environment, and a commitment to eternal solidarity.

To join the global info-campaign and participate in the global day of action on October 12th, please join the following list by going to the "subscribe to" on this web page: -  http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/europachamerica

For more information about Venezuela, please visit: -  http://www.venezuelanalysis.com -  http://www.aporrea.org -  http://www.zmag.org/venezuela_watch.cfm -  http://www.indymedia.org

Bolivarian: Referring to the emancipation struggles led by Simon Bolivar in the Pachamerica against the Spanish Empire in the 19th century. Pachamerica: The rebellious continent between Alaska and Patagonia; "Pacha" is "Earth"; "Pachamama" means "Mother Earth"; "America" is the colonial name imposed by European imperialism. "Pachamerican" assume that their history doesn't start with the arrival of the European conquerors, but recognize their indigenous roots.

AUGUST 16TH

INTERCONTINENTAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY
WITH THE BOLIVARIAN REVOLUTION OF VENEZUELA
- THE BEGINNING OF A GLOBAL INFO-CAMPAIGN -

In Venezuela on August 15th there is a national referendum to reconfirm Hugo Chávez as the democratically elected president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
President Chávez was first elected by the people of Venezuela in 1998. Since then, there has been a series of democratic reforms approved by the people through seven electoral processes. The reforms include a new progressive Constitution based on participatory democracy, real access to education eliminating illiteracy, laws benefiting small farmers and fisher people, and massive health care, housing and food distribution programs. These changes, initiated by the people and supported by the Chávez administration, have alleviated poverty, empowered the population and addressed the inequalities created by neo-liberal IMF/Worldbank? policies.

However, these popular initiatives are being intensely attacked by the wealthy Venezuelan ruling class, corporate media, and US/European? corporate interests. These attacks led to a media-staged, fascist coup d'état in April 2002 that overthrew and jailed Chávez, imposing an un-elected businessman as president in his place. For the next 48 hours there was a massive popular uprising during which many people died from brutal police force. Ultimately, the presidential palace was re-taken by the people and loyal military troops, allowing Chávez back into democratic office. In spite of this popular victory, the counter-revolutionary attacks continued with a business-led oil strike and violent provocations (embassy bombings and street shootings) used to scandalize the reputation of Chávez. Until now, the people continue to organize and succeeded in defending the revolution.

On August 15th the referendum vote will be used by the opposition as another attempt to oust Chávez. In spite of ferocious campaigns by the private media, the majority of the Venezuelan people want to keep Chávez as their president. Even if the electoral council confirms Chávez's victory, the attacks against participatory democracy will not cease but in fact be stepped up. But this struggle is not only about Chávez. As in many other parts of the world, the 'Bolivarian Venezuelan movement' is about defending the right of self-determination, autonomy, participatory democracy, and the dignity of everyone. It is about affirming the people's will to find an alternative to dominant neo-liberal policies and challenge global corporate power. For us, it is a duty to express solidarity with the struggle of the Venezuelan people.

WE ARE CALLING FOR A GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON OCTOBER 12TH, 2004

This date, commonly used to celebrate colonial genocide under the name of "Columbus Day", will now be re-appropriated in defense of the Bolivarian Revolution of Venezuela, the emerging Pachamerican rebellions, and the joint struggle of all people's of the world.