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This July 4, Stand for the Unalienable Rights of the Hondurans
Support the Hondurans as they fight for the very rights we celebrate on Independence Day.
As I type this, millions of Americans are preparing picnic baskets and squeezing into swimsuits. They’re packing their cars with coolers and beach chairs, smoothing on sunblock and tanning lotions, and heading out to their favorite parks or beaches and enjoying their holiday — most widely referred to as the Fourth of July. There will be firecrackers and sparklers. Burgers and hot dogs and apple pies. Patriotic music and parades and fireworks.
Yet this holiday is officially “Independence Day.” The birthday of our freedom. The day that we declared ourselves a nation, true and together and independent from foreign control. Sovereign.
Indeed, it is a great holiday, more than worthy of our festive commemoration.
Two hundred thirty-three years ago, when our forefathers declared themselves free, governments of other nations scoffed. The legalities of our declaration and subsequent actions were questioned. “Who are these audacious people? What right do they have to declare themselves autonomous, self-reliant, and self-governing?”
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
As I type this, millions of Hondurans stand defiant. Like our forefathers centuries ago, Hondurans declared that as a people, as a nation, they refuse to have their freedoms trampled. They, through their government instituted amongst themselves, affirmed their independence from their own King George III.
And the world scoffs. Governments and leagues of governments parse words, question the “legality” of their declaration, isolate the country through economic means, and refuse to accept a decision taken by the elected representatives of the people of a sovereign, pluralistic, and democratic nation. Governments foreign to their own speak of “charters” and “proprieties” while the freedom and the certain unalienable rights of a people stand in the balance.
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Val Prieto is an American of Cuban descent and is founding editor of Babalu Blog, the premiere English language blog on Cuba and Cuba related issues.
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25 Comments
1. robotech master:Its about time someone covered Honduras here…
Couple of problems though… short of civil war theirs really nothing in the short term the US ppl can do about the commies.
If chavez invades honduras you can expect the first line of US defense to act… and that is of course the US Mercenary. Many former US soldiers and civs will offer they’re help in the fight. The question is will honduras take the help or be able to use it.
In the mid term forcing obama’s birth cert/passport issues to the forefront is the only way to truly put a stop to the commies in the US. If it can be shown that they knew he was illegal then they will be crushed for decades in the US. However the longer it takes the more likely a very good forgery will be created.
Honduras made a giant step toward keeping its freedom… the question is will the US wake up a see about our own freedom…. or will be sleep away one of the last chances we’ll have to prevent the US from turning into another USSR.
Jul 4, 2009 - 1:25 am 2. PatriotUSA:“eagues of governments like the United Nations and the Organization of American States are not the arbiters of the freedom of a people. The purveyor of the freedom of a people is the will of the people. And the Honduran will has spoken plainly, sanely, and with the dignity and strength afforded the Honduran people by their democracy and the rule of law.”
Good read and whether you like it or not, this is democracy in action, not a coup as the left and this administration are trying to paint it as one. Zelaya was trying to circumvent the Constitution and the the fact that ilk like Hugo Cahvez and the mullah Obamaham are upset,
is more tha proof enough that these “comrades in Arms” are on the very wrong side of this
struggle. Just like he did with the Iranians protesters, the Obama adminsistration has miscalculated again in the foreign policy arena.
Screw the U.N., the OAS and our State department. Let Honduras be Zelaya free and cut the ties to Chavez type politics. America used to stand up for such underdogs, those struggling to break free from tyranny and oppression. Not anymore, not since Obama changed America into Amerika. WE have much to be prayerfully thankful for in this country. We need to remember and support those whos strive to fight for their freedom and liberties. Not condemn them or undermine their efforts as Obama is trying to do to Honduras. When we, the USA undermine and subvert something like Iran and Honduras, we undermine ourselves and greatest of all foundations, The Constitution of the United States. Now more than ever this country needs to flee from appeasement, apology and cowardice. Remember who this country REALLY is, and what it stands for.
A very heartfelt thanks to all those men and women in uniform who are serving, have served, have given the ultimate sacrifice to make us and keep the USA Free. Freedom comes with a very steep price, and our indepenence still shines as a beacon to others. Remember
Jul 4, 2009 - 1:29 am 3. vivo:that as we celebrate our day of Independence. Lest we not forget.
Zelaya was trying to change the presidential tenure, but he was using democratic means: a referendum. The outcome would be technically democratic.
Micheletti broke the democratic process by staging a coup. His right-wing forces have being doing this in Latin America for decades. They don’t believe in democracy. They make the appearance of practicing it so that international funds reach their countries.
