PWW story among most censored

An article by Karen Talbot titled “Coup-making in Venezuela: The Bush and oil factors,” which appeared in the July 27, 2002, edition of the People’s Weekly World, has been named one of the 25 most censored stories of 2002-2003.

The award was made by Project Censored, a program based at Sonoma State University in California. This year’s stories, including Talbot’s, were selected by more than 200 student researchers and faculty.

Project Censored highlights stories that are underreported or unreported in mainstream media. Its goal is to “explore and publicize the extent of censorship in our society.” By doing this, they aim “to stimulate responsible journalists to provide more mass media coverage” of these censored stories.

Talbot’s story spotlighted the role of the Bush administration in the drive to privatize Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA, and the administration’s involvement in the attempted right-wing coup against President Hugo Chavez in April 2002.

“As efforts to overthrow President Hugo Chavez intensify,” Talbot wrote, “two facts are inescapable: the power elite in the United States has never been happy with the democratically-elected Chavez, but it took the Bush administration, with its corporate oil and energy connections, to turn up the heat against him.”

Talbot is the director of the International Council for Peace and Justice, an organization dedicated to promoting education and action for “real human rights as enshrined in international human rights instruments.” She is also an executive committee member of the World Peace Council.

This is the second time that one of Talbot’s articles has been selected for the “Most Censored” honor.

“The People’s Weekly World is delighted that Karen Talbot has been recognized in this way,” said Terrie Albano, editor. “Her hard-hitting, investigative journalism sets a high standard and provides a profound public service. We are honored to be associated with her.”

An event to recognize the authors will be held at the Jewish Cultural Center in San Rafael, Calif., on Oct. 4. Speakers include former Georgia Rep. Cynthia McKinney and author Michael Parenti.

For more information, or to view the full list of the 25 most censored stories of 2002-2003, go to www.projectcensored.org.