Institutional message to my country

When we say Venezuela is a country without institutions... what do we mean? What are "political institutions"? Which are their defining features? I'll try to briefly answer these questions.

There a many characteristics that describe institutions. However, there are three aspects that must be highlighted.  Firstly, institutions involve a sense of antiquity and of belonging. They can't be built overnight and they're not a result of an outburst of political hysteria. No. Institutions aren't born being institutions. Only time and importance of social facts determine their status.

Secondly, institutions are the result of joint efforts. They are a organization of people. A single person can not build an institution on their own. Their emergence entails the joint goodwill of a society so they can transcend and be respected over the years. Institutions are contrary to adulation, caudillismo, personalism, demagogy.

Thirdly, institutions are persistent in their roles and functions. They aren't intermittent. It is rather their continuity what makes them transcend over time. Whether public or private, institutions are characterized by their long-lasting work.

Now, we define political institutions as bodies and entities that compose part of the State's organizational structure. I repeat, bodies and entities that, besides having constitutional and legal provision, must meet the requirements we mentioned earlier.

During the 19th century we had public powers, that's true. But, did they have the hierarchy to hold the caudillo’s despotic desires? Could they punish Monagas on January, 1848 for the attack on the Congress?  Of course not.  And that's how the 19th century passed: men over institutions.

It was on the second half of the 20th century when Venezuela was aware, although very briefly, of the value of institutions.  Even though the 60's and 70's were periods of institutional stability and development, in historical terms that represents the blink of an eye if we compare them with the tradition of caudillos and demagogy our country carries.

Nowadays it is evident why we question our public power's institutionalism. They're simply submitted to the will of not just a man, but of corruption, misery, hatred; today, they are public powers sold to the Executive Power. Is there a lawyer who dares to admire a Supreme Court of Justice's decision because of its adherence to Rule of Law?  Who can trust the National Guard?  Who has the stomach to recognize the legislative work done by the National Assembly with deputies like Pedro Carreño, Robert Serra, Diosdado Cabello?

Today it worries me that Venezuela is a society with citizens who have no idea of what a country with institutions is.

Let's remember: History rewards those societies that progress and get better, but also makes those societies that get used to the lack of institutions pay.