Greetings from the WSF!

[shiftyspense]

So I'm in a giant communications room set up in a hotel in Caracas as a part of the World Social Forum. It's amazing down here! I've gone to talks on alternative economics, anti-war networking, and seen first hand many of the social programs that chavez has set up in the barrios around the country. these programs are really amazing, and though they're not perfect, structurally and economically, they are definitely steps in the right direction. I have taken a bunch of pictures of political graffiti, which hopefully i will be able to do some type of presentation with. Its interesting talking with people about what they think of chavez. Though he is backed by much of the poor (the people who are benefiting most from his programs) other groups who surprised me as being anti-chavez include musicians, environmentalists, socialists, and doctors who have been displaced due to the cuban doctor program. I am still trying to form my own opinions about the whole situation right now and probably will be even after i get back. But i saw this awesome presentation from this guy who runs venezuelanalysis.com and highly recommend taking a look at that site to learn any more info on what's actually happening around this awesome, and might i add WARM and SUNNY country.

I'll be back on the 31st, until then ¡ciao!
-Spenser