To the doubters, the disheartened, those who, living in constant turmoil and crime, cannot imagine the future, to the violent, to the angry, to those who believe Leopoldo’s surrender was a futile act, or worse, a bargaining chip, to those who marched in the morning expecting chavismo to no longer be in power by afternoon, to the cowardly, the apologists, the passive, to the chavistas who have been forced to endure Maduro’s incoherencies, to the chavistas who still hold out hope that after 15 years of poor management from the inept crowd that runs the state, things will finally get better in Venezuela, and to those who do not fit into these descriptions but want to read, I say:
Yesterday marked the beginning of change. Right now, the political forces in Venezuela have shifted. Instead of mocking us with dialogue offers that some opposition leaders hurried to take seriously, chavismo is now, mark my words, forced to negotiate with Leopoldo.
Yesterday was our “for now,” and what’s coming, believe me, cannot be stopped by a cowardly, unpatriotic, and unspeakable figure like Maduro.
Yesterday was a paradigm shift. Now, the tide is yellow, blue, and red.
Yesterday showed that Venezuelans are more than a package of subsidized food; we are more than a handout; we have dignity.
Yesterday made it clear, like never before since 1998, that we are the majority, that the people of Venezuela are not for sale.
Yesterday initiated a peaceful movement—pay attention here, PEACEFUL. As Chavez vaulted into the heavens directing a coup d’état from his hideout in the Military Museum, we have had since yesterday a leader who ascended peacefully by surrendering to ordinary justice, without having committed any crime, without blood on his hands, a leader who emerges in peace.
Yesterday was incredibly powerful. I understand how hard it is to keep a clear mind when dodging bullets, sticks, or pellets, or inhaling tear gas, when loved ones or acquaintances are murdered, injured, or brutally violated. Nevertheless, I reiterate: we took a giant leap toward freedom, brotherhood, justice, and peace among ourselves.
Yesterday proved that chavismo can no longer contain the people of Venezuela. They lack the numbers. They lack the strength. They lack the intelligence. They lack the guts.
Yesterday made us great as a nation that loves freedom and democracy.
Yesterday was the best example in 200 years that Venezuela has a brave people.
Yesterday was the first step on the road to true democracy, where we all fit in.
Yesterday rekindled hope among many for the Venezuelan identity.
Long live Venezuela!
The post And now? was first published on El Faro del Morro.