The latest from Sean Penn is simply astonishing. Keep in mind, this is a Hollywood figure who seems completely unaware of our country’s realities, yet he feels informed enough, thanks to a couple of taxpayer-funded trips to Venezuela, to claim that anyone who calls Chávez a dictator should be imprisoned. It’s worth noting that he appears totally oblivious to the numerous reports and allegations from accredited organizations, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. There are many aspects about Venezuela that frustrate me these days. However, the blatant racism of these so-called defenders of a military dictator—let’s not forget that—pontificating from afar on how our country should be managed, as if they truly understand or care about our perspectives, still angers me. So here’s an invitation for Sean Penn: leave the comfort of your life and move, even if just for a year, to Venezuela or Cuba. Spend some time there, away from official protection, and try to make a living like that 80% you say Chávez has given the opportunity to dream. After a while, return to your pampered, meaningless, and decaying existence, and then talk about the realities of living under a megalomaniac strongman.
Maybe then you’ll realize how unfounded your views about our country are. Perhaps you’ll grasp half the story and see things in the right context. Can you put your money where your mouth is, Sean?