Speaking about the recent forcible removal of Honduras’ president, José Manuel Zelaya Rosales, President Obama called on all of the political and social entities in Honduras to “respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.”
Tensions in that country “must be resolved peacefully through dialogue free from any outside interference,” Obama said.
For more on the situation in Honduras, see “Honduran Crisis Must be Resolved Peacefully and Lawfully.”
Comments (64)
cindy pegram
Location: Pfaffttown, NC
30 June 2009 at 17:30 EDT
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I just came back from Honduras yesterday. In talking with the Hondurian people they are happy the president was removed. The vote that was to take place on Sunday was ruled as illegal and they fear they are heading toward Socialism instead of staying a democratic government. The relationships he has developed with Chavez frighten the people. Please help the people of Honduras. Reistating the president is not what they need or want.
Joanna Hamil
Location: Siena, Italy
1 July 2009 at 05:24 EDT
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@ cindy - Could it be that you only spoke to the affluent and the military officers?
Josef
Location: Honduras
1 July 2009 at 16:15 EDT
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Joanna,
I work in a factorywith 2300 people and these people are certainly not affluent but the vast majority supports the change whole heartedlyThey don’t want Chavez & Co
Joanna Hamil
7 July 2009 at 01:21 EDT
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There is still no excuse for a military coup in a country which holds democratic elections and a process for impeachment available to them.
Jesse W. Jamison
Location: Copan Ruinas, Honduras
2 July 2009 at 16:25 EDT
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You are an observant lady. Very few Hondurans support Mel Zelaya. the one who do support him are, for the most part criminals, and those on his payroll. The leaders of his own Liberale party have all turned against him because of repeated violations of the constitution and abuse of power.
There are are many U.S. citizens who live here in Copan Ruinas, myself included, and we all solid support the new government and the decisions that they made on Sunday. We do not need another anti-American, socialist dictator in Central America.
If support for Zelaya is an example of Obama´s foreign policy, I think we are all in deep trouble!
Des. mc.loughlin
Location: canada
18 July 2009 at 07:44 EDT
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Support for zelaya is not Obama’s foreign policy. Did you read the speech made by the president or did you ASSUME. Des.
salva democratica
9 July 2009 at 21:25 EDT
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Just keep the negotiation in San Jose, it is the actual trial for Zelaya. The world will learn from the negotiation how close was Chavez and the Mullas from Iran and yes North Corea from smashing a silent A Bomb into the USA, another 9-11.
How can some Gringos be so stupid?
Do they think Honduras is the target? Wake up USA! the target is Mexico as has always been the communist plot- just wait and see…
Well, I guess it happens even in the best of families!
Steve
Location: Ohio, USA
15 July 2009 at 06:18 EDT
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A President for life is a Dictator (Hitler, Caesar, Castro, Chavez, Zelaya, etc.), and Obama’s support should go down in history as one of his biggest blunders.
@ Joanna Hamil - Democratic elections and a process for impeachment is not available in a Dictatorship. The coup was as justified as the American revolution that created my country in 1776.
laura tabanelli
Location: atlanta
30 June 2009 at 18:50 EDT
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People wake up>>>>>>>>
What is Obama supporting in Honduras???
Hello… CHAVEZ…….. right…….!!!!
What are we becoming….. so now we are supporting
communizim instead of a democratic goverment… Mr Obama PLEASE PLEASE look at the reality of what is happening in this country…EVERYONE who beleives in a democrartic goverment needs to contact our goverment to remind them what we stand for………
Josef
Location: Honduras
1 July 2009 at 16:21 EDT
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I wonder if anybody who condemns the new Honduras has any idea what they are talking about, including Barack Obama who is my heroe. Nobody took the time to really find out the whole story, which CNN claims they always do-from hearsay???
American, Europians and neighbours, please send your people and find the truth. You have nothing to fear except the crazyness of the few Zelaya supporters who don’t want you to find out the truth
Douglas Crawford
Location: West Columbia
24 July 2009 at 09:22 EDT
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……before we are force fed Obama’s brand of socialist reform. We were warned back in the primaries about all this. Too bad “we” turned a deaf ear.
Rick Garner
30 June 2009 at 21:51 EDT
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What’s the change we really need? Find plenty of examples at: http://obamaprayers.blogspot.com
Joanna Hamil
Location: Siena, Italy
1 July 2009 at 05:21 EDT
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The U.S. has supported the wealthy and the militaries of Latin American countries for far too long. Obama needs to back up his calling the coup in Honduras illegal with action in concert with the rest of the international community. Withdraw support for the coup and support democratic elections.
