Democracy, the Trojan Horse of the Left

El Líbero, August 2, 2024

Venezuela has used democracy as the instrument of the revolution, receiving support not only from representatives of a Chilean ruling party but also from leftist politicians around the world.

Democracy is at risk and, contrary to what history tells us, those undermining its foundations are now within the democratic game.

The first decades of the 20th century witnessed the realization of the Marxist Revolution led by Soviet leaders who exported their model to the world. The dictatorship of the proletariat was achieved through an armed revolution that threatened fundamental human freedoms. Critical thought became a risk for anyone who expressed their ideas; to think differently from the regime and make it public was unthinkable, there was no opposition, and everyone had to follow, without question, the rules imposed by that ‘elite.’

In this global scenario, Chile emerges. A small country at the end of South America where armed revolution had no place. The Chilean Armed Forces would not support anything that went against the national identity that had taken so long to consolidate. Salvador Allende had no choice but to use democracy as a political instrument. After three electoral defeats, in his fourth attempt, he managed to reach La Moneda, fully complying with the democratic process of the time, achieving his objective and with it, established the Peaceful Path to Chilean Socialism in the sights of the international left.

The 21st century arrives, bringing with it a new form of revolution: the revolutionaries of the past held political positions and raised the banner of democracy.

The Peaceful Path of Salvador Allende spread across Latin America, and Nicolás Maduro merely reminded us of this over the weekend. With nuances, of course, Venezuela has used democracy as the instrument of the revolution, receiving support not only from representatives of a Chilean ruling party but also from leftist politicians around the world.

The legitimacy that arms provided to the process in the last century no longer has the same effect; thus, during the week, we heard politicians like Marco Enríquez-Ominami or Karina Oliva refer to the transparent process and what was achieved at the polls. Today, only democracy as an instrument grants legitimacy to the revolution.

Democracy originated in ancient Greece and is built on the principles of equal rights and free speech for all citizens. Over time, it evolved to become the best form of government known to date, where freedom is foundational.

Using it cunningly to construct the narrative of modern Marxist revolution only serves to destroy the fundamental freedom that citizens require. Freedom that allows them to choose those who best represent them to lead the government and to change them if expectations are not met.

We cannot be witnesses to how others use democracy to build dictatorships. We must be active in a firm, strong, and clear defense. This form of government has been transformed into a political instrument that destroys the heart of a free society, just as the famous horse did with Troy.

Pilar Lizana
Researcher at AthenaLab

Source: El Líbero