Quotes & Sayings About Chavez

If you get up at three in the morning to go to the bathroom, man, why you have to turn on that little light? Put the torch there on the nightstand. — Hugo Chavez

What Chavez has done [in Venezuela] is that he has brought extreme poverty to an end. — Oliver Stone

What is the U.S. government looking for? And the elite governing this country? They're looking for oil. — Hugo Chavez

We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live. We shall endure. — Cesar Chavez

Racism is very characteristic of imperialism and capitalism. Hate against me has a lot to do with racism. Because of my big mouth and curly hair. And I'm so proud to have this mouth and this hair, because it is African. — Hugo Chavez

There's no reason to be non-violent. There's no challenge unless you are living for people. — Cesar Chavez

For generations, even many otherwise decent white Southerners learned to despise black people. — Linda Chavez

I am convinced that the path to a new, better and possible world is not capitalism, the path is socialism. — Hugo Chavez

I would not take one cup of coffee from a grower ... There's not a good one. I hate them. A few presents, a little talk, then the noose. That's how capitalism works. — Cesar Chavez

Violence just hurts those who are already hurt ... Instead of exposing the brutality of the oppressor, it justifies it. — Cesar Chavez

Choosing one's leaders is an affirmation that the person making the choice has inherent worth. — Linda Chavez

I should like to be remembered as the man who raised a voice against ... placing limitations on the freedom of the individual. — Dennis Chavez

Society is made up of groups, and as long as the smaller groups do not have the same rights and the same protection as others - I don['t care whether you call it capitalism or communism -it is not going to work. Somehow, the guys in power have to be reached by counterpower, or through a change in their hearts and minds, or change will not come. — Cesar Chavez

The United Nations has become a largely irrelevant, if not positively destructive institution, and the just-released U.N. report on the atrocities in Darfur, Sudan, proves the point. — Linda Chavez

Real education should consist of drawing the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity? — Cesar Chavez

What would happen if we financed somebody in the U.S. to destabilize the government of George W. Bush? They would go to prison, certainly. — Hugo Chavez

It makes one sad to see the sell-out of President Fox, really it makes one sad. How sad that the president of a people like the Mexicans lets himself become the puppy dog of the empire. — Hugo Chavez

We have to re-invent socialism. It can't be the kind of socialism that we saw in the Soviet Union, but it will emerge as we develop new systems that are built on cooperation, not competition, — Hugo Chavez

Most governments in the United States in a hundred years have not respected the peoples of Latin America. They have sponsored coup d'etats, assassinations. — Hugo Chavez

(Farm workers) are involved in the planting and the cultivation and the harvesting of the greatest abundance of food known in this society. They bring in so much food to feed you and me and the whole country and enough food to export to other places. The ironic thing and the tragic thing is that after they make this tremendous contribution, they don't have any money or any food left for themselves. — Cesar Chavez

Many have the idea that organizing people is very difficult, but it isn't. It becomes difficult only at the point where you begin to see other things that are easier. But if you are willing to give the time and make the sacrifice, it's not that difficult to organize. — Cesar Chavez

I'm not going to ask for anything unless the workers want it. If they want it, they'll ask for it. — Cesar Chavez

For a hundred years we have been one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world but with a 60 percent poverty rate and now we are canceling the historical debt. — Hugo Chavez

Down with the U.S. empire! It must be said, in the entire world: Down with the empire! — Hugo Chavez

My mother was very involved with Cesar Chavez's work on behalf of the migrant farm workers in California. — Caitlin Flanagan

Venezuela has changed forever. — Hugo Chavez

There are many reasons for why a man does what de does. To be himself he must be able to give it all. If a leader cannot give it all he cannot expect his people to give anything. — Cesar Chavez

The left is back, and it's the only path we have to get out of the spot to which the right has sunken us. Socialism builds and capitalism destroys. — Hugo Chavez

Everyday I become more convinced, there is no doubt in my mind, as many intellectuals have said, that it is necessary to transcend capitalism. But capitalism can not be transcended through capitalism itself; it must be done through socialism, true socialism, with equality and justice. I'm also convinced that it is possible to do it under democracy, but not in the type of democracy being imposed by Washington. — Hugo Chavez

Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a re-dedication and re-commitment to the struggle for justice through non-violence. — Cesar Chavez

History will judge societies and governments - and their institutions - not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and the powerful, but by how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless. — Cesar Chavez

Uruguay is one of the biggest producers of software. We are breaking with the neoliberal model. We do not believe in free trade. — Hugo Chavez

At Girl Scouts, we are committed to raising awareness about the terrible effects of cyber bullying, and to teaching girls how to recognize the signs of bullying of any sort and extricate themselves or another from a bad situation before it spirals out of control and ends in tragedy. — Anna Maria Chavez

If the Constitution is worth anything, if the Declaration of Independence is worth anything, if the boys who died on the field of battle did not die in vain, fair employment practices are correct and necessary. — Dennis Chavez

