We have known for some time that the death of Venezuela's socialist President Hugo Chavez was probably coming soon. But that did not make it any easier for many of us when it came.
Cynics, and worse, have started to pour scorn on the mass grief in Venezuela and around the world.
Chavez wasn't just a leader of a revolution in a faraway Latin American country. He was a hero and champion of people all around the world precisely because he broke so radically from the ugly mould of most 21st century politicians.
What a contrast he was to those presidents in the White House who send armies and silent drones to kill people all around the world — day after day.
What a contrast to what passes for politics here in Australia with Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard taking turns dog whistling to racists while both their parties implement the program for the further enrichment of the already rich that is capitalist neoliberalism.
Chavez was a leader who came from the people to lead the people in a revolution they would fashion with their own hands through the many social missions which built schools, universities, homes and hospitals, that gave a better life and hope for the poor who previously had no share in the fabulous oil wealth of that country.
I remember marching through Caracas with hundreds of thousands of red-shirted Venezuelans in 2008, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the revolution.
I was part of an amazing, moving sea of red, of ordinary people marching, chanting, singing and dancing with Chavez. I looked back at the sea of red and saw the many faces of the people who had marched for hours from their barrios, their faces shining with power and joy. I imagine them with tears today as they mourn for a comrade, brother and friend that they loved so deeply.
Green Left Weekly has told the story of these people and the revolution they are making with their own hands. And we can proudly claim that we told this story like no other English-language newspaper in the world.
We have had on-the-spot reporters living in Venezuela for at least eight years. And we will continue to tell this important story because the people's revolution that Chavez led continues.
How do we do things like this? Only with your ongoing help. Our readers' donations to Green Left's $250,000 Fighting Fund help us cover the stories that the corporate media ignores or wilfully distorts.
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