Juan Diego Zelaya
Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
7 July 2009 at 23:38 EDT
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What constitutes a democracy? Free and fair elections are central to the exercise of democracy, but alone are not enough. The Inter-American Democratic Charter cites a number of “essential elements” of representative democracy, including respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; the exercise of power in accordance with the rule of law; the pluralistic system of political parties; and the separation of powers and independence of the branches of government. Transparency, probity and responsible administration on the part of governments, respect for social rights, freedom of expression and citizen participation are among other elements that define democracy. – Taken from the OAS webpage, Key OAS issues (http://www.oas.org/key_issues/eng/KeyIssue_Detail.asp?kis_sec=5)
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the Presidency, and will, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the laws.”
This is what 3.5 years ago, Mel Zelaya swore before the Honduran people. This is the oath (or something really close) that most Presidents take when assuming office.
Mel Zelaya was elected democratically, but that alone was not enough to guarantee democracy in Honduras. His government had to comply with the other “essentials elements” of democracy. Zelaya did not respect at all the separation of powers and the independence of the branches of government. He did not govern in accordance with the rule of law and openly threatened our democratic guarantees.
During his last year, Zelaya embarked on a mission to carry out a total reform of our constitution, following the well-tested formula of Mr. Chavez of manipulating democracy to serve other purposes.
Running a campaign disguised as promoting change for the people and true direct participation of the masses, he started to promote this project with all his executive might. The judicial branch deemed this project illegal, as did our electoral tribunal and the Attorney General’s Office.
Nonetheless, these institutions started to be portrayed as part of the groups of power that were afraid of change, tyrants opposed to the people of our country, who did not want people to express themselves. Whatever person or institution went against his project was also an enemy of the people. Sound familiar, Mr. Chavez?
Mr. Zelaya issued executive orders to the armed forces to carry out the first phase of the constitutional reform project. The head of the armed forces, knowing that this order was illegal and unconstitutional, said “No.” Mr. Zelaya went on national TV and fired Gen. Romeo Vasquez for refusing to carry out the order, but our nation’s Supreme Court reinstated him. The firing was a clear signal Mr. Zelaya was putting his personal ambition and interests before any genuine interest to change things and improve the quality of life of Hondurans.
It saddens me that in today’s world, leaders applaud those who fraternize with 20th Century dictators like Fidel and Raul Castro and 21st Century dictators like Hugo Chavez. The latter, expediently buying hearts and minds with oil barrels and selling 21st Century socialism as a solution to poverty and injustice with the sole purpose of expanding his ideological Empire.
The UN and the OAS must look into their hearts remembering why they exist and put principles first and interests second.
I think President Obama is looking at the facts and making the right decision: let Hondurans resolve what is for hondurans to resolve, but watch it…this is not merely about Honduras…it´s about Chavez. It´s not merely about what happened in Honduras, its about what´s happening in Latin America, and which side the US will be on. Will ot side with Chavez on this or not?
Honduras has a clear path set out:
We cannot support the return of an expresident who threatened our democracy and openly violated our laws and our constitution.
We cannot accept intervention from countries with proposals that go against the defense of our democracy and our constitution.
We are willing to wait until we have free elections. We are willing to hold until the people have elected a new President and new authorities even if the World gives their back to us in the process.
The return of Zelaya is NOT the solution to our problems. On the contrary, it would mean MORE problems.
Given Secretary Clinton´s remarks today, I can do nothing but think that the US Government has looked at the facts and will mediate the process, but will not intervene, hoping that diplomacy and dialogue will bring a solution to the crisis in my country.
I thank Secretary Clintons remarks today and also thank Senator Demint, Senator Coburn, Ileana Ros Lihtenn and other congressmembers who have stood on the side of real democracy, not only elected democracy.
We were just defending our constitution and way of life. No one is above the law, not even the democratically elected president.
You may ask yourself? So why did they drag him put in his pijamas and fly him to Costa Rica? Zelaya represented a clear and present danger to the national security of our country. His stay in Honduras threatened human lives, proof of this was his attempted return last sunday when he incited his supporters to break down the airport fence and take over the strip. he put lives in danger. The first and foremost objective of our governments are to protect us. That´s why he was flow out. To save lives.