So, take your pick: democracy or no democracy?
Americans celebrate their independence from England, but they forget that we are not independent from the oil countries and the Chinese imports, as well as from our insatiable consumption. We need a new Independence Day, once we are really free.
Jul 4, 2009 - 4:14 am 4. leftonright:blow it out your “sophist,pedantic,polemicist ass Val.
Jul 4, 2009 - 6:42 am 5. David W. Lincoln:Thank goodness there are media outlets, the Wall Street Journal, and the Christian Science Monitor, which rise above the self-inflicted mediocrity (at best) which has characterized media coverage for far too long – prejudice instead of making the reader, and reporter, think.
The military of the Honduras has behaved like Horatius at the bridge, and I don’t take their actions for granted.
Jul 4, 2009 - 6:52 am 6. Lily:Vivo:
You misunderstand, I think. Zelaya was acting in direct conflict with the country’s constitution. The Honduran Constitution expressly forbids not only the extension of the president’s term, but even seeking the extension of that term. That’s how much they fear the ‘president for life’ thing.
What you propose is mob rule. Our founding fathers feared mod rule, which is why they gave us a Republic, not a Democracy. And our Constitution was written to protect individual rights from mob rule – to protect our ‘inalienable’ rights even from a vote of 51%+ of our fellow citizens. The Honduran Constitution is not different in that respect, I think.
Jul 4, 2009 - 6:54 am 7. Lily:leftonright said: “blow it out your “sophist,pedantic,polemicist ass Val.:”
Is this what passes for discourse in your world?
Jul 4, 2009 - 7:30 am 8. "progressive"watch:The same president whom we are seemingly helpless(but are not) in stopping from destroying our rights and country will do everything he can to destroy Hondurean rights. Barack Obama need a Moslim-Marxist cabal of nations to back him when he makes his attempt to become the Stalin or Mao of America.
Jul 4, 2009 - 7:34 am 9. bobby:Enjoy your Independence Day celebrations-it may be your last. I am an American Christian Missionary living and serving in the Great Republic of Honduras. I see what is going on all around this country. The New President, the National Congress,(both political parties)the Supreme Court, The Attorney General, the brave military, the police, and over 90% of the people have made a bold stand against Hugo Chavez,his puppet expresident Zeyala, Danial Ortega, the U.N., and most of the world. Obama stands with the Dictators in their effort to force, with military invesion, if necessary to put the accused criminal (there are at least 18 criminal charges facing him) Zeyala back in office.
Jul 4, 2009 - 8:21 am 10. leftonright:I know that the Obama controled media are not reporting the truth.Yesterday 60,000 people geathered in Tegucigalpa to show their support for freedon and democracy. In cities all over this country simular groups of tens of thousands are demonstrating againt Obama supported dictatorship in their nation. They are willing to die,if necessary for their sovereignty.
Today the focus of the battle is here, and it can be won, if the people in the U. S. will join in supporting Hondurasas as they fight against tyranny. If this nation falls to the communist bloc, tomorrow will it be the U. S.?
yes lily! but only when idiots like Mr. Prieto opens his mouth. He should use it to hold up the bottle rockets. hes a gun loving extremist who fights from his computer while urging others to take to the streets.
Jul 4, 2009 - 8:22 am 11. Strawman:Lily, no misunderstanding. Vivo is a leftist troll. Don’t expect honest or intelligent argument.
Jul 4, 2009 - 8:31 am 12. Thomas:Today is not the right day to delve into sensitive theories that might offend many given our beloved holiday of Fourth of July. I feel strong contrition about it but the life and death go on regardless of our emotions.
Germany was not an enemy country until the German people voted H. into power but it became one after that –
regardless how many Germans voted AGAINST him.
Our nation majority voted for Hussein, The Messiah, he is the official and de facto representative of the United States –
regardless how many Americans voted AGAINST him.
Those countries who are going to be victimized by Hussein, The Messiah both morally and technically can regard the New US as enemy country and draw a conclusion of that fact and can ponder how to respond to it. I don’t want to follow any further the deductive reasoning for you are equally adept to do so.
Jul 4, 2009 - 8:35 am 13. Bob in VA:Viva Honduras!!!! The Obama administration’s handling of this situation has been dim and dismally wrong-headed. Big mistake. Obama has been consistently wrong on foreign policy from the get go . . . Georgia, Iran, North Korea, etc. The OAS is a U.N. wannabe. Support Honduran democracy, buy their bananas, coffee, etc. at your supermarket and avoid those from the OAS states that support Zayala. God bless our troops; and Happy Birthday, America!
