Our Tribune: Political expertise?
Events in April 2002 rang alarm bells in Venezuela about the convenience of leaving politics in the hands of professional politicians. The dramatic mistakes made during those days were blamed on the inexperience of officials who believed they were entitled to make wrong moves and decisions on behalf a mass they did not represent.
Consequently, Venezuelans turned their eyes to politicians, belonging to both new and old parties, hoping they would embody the ideas of the people -the common citizens-, who faced an unprecedented deep social and economic crisis and needed a leadership capable of finding a solution to such a chaotic situation. Ever since then, politicians in Venezuela have progressively led the people through the new phase that came after April 2002 and that ended up with the signature of a controversial agreement by the government and the opposition. Nothing is ever final, as evidenced by an accord that purported to put an end to a cycle, but whose text is far from representing an ultimate proposal to pave the way for an electoral solution. Once again, political expertise is to be tested, as politicians will have to try to fulfill the expectations of the majority. While "some shortcuts lengthen," as the Canadian separatist poet Gilles Vigneault says, and as Venezuelans learnt during that awful month of April, that is no excuse for the leaders not to act inspired by the historical responsibility they have in this unfortunate time. Therefore, the current work of politicians must be thoroughly considered.
A recall referendum to terminate the mandate of President Hugo Chávez will only be possible if opposition leaders show a real sense of unity and focus -beyond speeches- on such goal. It is distressing to see that, while Venezuela is breaking into pieces, some political leaders and parties are still betting on individualist projects, even though it is apparent that no leader alone will be capable to put an end to this nightmare.
It is necessary to understand that despite the inexperience of apolitical leadership, pure politics -in its traditional way- cannot be the only answer to the new totalitarianism facing Venezuela. More creativity and diversity is needed to face this danger without the guilty feelings that have prevented adequate actions from being adopted. In addition, contrary to what has been said so far, perhaps the citizen's efforts have not been enough and perhaps the society's supposed sacrifice and learning have been overrated. It is vital to have a bigger political expertise!