Carlos Camacho
Location: San Pedro Sula, Honduras
1 July 2009 at 13:27 EDT
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Mr. Obama,
I know you are a very bussy man, i am from Honduras and is very sad that the international community is talking about a coup, if a remember a coup is when the military take action and take all the country goberment for them, if you are imparcial like I think, in Honduras is not like all the world saw in the news, all the people or the most of the hondurans was agree for that transition, we need respect like nation we are, the think here is not the legaly or ilegaly that the transition was made, in fact it was legal, the reality is more dark, Chavez is taking advantage for that and I Know that you know that because you meet Chavez once.
I call you based it that you have a very deep christian foundation, please, hear the people from Honduras!! not only one person.
Kindest Regards
Carlos M. Camacho
Menschundrecht
Location: Global
1 July 2009 at 17:28 EDT
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Honorable Mr. President,
Dear Mr. Obama,
the Value of Human Rights, Constitutional Rights, and of the Rule of Law is a matter of global Concern:
http://home.arcor.de/menschundrecht/english.html
With compliments and thanks
Menschundrecht
Lurbin
Location: Honduras
2 July 2009 at 15:13 EDT
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You talk about respect, Mr. Zelaya should have respected the Honduran constitution too.
Luis Bogran
Location: honduras
3 July 2009 at 12:16 EDT
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I prefer to live in peace free of any
comunist interference Chavez was trying
to rule our contry.
Zelaya follow everything that Chavez say
Every week you can find venezuela airplanes with drugs flying in our territory
Obama knows that things becausse the
Drug Enforce Administration detected with radar that airplanes.
Thats the way Chavez provide us with dirty money Zelaya did not care about it.
Honduras people want freedom not
dictatorship.
thanks.
archie
Location: texas
4 July 2009 at 02:46 EDT
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Obama=Chavez=Castro=Zelaya=Comunism
what do you expect from a Democrat? They are weak in foreign policies… don´t you remember that the first thing they said against him was his lack of experience. Well its showing right now, he´s backing Zelaya.
What a coincidence that Carter backed the sandinistas, Obama backs Zelaya.
Jose Nigrin
Location: Tel Aviv
4 July 2009 at 11:46 EDT
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As a former Central American resident, I have been in Honduras, and the military coup that ousted, elected president Zelaya, has the determination of staying in power. Now is the time to probe the effectivenes of the Organization of American States in dealing with this kind of political upheavals, as well as the United Nations, that don’t have a coercitive force to implement their decisions. The democratic elected democracies, will have a bad example to follow, showing that elections in a free society, still can be manipulated by force without knowing who is right. A similar example happened in Guatemala, where President Serrrano had to flee to Panama, after a coup was held against him for suspending the functions of the Congress, and the corte de constitucionalidad. In this case there was no OAS intervention to judge the President without leaving the country.
Harry
Location: Canada
5 July 2009 at 11:10 EDT
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I pray for a speedy recovery from (sl)obama’s recto-cranial inversion!
Frederick H
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
5 July 2009 at 16:34 EDT
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I was born in Surinam (South- America) but was raised partly in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Well, I think that with Zelaya it’s the age old Latin-American story (or perhaps the Third World story in general). The leaders are incredibly corrupt, in particular the military leaders, and the majority of voters are hopelessly ignorant. Many of them have barely finished elementary school, so they don’t know the next thing about economics or the dynamics of the political system in their country. As there is no powerful, independent body of administrators controlling the governement (such as the parliaments here in Europe), the president and his mates can virtually do whatever they like and get away with it. That is, until the military gets fed up with the president’s schemes and kicks him out of office or kills him (or her) off like a dog (as happened to President Allende in Chile).
So, the new administration in Honduras will most certainly not be a single bit better than Zelaya and his “clique”. One crook is simply replaced by another. I’ve become very cynical about this. I think some honest alien race with high moral standards will have to land on our planet to really effect any major changes here.
Saul E. Andino
Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
5 July 2009 at 23:18 EDT
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HONDURAS HAS BROKEN A PARADIGM IN LATIN AMERICA
By: Margarita Montes, Costa Rican Political Scientist
“The removal of President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales of the Armed Forces in the early hours of Sunday June 28, breaks the paradigms of contemporary political history of Latin America. For the first time in the era of post Cold War (1989 to date), an army deposes a democratically elected constitutional president, to restore the rule of law, not to break the rule of law in a country, as was characteristic of the military in the past.
This case can not be classed as a “coup d’etat,” because it does not comply with two fundamental characteristics of this political phenomenon: seizure of power by the military and the breakdown of rule of law.
The action taken by the Armed Forces of Honduras was based on a court order and his purpose was to restore the rule of law, which was being consistently violated by the President of the Executive, to disregard the provisions of Judiciary and the Legislature (checks and balances).
