That is not a machista question, but a valid question to ask about whether today’s Avalancha was or not biggers than Chavez’ Sept. 9th. rally.We have in fact done the preilimnary work on this, when we actually used Google Earth to measure how big Chavez’ rally was. In fact, the density in the back of Ave. Bolivar of the pictures shown in this post, was quite poor, but we will obviate that.
We could then argue whether Ave. Bolivar is or not wider than Ave. Libertador. This depends on what you are considering. Way at the front near where the stages of Chavze and Rosales were, both avenues are wider than the rest of the way. Above left and right I show this part of both Avenida Bolivar (Top left) and Avenida Libertador ( Top Right). It seems as if Ave. Libertador has the edge, but the differenec is not huge so we will call it even. (Or slight edge Libertador)
We can then move further away and they both narrow. Once again, it would seem as Avenida Bolivar (Above left) is a little narrower than Ave. Libertador, but it would be silly to even call it a big difference.
Where differences can be clearly observed is in the length of both rallies. Below, the first picture shows the length of Avenida Bolivar filled by Chavez’ Sept. 9th. rally. We are being generous as the pictures clearly show how thin the crowds were in what would be the right hand side of the picture below.
However, in the post below, I showed pictures of the density being thick all the way to the elevado in the Avenida Principal de Mariperez which corresponds, in the same scale of the pictures from Google Earth to the picture above to the one below:
Clearly, Rosales’ rally had more people than Chavez’, since we assume the Avenues have the same width but Rosales’ rally was longer.. However, in the pictures section, I have pictures (middle pictures four rows up from the bottom) which show density as far as las Acacias Ave.of La Florida, this would correspond to the picture below, which is substantially longer than the picture of Chavez’ rally (Similar pictures can be found here, that show density all the way up to Las Acacias). Once again, all these pictures are in the same scale in Google Earth for equivalent comparison.
Now, you have to understand that I would have been perfectly happy to have them be the same size for a number of reasons: First, Rosales does not yet have the following in Caracas he enjoys elsewhere. Two, the Government can throw much, much more money at these rallies than the oppsoition can (or has). Three, it is precisely in building the enthusiasm of the opposition that its chances for success lie. Given what today’s rally shows, something very interesting is certainly happening in that respect. Finally, there is still the problem of peer pressure in the barrios which makes it look bad if you go to an opposition rally. Well, it seems like lots of people lost that fear today.
In any case, in polling and political popularity it is the trend and the slope that matter and Rosales’ is certainly on the up an up, and you know who is sliding down fast, so if I were Chavez I would be worried.
In fact, I understand the Government is quite concerned. So concerned, that you can expect Chavz to announce a debit card much like “Mi Negra” in the next few days. The question is what will he call it? Mi Catira? My red card? Better red than dead?
What this would show is that it is is Rosales that is setting the agenda. It is Rosales who is in touch with the people. It is Rosales who is beginning to occupy the hearts and minds of the Venezuelan people.
More people are daring (Atrevete!) each day!
The Devil's Excrement 