The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

If you need a reminder about the greatness of American Democracy, go check out: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. It's a documentary about the short lived coup d'état against democratically elected Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in April 2002. The documentary is amazing in the sense that it captures the events as they happen. It is not a retelling. Two independent film makers were already shadowing President Chavez who was trying to bring about change in the country – specifically as it relates to sharing more of the oil wealth with the people of Venezuela when the coup d'état occurred. They were there in the palace when he was forcibly removed and then again two days later when he triumphantly returned to power. They were there with the demonstrators in the streets who demanded that Chavez be returned to power. They were there with the opposition leaders who tried to override the election and revert the country back into dictatorship. Truly amazing stuff. As I watched this action filled docudrama, couldn't help but think of the 2000 US Presidential elections. I remember thinking how remarkable it was that there was such a smooth transfer of power despite the election being in dispute. I remember wondering, how other nations would have responded to this constitutional crisis. I remember thinking that few nations would have come to such a peaceful conclusion so quickly. I remember thinking, how great it is to live in a country that makes every effort to abide by the rules spelled out in the constitution. I remember thinking that while all is not right here – this still is one of the best places in the world to live. So long live American Democracy!