After the intervention of the Armed Forces, the Constitution is still in force and the succession of power established by the Magna Carta has been fully respected appointing a new constitutional president.
And is that from the standpoint of politics, Honduras yesterday laid a precedent, which no doubt will become a case study of universities, politicians and diplomats around the world .. For the first time in Latin America, the people will revolt without bloodshed and without violence, against a constitutional and democratically elected President, for violating laws and institutions in the country.
That’s why the international press, international agencies and governments around the world, still have not understood the context and substance of this case and are condemning what happened in Honduras, as they are analyzed based on concepts of old paradigm of coups d’etat during the Cold War. The international community, public and private, has not yet had the time or the elements, to realize that Honduras broke a pattern and that there is completely sui generis.
The lesson gave Honduras the world yesterday was clear: even if a President has been elected democratically and legitimately has no right to disobey the Constitution and laws of the Republic. The people are no longer willing to tolerate such abuse of power by the constitutional President, often considered untouchable by the very fact of having been elected by the people. Honduras message is simple: the popular vote does not include a license to commit crime, and any effort to govern for the common good should be within the framework of the law.
Probably not even Hondurans have realized the magnitude of what they did yesterday. Over the days, months and years they will be assimilating and understanding the dimensions of the new paradigm they have sat, with a resounding message to friends and strangers about what is the future for constitutional dictators and their apprentices.
Can not be overlooked in the understanding of the peculiar situation in Honduras the content of Article 4 and 239 of its Constitution.
ARTICLE 4
The form of government is republican, democratic and representative. Is exercised by three branches: legislative, executive and judicial, and independent and complementary relationship of subordination. Alternation in the presidency of the Republic is required. Violation of this rule constitutes the crime of treason.
ARTICLE 239
The citizen who has been the head of the executive branch may not be President or Designee.
Anyone who violates this provision or the proposed reform, and support those who directly or indirectly, immediately cease the discharge of their duties, and shall be disqualified for ten years to exercise any public function.
Not only must be verified and supported democracy in their home but must also focus on the global stage is equally important that the democratic mandate and that any elected government must respect the Constitution on the basis of which he was elected.”
Victor
Location: Honduras
6 July 2009 at 04:06 EDT
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Any statement saying all the Honduran people or U.S. citizens in Honduras support one side or the other is an oversimplification. There are varying opinions of events among people here in Honduras and many people, even here in Honduras, do not understand everything that has and is happening.
Honduras finds itself in a very complex situation. Zelaya was moving the country in a direction which many people here did not want it to go and he has been accused of violating the constitution and Honduran law. The military which removed him from power violated the constitution (article 102) by taking him out of the country. Questions also remain about how much the people now in power were involved in the coup. The constitution states that no Honduran should obey a government which comes to power through force or illegal acts (article 3).
Zelaya should have been brought before the court, and still should, to face the charges against him (18 criminal acts and not implementing 80 new laws). So too should those implicated in the illegal acts of the coup.
As far as the Obama administration’s reaction, it is not the place of the U.S. government to decide what most people in Honduras want and make that happen. Obama has said, “we always want to stand with democracy, even if the results don’t always mean that the leaders of those countries are favorable toward the United States.” This is very true. The economic, constitutional, and foreign policy decisions of other nations are not ours to dictate. Even if they are anti-American or socialist.
A wealthy acquaintance of mine said today that “none of this would be happening if someone other than Obama were in the White House.” I first thought he was criticizing, but realized that he was praising the response. Even though the country is in turmoil he is happy that the Honduran people are able to resolve the issue themselves.
We, and the rest of the world including Venezuela, can best help the Honduran people by working through international institutions to preserve democracy. Efforts must be made to support dialogue and rule of law so that Hondurans have the power to solve this problem.
Mariella Guzman-Garcia
Location: San Pedro Sula
6 July 2009 at 10:31 EDT
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Mr. President: I am a 49 year old us born citizen, living in Honduras for over half of my life. I also have a US warden for thew last 9 years, I love this country for its beauty and enormous potential. I have been very blessed by Honduras in many ways.
What has happened here is unprecedented in Latin americas political history. This small, poor, beaten country has sad NO MORE! to the abuses committed endlessly by the prior President Zelaya. How can you NOTsee, WHY dont you want to see the truth… The only fault commiteed has been in the clumsiness of the ousting of Zelaya. I am trying very hard to believe you are not truly part of this complot to bring back Zelaya. If so you will also be responsible for the blood bath that undeniably will occur. Cant you see we are trying our best to prevent this? please listen to us and review the facts.
