Spending time with DC neo-cons must be going to Farrar’s head. I thought better of him than supporting the Honduran military’s overthrow of President Manuel Zelaya.
Farrar offers a legalistic justification for the military/rightwing coup (yes, it is actually the right behind the coup with the support of the military, read up):
Zelaya has been elected to a four year term that ended at the end of 2009. The Constitution of Honduras makes it very clear you can not stand for a second term – ever. Article 239 says once you have been President you can never be President (or VP) again.
The constitution is so adamant about the one term limit, it says that if you promote a change to that clause, you lose your public office immediately and can not hold office again for ten years.
And Article 42 goes further and says anyone promoting the President staying in office beyond on term loses their Honduras citizenship.
One might have hoped that the white knight who fought so hard against the EFA last year would condemn such draconian laws. Talk about your curtailments of free speech – even suggesting the constitution needs changing can see you stripped of citizenship. Funny how such things don’t matter when it’s an elected leftwing government being disposed by the right.
The reality is that what has happened in Honduras is what has happened countless times in Latin America’s history. A socialist leader rises to power with popular support and becomes even more popular by making reforms once in power. The corrupt old ruling class (traditionally American-backed) don’t like a fairer deal and the prospect of a more prosperous future for the people – they’re happy controlling most of the wealth while most of the country’s population lives in abject poverty. The ruling class, which usually includes the Generals, launches a coup. The post hoc justifications are rolled out. A fascistic military regime is installed, which ‘cleanses’ the body politic with much blood-letting. Eventually, free elections are held, a socialist is elected. Rinse and repeat.
Zelaya is the Honduran people’s freely elected leader. The EU, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and even the US (thank God for Obama) have condemned his overthrow. Supporting a coup just because the rightful President is leftwing is shameful.
Powered by WPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress