An Open Letter to Maria Conchita Alonso

"Say it Ain't So, Maria."

Dear Ms. Alonso,

By way of introduction, let me say that I have had a terrible crush on you for nearly two decades now. You are, without question, one of the great beauties of our age - or as one might say in your language eres una de las grandes bellezas de nuestros tiempos.

Given my enduring attraction for you, imagine my disappointment when I learned of your plans to produce a film criticizing Hugo Chavez and the democratic socialistic revolution in Venezuela.  

Unlike you, I am not a native Venezuelan; however I support the Venezuelan revolution and consider Chavez a bulwark against the neo-liberal economic policies that the U.S. seeks to impose on all Latin America. Through proxy organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank my country has done terrible harm to your region of the world - throwing huge populations into poverty and despair, while enriching a handful of upper-class families. Knowing this as I do, I am surprised that an artist of your intelligence and sensitivity would be so vociferous in her criticism of a Latin American leader who dares defy this U.S. march toward hegemony over the South.

In closing, allow me to ask one question: Did you see the documentary film "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised?" And if so, how can you question Chavez' assertion that RCTV (and other privately owned Venezuelan TV stations) worked hand-in-hand with the coup plotters in 2002? If CBS or ABC had attempted such a thing in my country, their licenses would have been unceremoniously revoked. As such, I consider Chavez' restrained response to these treasonous acts to be exceedingly tolerant.

All this being said, let me iterate my respect for you as an artist and my appreciation for your great beauty, talent and charm.

Oppositionally (but Affectionately) Yours,

Bill Underwood

Los Angeles, CA

P.S. If you would like to read a book that lays bare U.S. economic policies toward Latin America I highly recommend "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" by John Perkins.