Sofia Zelaya
Location: Tegucigalpa
6 July 2009 at 15:27 EDT
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Dear President Obama, I am a mother of 4 who dreams with a bright future for my children, I know your a dad too…Sir, in my short 38 years old I have never been so frustrated with a President like Zelaya, he is a liar, I have decided to not listen to him anymore on the news because its so frustrating its literally making me sick, he is a corrupt man who has been violating the law time after time…please Mr. President, give us a break, we dream with a country like yours were Democracy reigns, not dictatorial governements like crazy Chavezes, this is were we were headed…I have never been prouder, as difficult as this may be to understand that we took a stand and said no more!! all we want is to go back to work and dream of a bright future for our country…please dont turn your back on us I plead to you…find out what really happened…Zelaya deserves to be in jail and the World aplauds him!!we have loved your people so long..and trusted in your sense of justice..I am bewildered on how you can defend this man…if you ask americans who have lived here and know whats going on theyll tell you, they are standing by us confused that you are not supporting us..please Sir, help us dream with a brighter future…please give Honduras a voice, but the 90% of hondurans who are thrilled to have gotten rid of a a man who betrayed his own people to pursue Chaveze’s agenda..
Respectfully,
Sofia Zelaya
María Estela Mendoza
Location: Choluteca, Honduras
6 July 2009 at 18:26 EDT
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Please Mr. President:
In Honduras we don´t want Zelaya, we are democratic, and free, no want to zelaya, castro and chavez.
Help to new president and the people of Honduras
Dick Walker
Location: Honduras
7 July 2009 at 08:20 EDT
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All a person has to do is look at the constitution of honduras! I guess Obama needs a spanish translater!! And if he has not been advised about Mel using and trafficing of cocaine, then he needs to have a talk with the D.E.A. What a criminal this country has for a president?? He was pres. of FHIS and stole more money than he used for reconstruction of Hurricane MITCH, I guess we need Chaney to handle this!!!
Jose Moran
Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
7 July 2009 at 18:36 EDT
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The deposition of Manuel Zelaya as president of Honduras is legal according to honduran law. There was a legal process that culminated in an arrest warrant issued by the Supreme Court to the Joint Chief of the Armed Forces, who have a constitutional duty to preserve the constitution.
I recommend reading this document, that explains all the legal process (in english):
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0702/p09s03-coop.html
Now, taking Zelaya out of the country is more difficult to justify legally, but easier to understand considering the kind of reaction his would-be return on july 5th caused, resulting in at least one death. Legal counsels for the Armed Forces have recognized that they might have been acting outside the law by expelling Zelaya from the country, but insist that their action was justified under a “state of necessity” in order to avoid a violent uprising by Zelaya’s supporters that might have ended up in a blood bath. The Armed Forces are willing to let the courts decide if their actions were legally justified or not. In fact, there is an investigation by the country’s Public Prosecutor.
In the end, what is clear is that this is nothing like the “normal” military coup in Latin America. The military never held the power in the country. Power always resided in civilian authorities legally constituted and elected by popular vote.
The fact that there hasn’t been a popular uprising by the majority of Hondurans is another fact contrary to “usual” military coups. Certainly, there have been protests by Zelaya’s supporters, but it is clear that the majority of Hondurans agree with the actions of the country’s democratic institutions.
Hellensue Christopher
Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
8 July 2009 at 07:48 EDT
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Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak out at least thru this website, since we havent been able to let the world know exactly what WE hondurans want.
We want Mel Zelaya OUT, we dont want to be the new Ecuador, Nicaragua, we dont want to resemble Venezuela and by no means want to end like Cuba,
The question i ask myself is how can the USA goverment turn their back on us?? I would understand the smaller countries, cause our actions WILL set an example for others that want to live free, but what about the USA?? They dont have the problems we have in latin america?? do they?? How can they look away when in Honduras we have an air force base from the american military?? and putting us in danger is putting your own people in danger??Im not saying to take our side in the situation but at least LISTEN TO THE FACTS! God bless America and God bless Honduras, cause we deserve it!
