by Carolfrances
Friday, Apr. 13, 2007 at 8:39 AM
cflpeace@yahoo.com (213) 383-9283 or (323) 556-1932
Three stars were placed on the famous Hollywood sidewalk, in a ceremony that was part of a national call to defend Cuba Venezuela, and Bolivia.
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Stars Laid for Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia
on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Los Angeles, April 10, 2007
Saturday evening saw demonstrations in many U.S. cities honoring Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The heart of Hollywood was the site of a spirited rally and ceremony in defense of these three popular revolutions.
Demonstrators’ demands spoke directly to the national call to defend these three nations from U.S. illegal attempts to overthrow sovereign nations: “End Washington’s economic and political war against Cuba” and “End all threats and sanctions against Venezuela and Bolivia.” Some of the other demands were more specific: “Free the Cuban 5,” referring to the five Cubans in U.S.
prisons for heroically trying to stop the terrorism against the Cuban people, and “Stop the distribution of the anti-Venezuelan ‘Mercenaries 2’ video game,” which simulates a violent attack against the Venezuelan people.
The organizers in L.A. made it clear that this wasn’t just about defending these three nations, but also about praising their achievements.
Three hand-made stars were ceremonially laid on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where tourists come to read names on the stars permanently embedded in the sidewalk, celebrating glamorous people of the entertainment industry. Replacing the symbols of the entertainment categories (motion pictures, music recording, etc.), the three stars laid Saturday bore bronze-colored doves.
Thus, in front of hundreds of passing tourists and shoppers, the peace and justice movement recognized the heroism of “Fidel Castro Ruz and the Cuban people,” “Hugo Chávez Frías and the Venezuelan people,” and “Evo Morales Ayma and the Bolivian people.”
According to the sponsoring organizations, these three nations are exemplary democracies with something to teach all of us about addressing people’s needs instead of corporate profits. For over 48 years, eight years, and one year (respectively), Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia have shown the world alternatives to global poverty and oppression. This includes massive participation in decision-making, popularly debated and approved constitutions, as well as the attainment of or moves toward sustainable development, universal free health care and education, and teams of doctors volunteering worldwide.
Rally speakers mentioned other nations – like Ecuador and its new president Rafael Correa Delgado – whom they hope to honor next time.
The event was organized by a number of local peace and justice organizations, especially the Coalition in Solidarity with Cuba, Bolivarian Circle Ezequiel Zamora, Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador, International Action Center, Socialist Workers Party, and Young Socialists. It was part of a national call for actions in many cities.
For more information and additional photos,
call (213) 383-9283 or (323) 556-1932.