Venezuelan TV Station Goes Off the Air
The mood inside the studios of RCTV — the sole opposition-aligned TV station with nationwide reach — was somber. Disheartened actors and comedians wept and embraced in the final minutes on the air.
They bowed their heads in prayer, and a presenter declared: “Long live Venezuela! We will return soon.” Then the national anthem was played and the screen turned black. Within seconds, it was replaced with the insignia of TVES, the new state-funded channel assigned to the frequency.
“We are living an injustice,” said Eyla Adrian, a 35-year-old presenter, her eyes welling with tears.
Thus far, I’ve found myself in support of most of the things Hugo Chavez has done. He went to the UN and slammed Bush. He told the American oil industry to fuck off. He’s stuck it to the man, and nationalized certain industries in Venezuela in an effort to protect the citizens from being charged ridiculous prices for things that they need in their everyday life. However, a move against free speech, especially such a bold, flagrant one, is quite a way to ruin world favour.
Even though right and wrong are totally subjective feelings, it’s his job to accept the fact that he’s not always right and certain things go against exactly what he, as a Socialist, is supposed to be in favour of: the common good. Free speech tends to be a good thing, so it’s safe to assume that things that hinder free speech hinder a good thing. Long story short? Chavez messed up.
Tags: No Comments