Comments on: World Social Forum _ Can’t Make it!

By: Comandante Gringo

Comandante Gringo — Sun, 11 Dec 2005 19:33:34 +0000

Since Global Exchange is collecting activists under its wing for their WSF junket in Venezuela as mentioned above, I’m wondering if anybody has anything to add about this organization, in detail?

My understanding is that they were turfed out of Chiapas by the Zapatistas, and at least one other warzone (Palestine?), for engaging in “revolutionary tourism”, etc., or whatever we call that mode of activity. And then there is that other NGO activity: support for NATO bourgeois “civil society” — as opposed to Socialism of any kind…

And so I think the role of these NGOs needs to be seriously discussed on the Left. Especially if the likes of Global Exchange is now showing up more and more in AmÃ©rica Latina. Where somebody else is trying very hard to set up influential contacts.

By: b real

b real — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 04:04:12 +0000

hey stan-
the paypal link at the top of the right column still reads “Send Stan to the World Social Forum”

By: Dave-Leon

Dave-Leon — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 22:54:09 +0000

It is unfortunate to hear you won’t make it to the WSF. I heard you speak at Bateo Urbana in Chicago last month and you were very inspirational.

Peace.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 18:02:00 +0000

Refund? I’ll gladly send more when able.
There will always be conferences; your son and your spirit are of greater concern.

Strength to you and yours

+oK-

By: Stan

Stan — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 20:48:58 +0000

I’m really hoping that folks will resurface the issue of Haiti again and again. the same coup that failed in Venexuela, succeeded in Haiti – and Haiti’s pain, as well as its resistance, continues.

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 18:53:48 +0000

Stan,
So sad you can’t make it. I will be attending as an observer and am so excited. Hopefully I can make my way into the palace and party it up with Hugo Chavez. That’s my goal anyway
While marching in DC in September I was handed a flyer about the forum and I found myself really intrigued by this event. I did some “goggle-ing”, found their website, and signed on to travel with the “Global Exchange” group. I have no idea what to expect or what to even hope to get out of this. But what is happening in Venezuela, Bolivia, and other Latin American countries is awfully encouraging.
Perhaps you can give me some kind of notes or ideas on what I should focus on while I am there, and maybe what I need to study, research, or read before getting there. I have signed on for the Peoplesâ€™ Development group, which covers health, education and other social issues. It says we will meet with Cuban doctors, and travel to Lara (?). Other than that I know not what to expect.
Anything you suggest, I know will be helpful.
Again, sorry you canâ€™t make it.
Cyndi G