The economic and military sanctions imposed by the U.S. and international organizations with U.S. support are taking a toll on the Honduran economy. Violent protests continue by Zelaya supporters. Zelaya still is on tour trying to get Latin American states to turn against Honduras.
And the U.S. mainstream media, such as the NY Times, is doing its part to portray the Honduran military in a bad light, even though it is clear that the military acted lawfully under Honduran law in ousting Zelaya on orders of the Honduran Supreme Court. At least AP gave a fair account of the military's press conference yesterday:
When you are called "thugs" and a "mob" because you dare stand up for your rights at the next health care forum, remember you are not alone. These are the same types of epithets thrown at Honduras for standing up for its rights. Thrown by the same people.Interim leaders insist Zelaya's ouster on June 28 was not a coup, saying he was voted out of office by Congress and soldiers who arrested him were obeying a Supreme Court order. However, interim President Roberto Micheletti has said the military's decision to fly him to Costa Rica instead of jailing him may have been mishandled.
The joint chiefs of staff insisted Tuesday that the military acted to save Honduras from dictatorship. Honduras' Supreme Court had ordered Zelaya's arrest on abuse of power charges for trying to hold a referendum on changing the constitution in defiance of court rulings declaring the vote illegal.
"What the armed forces did on June 28 was the defense and survival of the state, which was under threat," Rear Adm. Juan Pablo Rodriguez said on "Face to Face," a show on local Channel 5 television.
UPDATE 8-6-2009: The U.S. has decided not to impose economic sanctions on Honduras, in a major victory for the current leadership. The troubles for Honduras are not over by any means, but this is the first break in the international blockade.
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Your argument is doomed to absurdity when you begin by stating that the military acted lawfully. A Honduran top military lawyer admitted to breaking the law in an interview with the Miami Herald. His words not mine, and certainly not yours as long as you decide to manufacture facts. Read here: www.miamiherald.com/honduras/v-print/story/1125872.html
ReplyDeleteHaving been raised a genteel Southern Lady, I intend to wear my white gloves and sunbonnet when next I shout down my senator. And I do intend to stand up for my rights and to stand for states' rights and smaller, less intrusive government. The last time I checked, the 9th and 10th Amendments are still hanging on, albeit by a thread.
ReplyDeleteHonduras is shining as an immoveable beacon of democracy. Where are the outcries over Chavez's takeover of Venezuela's radio waves?
Hey Lucas, you might want to read this part:
ReplyDeleteThis week, Deputy Attorney General Roy David Urtecho told reporters that he launched an investigation into why Zelaya was removed by force instead of taken to court. Article 24 of Honduras' penal code will exonerate the joint chiefs of staff who made the decision, because it allows for making tough decisions based on the good of the state, Inestroza said.
Seems that, legally, they are in the clear but I guess you didn't quite manage to get that far into the article you linked.
Well said.
ReplyDeleteI think the courage shown by Honduras has won them allies. Canada has taken a moderate stance, Columbia has met with leaders of the new government, Taiwan is maintaining it's projects there, and some politicians in Nicaragua have supported the new government.
ReplyDeleteDomestically, I think the large amount of criticism has stunned the administration. They really have no answer for the constitution of Honduras.
Beer Diplomacy in Latin America
The more people like you write about Honduras, the more encouraged we become to keep up the fight against the Narcosocialists that were treading on us. Thank you. And help us by continuing to expose the truth.
ReplyDeleteThe situation is Honduras was not a coup. The Supreme Court ordered the action and Zelaya was lucky not to be thrown into prison. I have read enough to see the difference between Iran and Honduras. Zelaya was no different from Chavez and he wanted to become dictator for life just like Morales.
ReplyDelete