Truth to Power

How I thank the cosmos for Hugo Chavez.
In a world run amok, this valiant knight
shows not an ounce of fear in calling
a pig a pig, in pointing out
the madness of the era of kings and
queens, in railing against the last
vestiges of imperialism. This is
a man who sees the world as it is,
no qualifications, no excuses, no
turning a blind eye. Yes, of course,
he does make people angry, but so
does every soul on earth who holds
strong opinions. And voices them
with righteousness. We are all eternally
indebted to Chavez, and every man and
woman like him, who will not shut up
when a king says shut up, who will not
avoid touchy subjects, who will not
let people be comfortable when Hell
is knocking at the door.
Mr. Chavez, you fight for truth and
justice and I can't but tip my hat.
You might think, though, about wearing
a color other than red; red doesn't
complement you well. I mean, aside from
the symbolism. And above all,
don't get yourself assassinated. We
wouldn't have anyone else to believe in.

(2007)