Jul 4, 2009 - 8:58 am 14. bobby:I live and minister in Honduras so i see what is going on here unfiltered by the left wing Obama controled press. I know that the news media in the U. S. is busy with more important news. What will a ticket to M. Jackson’s funeral cost? Is Hillary’e elbow going to be ok? Will she still be able to throw lamps at Bill? They can’t be bothered about how many brave American soldiers were murdered by the same type of thugs that Honduras is facing this week? Or about the details of a possible communist take over of a faithful ally only a two hour flight from Miami or Houston.
Jul 4, 2009 - 9:51 am 15. Morena8:The Opposition to the new legal goverment here are led by and funded by leftist governments and drug cartels. They are the mobs roaming the streets burning,looting, and braking windows-especially of U.S. named businesses. They wear red masks, and Che Guevara photo shirts. they carry rocks, bottles of gasoline, and clubs. Then there are the “leftonright” brain dead idiots, the U.N., OAS, State Department, Obama, and his supporters in the U.S., just to name a few.
hy wife and i operate a Christian orphanage here with 44 beautiful Honduran children. Some of the older ones are asking, “what will happen to us if you flee the country during an invasion?” Of course the answer is, “don’t worry-we are not going anywhere.”
The legal government here is considering holding the general elections early this year. Normally they are in November, and those elected take office in Janurary. That seems like a good idea. The new president could be in office soon. That is what the United States should support, but i do not think it will. It seems to come down on the wrong side every time since last January.
The brave people here need your support to prevent a drug running dictatorship being forced on this nation. Please pray for God to protect the freedom loving people in Honduras, and the many U.S. citizens living and ministering here. God bless America!!
I applaud the actions of the current elected officials and leader in Honduras who have acted to protect their constituion against a mad grabbing leftist Zelaya who is supported by other left wing criminals as Castro, Ortega, and Chavez….and left wing or communist organization as the UN….I feel sorry for Hillary who must pretend to support the ill advised and ill educated Obama.
Obama & Biden have been on the wrong side of humanity all of their lives.
When is Obama going to answer the passport question? When is he going to be transparent and open all of his personal records? What has happened to our country? Since January 2009, no debate is allowed on the floors of our Congress!! Congressman and Senators do not even bother reading bills? What kind of legacy is this?
Jul 4, 2009 - 12:12 pm 16. Huh:Mr. Prieto, thanks for posting on this.
Remarkable silence on the Iranian “election” and
misplaced, self-righteous indignation on the (legal)
Honduran action to maintain their constitutional democracy.
That is what we get from this administration.
Hope and Change!!!
How pathetic is our current leadership.
Lily, don’t waste your time with leftonright—a transparent hack.
Vivo may be interested in escaping from his/her ignorance, I
do not know, but this
“Micheletti broke the democratic process by staging a coup.”
And this:
“So, take your pick: democracy or no democracy?”
Are laughable, and suggest that he/she might not be.
Vivo, you suggested that Micheletti’s “right-wing” forces have
Jul 4, 2009 - 3:01 pm 17. gcblues:been doing this for decades in Latin America. Are you aware that
Micheletti is a leader in the SAME political party that Zelaya
represents!
as someone living in central america i would point something neither the writer or posters have mentioned.
Jul 4, 2009 - 3:14 pm 18. progressoverpeace:most constitutions have a legal method for removing a president guilty of illegal behavior. in the united states it is the impeachment process.
the honduran constitution specifically adresses the process. the power of removal there is in the supreme court. they issue the finding, the congresional leader is next in succession. only the supreme court can order the removal, they have the sole right to have the police or armed forces to enforce their finding. the hondurans followed honduran law. to call it a coup simply reveals peoples ideology and stupidity.
I would love to hear someone directly question Gibbels or The Precedent as to why they fully support Zelaya’s attempted coup. It’s time to stop allowing these morons to smear the legal and constitutional actions of the Honduran supreme court and parliament by calling their fending off of Zelaya’s coup to be a “coup”.
Harvard must be very proud that they have graduated a “Constitutional scholar” who not only doesn’t know the US Constitution, but doesn’t seem able to understand the Honduran Constitution, either.
And the press doesn’t seem able to figure any of this out, either. It is absolutely pathetic.
Hang in there, Honduras. The ray of light emanating from your nation, in defense of your Constitution and your refusal to buckle to the insane and illegitimate demands of other nations, is a hopeful sign in the all-too dark world of today. Tell the OAS, the UN, the EU, and The Precedent to shove it. They are not interested in your liberty, only in completing Zelaya’s coup for him. Stand strong. You have support from those who appreciate liberty and respect for the rule of law.
