The last time I wrote here I was preparing to start a new job and I haven't been able to update ever since. I am now involved full-time as a community organizer for immigration issues and an advocate and coordinator of immigration services in the region I cover for this organization.
Writing however, remains my therapy and I feel it is important that I keep updating this blog to express my thoughts and experiences. I have to admit that ever since I got a smartphone I have become hooked to other social media platforms such as Instagram and snapchat where you share updates through pictures. I can update from my phone on a daily basis and I think that is another reason why I haven't been back here enough. But let's be realistic, these apps will never, ever, replace the pleasure that comes with writing.
Today I wanted to share an essay that my cousin wrote about the differences between Venezuela and the United States. She has been living in the United States less than a year in Denver, Colorado and her observations are to say the least, insightful because it forced me to remember the commodities I take for granted here as well as the ones I left behind in Venezuela:
THE UNITED STATES VS VENEZUELA
Something I like about the USA is the freedom of expression that we have here. No matter what, you can express your ideas without being labeled and judged. That is how a democratic system works. In Venezuela we have “democracy” because we can select a president, but if your ideas are different from the Venezuelan government you are persecuted, labeled and judged by this government. Most of the time, you can go to jail or die if you express your ideas.
Another thing that I love about the United Stated is the safety. Everybody can walk on the street and enjoy it without the fear of losing your life. You can go to a park with your laptop and work sitting on a bench. In Venezuela it is very different from the United States. If you go with your laptop anywhere, somebody will steal it. If you go to the police station to make a complaint, you can find the person who robbed you working there.
The bus system in the USA is great but slower than the Venezuelan bus system. Here, in Denver, you can spend at least one hour in a bus to go to a place that is fifteen minutes away by car. In Venezuela, if the bus driver does not stop to buy orange juice, it can take ten minutes or less, without traffic, to get to the same place. Actually, in Venezuela we do not have a bus system like here, but at least it works.
Something that I miss about my country is we do not need a car to go from one place to another because the train connects all the places in Caracas, and you do not need to take three buses like here to go to a place. The only problem that we have is that the system not work like it should, but nothing is perfect.
Venezuela, without its problems, is a beautiful country like The USA is. If all Venezuelans work together we can bring a great future to our kids.
KG