Valerie Huete
Location: Tegucigalpa; Honduras
8 July 2009 at 08:11 EDT
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Dear President Obama,
Should a president be above the law? I sincerely hope you do not think that but judging from the position your government has taken it leaves me doubting.Americans are known throughout the world for their love of democracy so how come when we Hondurans defend ours you react the way you do? We Hondurans have been friends and supporters of the United States for so long we naturally expected you to do the same. I hope your comments are due to misinformation on part of your government. The only thing Hondurans want is to raise our children in an atmosphere of peace and democracy as we work hard to develop our country
Tom Noyola
Location: Houston Texas
8 July 2009 at 09:34 EDT
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The far too oppressed Honduras has gone too far with it’s dictation and poorly organized institution of government. It is time for organizational change both intrinsic and extrinsic. Honduras like many other oppressed countries need leadership from countries such as the United States. The conditions in Honduras could be much better with the resources and American factories. Military support to provide training from the Amercians is available. Reflection of military aggression should have been considered before force was utilized. Perhaps the timely situation would not allow the process to move forward in a more demorcratic way. Needless to say, Honduras must now decide on what they are going to do as a country who is faced with many problems and desperate people who are entitled to basic resources to enable them to survive in a country which is problably the third poorest country in the world. Que DIOS bendiga a Honduras y su gente.
Profesor Tom Noyola
Vanessa
Location: Honduras
8 July 2009 at 09:40 EDT
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http://www.telesurtv.net/solotexto/nota/index.php?ckl=53630-NN
Monica
Location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
8 July 2009 at 12:56 EDT
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Mr. Obama please research what really happen here………
http://www.asisard.com/news/articulos/art027.htm
Los Estados Unidos es nuestra unica esperanza ya que la izquierda ha avanzado a pasos agigantados en Lationamerica pero en medio de eso queremos vivir en paz y libertad.
Dios nos proteja del comumismo!!
Jose Moran
Location: Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS
8 July 2009 at 19:06 EDT
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A ‘coup’ in Honduras? Nonsense!
by Octavio Sanchez*
Tegucigalpa, Honduras - Sometimes, the whole world prefers a lie to the truth. The White House, the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and much of the media have condemned the ouster of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya this past weekend as a coup d’état.
That is nonsense.
In fact, what happened here is nothing short of the triumph of the rule of law.
To understand recent events, you have to know a bit about Honduras’s constitutional history. In 1982, my country adopted a new Constitution that enabled our orderly return to democracy after years of military rule. After more than a dozen previous constitutions, the current Constitution, at 27 years old, has endured the longest.
It has endured because it responds and adapts to changing political conditions: Of its original 379 articles, seven have been completely or partially repealed, 18 have been interpreted, and 121 have been reformed.
It also includes seven articles that cannot be repealed or amended because they address issues that are critical for us. Those unchangeable articles include the form of government; the extent of our borders; the number of years of the presidential term; two prohibitions – one with respect to reelection of presidents, the other concerning eligibility for the presidency; and one article that penalizes the abrogation of the Constitution.
During these 27 years, Honduras has dealt with its problems within the rule of law. Every successful democratic country has lived through similar periods of trial and error until they were able to forge legal frameworks that adapt to their reality. France crafted more than a dozen constitutions between 1789 and the adoption of the current one in 1958. The US Constitution has been amended 27 times since 1789. And the British – pragmatic as they are – in 900 years have made so many changes that they have never bothered to compile their Constitution into a single body of law.
Under our Constitution, what happened in Honduras this past Sunday? Soldiers arrested and sent out of the country a Honduran citizen who, the day before, through his own actions had stripped himself of the presidency.
These are the facts: On June 26, President Zelaya issued a decree ordering all government employees to take part in the “Public Opinion Poll to convene a National Constitutional Assembly.” In doing so, Zelaya triggered a constitutional provision that automatically removed him from office.
Constitutional assemblies are convened to write new constitutions. When Zelaya published that decree to initiate an “opinion poll” about the possibility of convening a national assembly, he contravened the unchangeable articles of the Constitution that deal with the prohibition of reelecting a president and of extending his term. His actions showed intent.
Our Constitution takes such intent seriously. According to Article 239: “No citizen who has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President. Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform [emphasis added], as well as those that support such violation directly or indirectly, will immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years.”
Notice that the article speaks about intent and that it also says “immediately” – as in “instant,” as in “no trial required,” as in “no impeachment needed.”
Continuismo – the tendency of heads of state to extend their rule indefinitely – has been the lifeblood of Latin America’s authoritarian tradition. The Constitution’s provision of instant sanction might sound draconian, but every Latin American democrat knows how much of a threat to our fragile democracies continuismo presents. In Latin America, chiefs of state have often been above the law. The instant sanction of the supreme law has successfully prevented the possibility of a new Honduran continuismo.
