Venezuelans who oppose the President Chavez's government and living abroad have several places to vent their grievances. But Caracas Chronicles is unique because, besides the obvious fact that it's in English, it gives intelligent, non-fanatical analysis of what'¡s going on in our country. Even Newsweek sought to quote one of its members as a source for a recent story. This works the double function of keeping us informed and providing us with a serious opinion that is more than just Chávez-bashing. And dare I say so, the language might be English, but this is Venezuelan all the way. My only complaint? Not frequent enough. But I understand it's not that easy to write intelligently, it's not something you rush. Highly recommended.
As with pretty much all Venezuelan opposition blogs, those who visit to make comments sympathetic to Chavez or socialist politics are not exactly welcome. That is a testament to the deep division in Venezuelan society and the contempt with which the opposition in general view the "new owners" of the country. To the blog's credit, among its peers it is uniquely serious and academic, and the high standard of English contributes to the overall sense that the content is based on solid --rather than knee-jerk-- reasoning. It therefore makes for enjoyable reading even if you disagree with the value judgments and ideology behind the words. It openly acknowledges (most of) the opposition's fault, thereby truly serving as a beacon above a small sea of cheap shots, distortions and etc.