Jul 4, 2009 - 3:29 pm 19. leftonright:folks,fear not for honduras…Im sure once we get a rich right wing land baron in as the new president things will get back to normal. Tortures and people dissapering,never to be heard from again,will make all happy.We love those Latin American dictators.As long as they are “our” dictator,things will be ok. You get these pesky left wing nuts trying to level the field with an extra piece of bread for the people and all hell breaks loose..most of you folks are right,” SCREW THE POOR”.We are more concerned about the “legality” of the takeover,than the suffering it is bringing to the people..Right wing all the way!Bet you guys cant wait till the crying mothers walk with the signs asking for the whereabouts of their sons and daughters…Lets keep Zelaya out.Lets make sure President Obama keeps to himself,and let the killings begin…have a nice day!
Jul 4, 2009 - 4:03 pm 20. ferdsblog:“Chavez Chess” is a note I’ve written that describes what is going on strategically. Honduras is an important piece of the puzzle for Chavez and Obama is getting this wrong:
http://ferdsblog.wordpress.com/
Jul 4, 2009 - 4:12 pm 21. AndyG:The contrasts between how our present administration is handling Iran compared to Honduras is showing the world what they are really made of. I guess the democrats must not be thinking about the USA hispanic /latin american voters. Their handling of this crisis has been inept and standing on the side of despots like hugo and raul will not be forgotten when the next elections come. So many “hispanic americans” came here to escape from those types of governments. They will not forget how this is played out. This is far from over and nobody can really tell where its going to wind up. Still at least several more rolls of the dice to go. The stakes just get higher. Too bad we have such a amateur in our executive office.
Jul 4, 2009 - 4:15 pm 22. Huh:“Lets make sure President Obama keeps to himself,and let the killings begin…have a nice day!”
That was Obama’s strategy for Iran. Here he is proactively going after the Hope and Change! You clearly do not understand the meaning of the word “dictator”. Also, are you saying that Micheletti is a dictator (let’s leave aside your confusion with the term for now) AND that he is “right-wing”? He is a member of the same party as Zelaya–so Zelaya is a right-winger!! Or, was Micheletti just a plant.
Gee, progressive thinking is so nuanced.
Jul 4, 2009 - 4:50 pm 23. vivo:6. Lily:
“Vivo:
You misunderstand, I think. Zelaya was acting in direct conflict with the country’s constitution. The Honduran Constitution expressly forbids not only the extension of the president’s term, but even seeking the extension of that term. That’s how much they fear the ‘president for life’ thing.”
You may be right here because the Honduran Supreme Court was fighting the referendum. I’m not sure if I agree with long presidential terms because in Latin America this means one group gets to enrich themselves more than others. I was just purely referring as Zelaya was following democratic procedures. That’s all I said.
“What you propose is mob rule. Our founding fathers feared mod (sic) rule, which is why they gave us a Republic, not a Democracy. And our Constitution was written to protect individual rights from mob rule – to protect our ‘inalienable’ rights even from a vote of 51%+ of our fellow citizens. The Honduran Constitution is not different in that respect, I think.”
You are right here again. Democracy is pretty much a MOB rule. You said it just so well!
I wasn’t aware we were a Republic and not a Democracy. This is confusing. How are we protected from the 51% vote? By the Judicial System? I’ll be interested in your answer. Thanks.
11. Strawman:
“Lily, no misunderstanding. Vivo is a leftist troll. Don’t expect honest or intelligent argument.”
You never understood me. Categorizing me as a troll and a leftist is very stereotypical.
I’m proud being called a troll because it means that you found ideas that don’t mesh with yours and are afraid to explore. I’m definitely more to the Left than the Right, but I’m not obsessed. I can change my mind if you have lucid, logical arguments. It happens once in a while.
16. Huh: can you read English?
Jul 4, 2009 - 10:58 pm 24. Thomas:@23. vivo:
Tengo un mensaje para Vd. lo que he leido en la prensa:
(I have a message for you I’ve read in the press)
“Enrique Ortez, expresó este domingo que el presidente estadounidense Barack Obama, es un “negrito que no sabe nada de nada”
Short transl.:De facto Foreign Minister: Obama is a black* who does not know anything at all. (He used the diminutive word negrito which is something like “blackie”.
Full Spanish text at:
Jul 5, 2009 - 2:30 pm 25. vivo:http://www.telesurtv.net/solotexto/nota/index.php?ckl=53477-NN
24. Thomas:
Honduras is full of negritos, just like calling you a gringuito.
Jul 5, 2009 - 11:59 pm