The Supreme Court and the attorney general ordered Zelaya’s arrest for disobeying several court orders compelling him to obey the Constitution. He was detained and taken to Costa Rica. Why? Congress needed time to convene and remove him from office. With him inside the country that would have been impossible. This decision was taken by the 123 (of the 128) members of Congress present that day.
Don’t believe the coup myth. The Honduran military acted entirely within the bounds of the Constitution. The military gained nothing but the respect of the nation by its actions.
I am extremely proud of my compatriots. Finally, we have decided to stand up and become a country of laws, not men. From now on, here in Honduras, no one will be above the law.
Octavio Sánchez, a lawyer, is a former presidential adviser (2002-05) and minister of culture (2005-06) of the Republic of Honduras.
Noemi
Location: usa
12 September 2009 at 11:08 EDT
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Dear SIr:
I am a Honduran native, and naturalized citizen of the USA. I believed that
Mr. Obama has been a bit confused about the reading and or understanding of our constitution. You have now describe it cristal clear. Know, if he still believes (being himself a lawyer graduated from a elite school) that the constitution still remains hard to understand, then I believe that my president is being a bit careful . Think about; Chavez has or is about to convert many lating american countries into socialism. Know, how about china, afganistan, etc. could it be that President Obama is between a rock and a hardplate?
Could it be that he knows that all these communist countrie are keeping closed look at the actions that he might take in helping Honduras?
Michelle Austein Brooks
America.gov Staff
8 July 2009 at 19:50 EDT
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Hi everyone - I’ve been enjoying reading this discussion and thought you might want to see a few more America.gov articles on the subject:
U.S. Asks Costa Rican President to Mediate Honduran Crisis
http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2009/July/20090707152709dmslahrellek0.4110681.html
Secretary Clinton’s Remarks After Meeting with President Zelaya
http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2009/July/20090708112332xjsnommis0.1718103.html?CP.rss=true#ixzz0KidRL5jT&C
Faignilmenaic
Location: Panama
17 July 2009 at 14:09 EDT
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Right-minded!
Honourable in behalf of you dear!
Sllavvitta
Location: Украина
18 July 2009 at 05:28 EDT
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У автора очень приятный слог
Hellggaa
Location: Украина
18 July 2009 at 08:32 EDT
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Навеяно наверное стандартным мышлением? Будьте проще ))
Hellggaa
Location: Украина
18 July 2009 at 09:24 EDT
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Спасибо! Буду теперь заходить на этот блог каждый день!
Assillka
Location: Украина
20 July 2009 at 01:00 EDT
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Отличный пост – слов нет. Спасибо.
Assillka
Location: Украина
20 July 2009 at 01:52 EDT
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Спасибо за статью, всегда рад почитать вас!
Pelez
Location: Россия
20 July 2009 at 03:45 EDT
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Пора переименовать блог, присвоив имя связанное с доменами
может хватит про них?
Assillka
Location: Украина
20 July 2009 at 05:30 EDT
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Спасибо, пост действительно толково написан и по делу, есть что почерпнуть.
Llappochkka
Location: Украина
20 July 2009 at 08:36 EDT
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Спасибо! Буду теперь заходить на этот блог каждый день!
Llappochkka
Location: Украина
20 July 2009 at 09:18 EDT
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Очень было интересно читать, спасибо!
Llappochkka
Location: Украина
20 July 2009 at 12:27 EDT
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Подписался на RSS, буду следить =)
Piilonkka
Location: Украина
21 July 2009 at 07:37 EDT
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Спасибо, интересно было прочитать.
Piilonkka
Location: Украина
21 July 2009 at 11:28 EDT
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не уверена что это так) хотя спасиб
Romela Palazios
Location: CANADA
29 July 2009 at 23:06 EDT
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I am a US citizen born in Honduras.
Thomas Jefferson once said that “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”
Therefore, I REFUSE TO REMAIN SILENT!
He also said that “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
I am using someone elses words here but they are my feelings exactly:
“I am very troubled by the Obama Administration’s calls for the reinstatement of Zelaya, as well as the Organization of American States’ and United Nations General Assembly’s resolutions condemning these events. The people in Honduras, Iran, and elsewhere who are currently fighting for freedom should never be left to wonder which side America will choose. The Obama Administration must realize that despots such as Manuel Zelaya, Hugo Chavez, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should be strongly renounced in favor and support of those who are fighting to obtain the same values, liberties, and privileges that we as Americans hold dear, and that our United States Armed Forces fight to defend.”
