May 9 2006 Hands Off Venezuela & Cuba Two Pillars of Resistance to Imperialism Public Forum Scroll Down For More Photos On Tuesday May 9th, over 85 people packed into the SFU Harbour Centre to come together and discuss both the ever-increasing aggression that Cuba and Venezuela face from the United States, and to celebrate the gains that these two pillars of resistance have made for people around the world against imperialist attacks. Emceeing the evening was Miriam Martin of Hands off Venezuela Vancouver, who introduced Tamara Hansen, Coordinator of Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba. Tamara opened up with an outline of the attacks coming from imperialist powers against this “Axis of Subversion” United States government has called Cuba and Venezuela. Speaking about everything from the constant slander and media campaign against these two Latin American countries, to the increasing presence of US military in the Caribbean. Tamara contrasted this aggression with the real human rights that Cuba and Venezuela are defending. The examples of partnerships in health, literacy, and the economic alternatives to US exploitation were just a few of the examples that Tamara brought to the forum, showing the REAL threat that these two counties pose- the threat of a positive example. Following Tamara, guest speaker Jorge Martin the International Secretary of Hands Off Venezuela spoke. Following Edmonton, Vancouver was the 2nd stop on Jorge’s cross-Canada speaking tour. Going more in-depth into the revolutionary process that Venezuela has embarked on, Jorge spoke specifically on the development of worker’s democracy, and the changes and advances made in the Trade Union Movement in Venezuela. Jorge also spoke on the threats that Venezuela faces and has faced, particularly the coup attempt against President Hugo Chavez in 2002. Discussion opened up to lively participation from the crowd. It was apparent that people in Vancouver see the process in Latin America, for which Cuba and Venezuela are very integral as an issue that unites all people with an interest in social justice. The talks given by Tamara and Jorge left the audience inspired and excited to defend these two pillars of resistance to imperialism on the international day of action- May 20th.