Self dedication is a spiritual experience. — Cesar Chavez

Confronting the US made him [Hugo Chavez] a target for demonization. Partisan and/or lazy journalism exaggerated his faults, ignored his virtues, and downplayed the influence of strident and on occasion anti-democratic opponents. The flip side is his anti-imperialist posturing so dazzled his cheerleaders they overlooked his flaws, flaws which worsened over time, and they created their own caricature. — Rory Carroll

Never, never is it possible to reach someone if you become angry or bitter only love and gentleness can do it. Maybe not this time but maybe the next or the hundredth time. — Cesar Chavez

Our union represents a breaking away ... represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force ... however long it takes, we are geared for a struggle. — Cesar Chavez

I painted. I wanted to be a painter. I sang. — Hugo Chavez

Modesty used to be considered a natural female attribute. No more. — Linda Chavez

Since the Church is to be servant to the poor, it is our fault if that wealth is not channeled to help the poor in our world. — Cesar Chavez

In 1968, I became a vegetarian after realizing that animals feel afraid, cold, hungry, and unhappy like we do.. — Cesar Chavez

I don't want to die. Please don't let me die. — Hugo Chavez

If the United States was mad enough to attack Iran or aggress Venezuela again the price of a barrel of oil could reach $150 or even $200. — Hugo Chavez

Although an increasing proportion of the Hispanic population is foreign-born - about half of adults in this group - English proficiency is and should remain a requirement for citizenship. — Linda Chavez

Where journalists have gotten themselves in trouble over the last few decades is that their skepticism often extends only to American officials, the U.S. military and Republican politicians. — Linda Chavez

Only farmers and the young, who live dependent upon change, understand what it is to know the continual flowering of life, however subtle. — Denise Chavez

There is no turning back. — Hugo Chavez

I've always maintained that it isn't the form that's going to make the difference. It isn't the rule or the procedure or the ideology, but it's human beings that will make it. — Cesar Chavez

I haven't any thirst for revenge. — Hugo Chavez

Venezuela is a free country, and we will not be blackmailed by anyone. We will not accept being told what to do over Iran; we will not accept being anyone's colony. — Hugo Chavez

True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire. — Cesar Chavez

I am a President held prisoner, that I haven't resigned and I will not resign. — Hugo Chavez

The infrastructure, institutions and social fabric of Venezuela are deteriorating, and people realize the Chavez government has been the problem, not the solution. — Leopoldo Lopez

Israel has gone mad. It's attacking, doing the same thing to the Palestinian and Lebanese people that they have criticised - and with reason - the Holocaust . But this is a new Holocaust. — Hugo Chavez

We'll organize workers in this movement as long as we're willing to sacrifice. The moment we stop sacrificing, we stop organizing. — Cesar Chavez

I feel ashamed tonight that we treated Lennox Lewis the way we did because he gave it all his effort but everytime Don King's involved, you can expect a draw to come from somewhere. Ask Pernell Whitaker about the Julio Cesar Chavez fight ... I thought Evander Holyfield gave a very game effort, but you win some and you lose some ... tonight I'm upset because Lennox Lewis did not lose and it was not a draw. It's as simple as that. — Roy Jones Jr.

The Devil is right at home. The Devil, the Devil himself, is right in the house. And the Devil came here yesterday. Yesterday the Devil came here. Right here. And it smells of sulphur still today. Yesterday, ladies and gentlemen, from this rostrum, the president of the United States, the gentleman to whom I refer as the Devil, came here, talking as if he owned the world. Truly. As the owner of the world. — Hugo Chavez

The unions claim the deck is stacked against them when it comes to labor laws, but the truth is many private and public sector workers are forced to pay union dues as a condition of their employment, yet they have little say in how the unions spend their money. — Linda Chavez

Long live the Unity of Latin America. — Hugo Chavez

I nationalize strategic companies and get criticized, but when Bush does it, it's OK ... Bush is turning socialist. How are you, comrade Bush? — Hugo Chavez

Every time we sit at a table at night or in the morning to enjoy the fruits and grain and vegetables from our good earth, remember that they come from the work of men and women and children who have been exploited for generations ... — Cesar Chavez

I have to say that if our global alliances are going to be alliances with Hezbollah and Hamas and Hugo Chavez's Venezuela and Vladimir Putin's Russia, there is absolutely no chance of building a world-wide alliance that can deal with poverty and inequality and climate change and financial instability, and we've got to face up to that fact. — Gordon Brown

It is possible to become discouraged about the injustice we see everywhere. But God did not promise us that the world would be humane and just. He gives us the gift of life and allows us to choose the way we will use our limited time on earth. It is an awesome opportunity. — Cesar Chavez

What they have implanted here, which is really a 'gringo' custom, is terrorism. They disguise children as witches and wizards, that is contrary to our culture. — Hugo Chavez

Imagine the National Guard being called against a group of peaceful people. How far can we get; how disgraceful can it become? It's the most disgraceful, the most wicked thing I've seen in all my years of organizing farm labor. — Cesar Chavez

When you have people together who believe in something very strongly - whether it's religion or politics or unions - things happen. — Cesar Chavez

