Blogging the WSF

Mumbai, Jan 18 - Todd here again from Center for Economic and Policy Research.  Have finally found an internet cafe in the Vileparle part of MUmbai by my hotel, and decided to live up to my responsibilities a little more.  Some great stuff is coming up over the next few days.  In particular, Samir Amin and Joseph Stiglitz will be having a debate on trade.  It seems that Stiglitz is really making claims to the legitimacy of this WSF audience, and the Indian news media treats him like a God. 

There is also a suprising number of groups from across Asia that are hosting events with titles like "Beating Bush in 2004".  Although not specifically geared for a US based strategy, there is a lot of space being given to electoral solutions to beat Bush.  In fact, many local activists have outright said that a priority for the US movement should be ousting Bush this year, and that it's OK if we have to postpone our US Social Forum another year to do so!  There is almost as many mimes and clowns in Bush masks here, mocking the man, than even tribals.  Will Howard Dean masks be in vogue next year?  I guess we'll have to wait and see what the US activists-cum-voters (and the Iraqi resistance) have to say about it.

The local media overall has treated this forum with a lot more intellectual respect than similar forums in the US.  I suppose the preponderance of local participants, and directly affected communities makes it a little hard to discount what is being said.  My impression is that post G-22 and Cancun, the official Global South opposition to globalization is given more creedence in mainstream commentary -- it's an opposition that's been certified as in the national interest.  Even the Times of India had several glowing reviews, and local TV reporters seem almost flattered that such a mobilzation would be happening here.

Despite this growing awareness among politicians of the importance of counter-hegemonic positions, few among the grassroots groups here (even educated lefties) seem terribly aware of or concerned with what is going on with Venezuela - clearly the one government actor in the world that sees itself as being "of this movement".    Most know that the US supported a coup there, and some have a vague idea that Venezuela played a role in the G-22.  But few are seeing the struggle against imperialism there as a strategic fight for our movement.  Many are exhausted with the false promises of leaders like Mandela and Aristide... but the metaphor only goes so far.  Both Venezuelan movement and government are on the rise -- neither on the decline -- which makes for a unique situation in a unique time in our hemisphere's politics.

Some movements like Via Campesina, and NGOs like Focus on the Global SOuth, Food FIrst and IDEAS, have begun the process of allying with Venezuelan social movements.  Others, like some in the Anti-Privatization Forum SOuth Africa, have expressed some interest in this regard as well.  Max Arvelaiz from Veneuela and myself have been handing out books and movies all week that explain the coup -- hoping that by the end of the week we will have some more allies on this issue. 

Oh, and my cell is actually +91-9870-4572-89.  the one yesterday was wrong.