People’s backgrounds who should be questioned for their allegiances and events that also merit an investigation are:
- Jose Miguel Insulza, OAS (especially when the USA puts SOOO much money into that organization which doesn`t stand for what it is supposed to stand for - Cuba a member?) http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-293892
Why did made him switch sides? What does Insulza need from Chavez and the Castro Bros?
- Jorge Taiana, Foreign Relations Minister of Argentina, for the skeletons in his closet of July 4, 1975 at the “El Iberico” Bar in Buenos Aires Argentina and his stay at the Rawson (and this character was the one who thru Hondurans under the OAS bus).
- Hugo Llorens (US Ambassador to Honduras) for previous business dealings with Mel Zelaya when Zelaya was at the FHIS. The nature of their “close bond, relationship/friendship” is what exactly?
Would you get a biased or an impartial story about the facts in Honduras?
- Alexis Arguello’s death (Managua’s Mayor) There is a suicide letter going around.
- Why did the Venezuelan small aircrafts (2 per day) stop landing in Honduras since Zelaya has been gone? Coincidence?
- Why is CHAVEZ sooo upset that his mentee Zelaya was kicked out? What is he losing each day Zelaya is not in power? What is his interest in gaining control of Honduras that he is willing to “invade” or declare war on Honduras?
- Zelaya’s key people still receiving US Dollars from his right hand man for what exactly?
http://www.elheraldo.hn/var/elheraldo_site/storage/original/application/00e05d09304b6ba832b2968223dc6cd5.pdf
- How much money was taken from the Honduran Central Bank in cash by order of Zelaya? For what purpose?
- What would happen to President Obama if he was thought to be commiting the same crimes (including treason) that Zelaya is charged with?
See how many signatures we already have on this petition to President OBAMA and this is the 2nd or 3rd that I see with more than 10k+ signatures!!!
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?honduras&1
HONDURANS DO NOT WANT ZELAYA BACK!
Romela Palazios
2 August 2009 at 19:51 EDT
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Additional interesting read…
http://honduras-not-a-military-coup.blogspot.com/2009/07/zelaya-its-not-military-coup.html?showComment=1249250871504#c6937865210117968318
http://www.examiner.com/x-7812-DC-SCOTUS-Examiner~y2009m7d29-Obama-Backs-Imperial-Presidency
http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2009/julio/28/opinion2040047.html
Documentation and evidence against Zelaya..
http://www.laverdadenhonduras.com
jennifer
26 August 2009 at 00:20 EDT
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I believe USA is not interested in helping solve the political problem in Honduras.
No one wants to listen.
Michelle Austein Brooks
America.gov Staff
26 August 2009 at 08:04 EDT
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Why do you think that is the case?
Menschundrecht
14 September 2009 at 17:34 EDT
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Maybe Jennifer thinks, that, from a distance, it looks very much like the U.S. are focussed more on Executive Power than on Civil Rights and Constitutional Rights.
Menschundrecht
14 September 2009 at 17:51 EDT
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Listen to Obama interpreting ‘The Rule of Law’ in the context of, for instance, the so called ‘preventive detention’, and you’ll know what I mean talking about the U.S. being ‘more focussed on Executive Power’.
Joan
Location: Tennessee
23 September 2009 at 22:15 EDT
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I am so disappointed in our govenrment’s stance on the problems in Honduras. I thought a democratic government would support the upholding of a democratic government. Instead, the US is siding with communist dictators. I know many Hondurans who live in Honduras.
They are not wealthy, but all are happy that Zelaya is no longer their president and they are willing to suffer hardships to keep a democratic government in Honduras.
googlefakel
Location: Russia
8 October 2009 at 04:43 EDT
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Ух ты, мне понравилось!
ofigennoe.ru
Location: US
11 October 2009 at 10:57 EDT
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Here a wealth of information here. Thanks! I’ll be back for more
ofigennoe.ru
Location: US
13 October 2009 at 01:43 EDT
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Thank you for this valuable post. It changed my way
ofigennoe.ru
Location: US
13 October 2009 at 01:54 EDT
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Thank you very much for that wonderful article
ofigennoe.ru
Location: US
13 October 2009 at 02:25 EDT
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Thank you very much for that splendid article
ofigennoe.ru
Location: US
13 October 2009 at 02:46 EDT
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all that is lost on the ‘net.Which raises the obvious question of why I’m bothering to comment. But like I said earlier, I like irony!
ofigennoe.ru
Location: US
13 October 2009 at 02:48 EDT
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I can see the logic in your argument but I think you’ve painted your strokes