We Want Rolomolos

As many before me, I have always been intrigued by the adaptations that tongues have to traverse to meet the needs of the moment. There is nothing that has not been invented before, and the best inventions lean on the backs of tired old paradigms. But once in awhile, it is important to invent new words even if it is to inspire progress. Twenty First Century Socialism sounds too old to me to inspire progress, plus many would say that there is no one to invent this 21^st Century Socialism for lack of good rolomolos.

I propose that instead of complaining, we try to better understand what a rolomolo is, to see if we can secure the load or construct more highways that will lead us to progress. If we want good rolomolos enough with the buddies, watchmen and material things that only muddy the surroundings of the Venezuelan spirit. That spirit that floats in search of a dignified anchor.

If we want to triumph in the global competition of the 21st century, we need good rolomolos, not buddies. Buddies are only useful for

late-night parties and debauchery. If we want to "plant the oil" in lasting competitiveness, buddies don't sow but bad weeds.

Up North, rolomolos are called Role Models. Up North, Ophra Winfrey is a solid rolomolo, Britney Spears is not.

Modestly, President Leoni was a great rolomolo for an entire generation because of his dedication and honesty. Caldera with all and his santeria, was not a rolomolo, because of his lack of integrity, and for not facilitating an intergenerational when he could have. But this list threatens to become distasteful, unless we turn to some good rolomolos from the past like Andres Bello, Simon Rodriguez, Doña Bárbara y Teresa de la Parra. If we want good rolomolos, we need to coin the word so that they appear. Love without a script is gone with the wind.

Now that 2008 starts, send in a list of good rolomolos and at the end of the year, we will name the winner “Rolomolo of 2008”. We will be discussing the first prize, but "Great Rolomolo" should be enough for a rolomolo of genuine lineage.