The farm labor movement saw him as a racist. He seemed to delight in the most outrageous snubs. Farm labor organizer Cesar Chavez was in the governor's outer office, waiting to plead against a bill outlawing unions on Arizona farms, as Governor Williams was inside his office signing the bill. That action launched a recall effort against Williams in the mid-seventies - a drive that apparently collected the required signatures but was subverted when the Republican attorney general found a nitpicking technicality that disqualified most of the petitions. This was the man who held the fate of Winnie Ruth Judd in his hands. — Jana Bommersbach

We must understand that the highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline. — Cesar Chavez

For us Catholics, John Paul II will be remembered as a traveling Pope ... and we should also remember he preached world peace. When the United States invaded Iraq, for example, John Paul II said it was an illegal and immoral act. — Hugo Chavez

Through Gandhi and my own life experience, I have learned about nonviolence. I believe that human life is a very special gift from God, and that no one has a right to take that away in any cause, however just. I am convinced that nonviolence is more powerful than violence. — Cesar Chavez

Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.
Cesar Chavez
Address to the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, Nov. 9, 1984 — Cesar Chavez

It's a lie! I am not an anti-Semite. The World Jewish Congress supported me and said that I am not anti-Semitic. — Hugo Chavez

Cyber bullies can hide behind a mask of anonymity online, and do not need direct physical access to their victims to do unimaginable harm. — Anna Maria Chavez

I am just a humble worker. Commander Chavez decided I should be president. To President Obama, we remember that young leader and of the workers of Chicago. So we have a different kind of relation. For him and John Kerry. We talked to Edward Kennedy. — Nicolas Maduro

I've always admired President Chavez for standing up to imperialism and the meddling of the American government in South America. — Cindy Sheehan

I became a soldier, not because I had a military vocation initially, but because it was the only way that that young, poor-class child from the provinces could go to the center of the country: through baseball, which was my dream. — Hugo Chavez

I would consider all of the legislation which I have supported meaningless if I were to sit idly by, silent, during a period which may go down in history as an era when we permitted the curtailment of our liberties. — Dennis Chavez

Our conviction is that human life and limb are a very special possession given by God to man and that no one has the right to take that away, in any cause, however just ... — Cesar Chavez

I remember. How many minutes do I have left President? About one, one minute. — Hugo Chavez

Americans like buying American vs. buying from Chavez or buying from the Middle East. — John Catsimatidis

When we are really honest with ourselves we must admit our lives are all that really belong to us. So it is how we use our lives that determines the kind of men we are. — Cesar Chavez

Chavez will hit the canvas. He will be sitting in his corner, or with the doctor or referee stopping the fight. There's no other outcome. — Sergio Martinez

We're not perfect, but we do have democracy. — Hugo Chavez

Embrace the path your loved one's story has taken, and be part of the culture shift that acknowledges dying as part of living. — Carrie Chavez Hansen

We are tired of words, of betrayals, of indifference ... they years are gone when the farm worker said nothing an did nothing to help himself ... Now we have new faith. Through our strong will, our movement is changing these conditions ... We shall be heard. — Cesar Chavez

You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if [President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela] thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war. And I don't think any oil shipments will stop. [ ... ] We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with. — Pat Robertson

What created democracy was Thomas Paine and Shays' Rebellion, the suffragists and the abolitionists and on down through the populists and the labor movement, including the Wobblies. Tough, in your face people ... Mother Jones, Woody Guthrie ... Martin Luther King and Caesar Chavez. And now it's down to us. — Jim Hightower

At Girl Scouts, we create leaders. — Anna Maria Chavez

I admire President Chavez for his strength to resist the United States. Instead, Bush is waging a war of terrorism against the world. — Cindy Sheehan

I was an altar boy. My mother wanted me to be a priest. I am very Christian and Catholic ... I'm very faithful. I believe in God, in Jesus Christ. — Hugo Chavez

Privatization is a neoliberal and imperialist plan. Health can't be privatized because it is a fundamental human right, nor can education, water, electricity and other public services. They can't be surrendered to private capital that denies the people from their rights. — Hugo Chavez

If you're outraged at conditions, then you can't possibly be free or happy until you devote all your time to changing them and do nothing but that. But you can't change anything if you want to hold onto a good job, a good way of life and avoid sacrifice. — Cesar Chavez

I lost a friend I was blessed to have. My thoughts are with the family of President Chavez and the people of Venezuela. — Sean Penn

The Venezuelan people will never abandon the ideals President Chavez gave us. Modestly, we contribute to ensure the stability of the region. — Nicolas Maduro

I do wish that the IMF and the World Bank would disappear soon. — Hugo Chavez

Research shows that girls look at leadership differently than boys. — Anna Maria Chavez

If you win non-violently, then you have a double victory, you have not only won your fight, but you remain free. — Cesar Chavez

Mr. Bush is an illegitimate President. In Florida, his brother Jeb deleted many black voters from the electoral registers. So this President is the result of a fraud. — Hugo Chavez

Who gets the risks? The risks are given to the consumer, the unsuspecting consumer and the poor work force. And who gets the benefits? The benefits are only for the corporations, for the money makers. — Cesar Chavez