Honduras thug: Help me, Barack Obama, you’re my only hope
posted at 7:56 pm on July 2, 2009 by Allahpundit
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America is with you, Chavista douchebag!
Deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said he’s plotting his return to the Central American nation and called for “strong” action from the U.S. to help restore him to power.
“Their words are strong,” Zelaya said today during an interview in the lobby of the Sheraton hotel in Panama. “We’re going to see now if their actions are strong.”…
The U.S. has suspended some aid to Honduras while it evaluates whether the removal of Zelaya meets the definition of a military coup under American law.
“We’ve taken some actions to hit the pause button on assistance programs which we would be legally required to terminate” if it is found to have been a military coup, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters today in Washington…
Supreme Court Justice Rosalinda Cruz said in an interview yesterday that the military acted under judicial orders when it deposed Zelaya, rejecting the view of President Barack Obama and other leaders that he was toppled in a coup.
See Gateway Pundit for photos of Hondurans protesting The One’s useful idiocy. New president Roberto Micheletti was talking tough yesterday, vowing that the country won’t cede to pressure from anyone, but thanks to American leverage, he told reporters today he might consider holding a national referendum to bring back Zelaya (although not now). How that’s going to work when there are warrants outstanding against Zelaya for treason, drug trafficking, and organized crime is anyone’s guess, but what a fine chapter in U.S. foreign policy manuals this will eventually make. Between restoring Hugo Jr to power and today’s stimulus epic fail to prevent further job loss, let me offer a hearty “good work, Barry.”
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No, but he might cut off aid and enact sanctions. With that, combined with Honduras’ isolation from the rest of the world, they may have little choice but to accept Obama’s dictator pal back.
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 9:53 PM
The U.S. has suspended some aid to Honduras while it evaluates whether the removal of Zelaya meets the definition of a military coup under
AmericanObama law.Fixed it.
JellyToast on July 2, 2009 at 9:58 PM
They have no respect for the individual, and they lack core beliefs in the power of individuals to achieve greatness.
They also believe in limits, that everything is finite. Energy is finite, creativity is finite. There is always a limit to everything. Therefore, they must, absolutely must grab what they can, take what they want (the elites) and distribute the rest to the peons.
They do not believe in man, the individual as God’s manifestation of all that is good and creative.
Cody1991 on July 2, 2009 at 10:01 PM
He’d probably not “meddle” if Honduras’ neighbors start a war and he might order our military to abandon our ally, but I don’t think he’s going to get our military involved.
If he does get our military involved, he’d probably bring in forces from outside the region because I think the troops we have stationed their work fairly closely with theirs, being an a, (sadly, former), ally and all.
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 10:04 PM
WTF is this even talking about? There’s some sort of US law that (somehow) prohibits the US from giving aid to countries where there’s been a “coup”?
Somehow giving money to terrorist and Communist nations is par for the course. And continuing – or even increasing – aid to regimes which have just publically, brutally and gleefully overturned their own citizens’ vote is A-OK…
But if a democratic nation’s legislature and judicial branches unanimously rule that its executive is acting unConstitutionally, then all of a sudden they’re America’s biggest enemy in the whole freakin’ world?
And in making this pronouncement, the people who treat the US Constitution like a list of offhand suggestions are now trying to claim there’s some OTHER document that can utterly tie the federal government’s hands?
I’m not going to bother Googling “military coup” right now, because I know I’ll get nothing but 10,000 references back to the current Honduras situation. But seriously, does anybody know what law they’re pretending to reference here?
‘Cause I’m pretty sure they’re just making it up again.
logis on July 2, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Nobody would understand. Maybe flying a Honduran flag would be more meaningful?
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Ahahaha. Since when is Democratic Honduran Constitutional Law subservient to Democratic American Constitutional Law, or vice versa?
The definition of “meddling” is as malleable as metal under Obama. Talk about the arrogant and ugly American. Why yes, Obama, let’s fight Chavez’s and the Iranian Mullahcracy’s wars for them.
If there’s a position to take, Obama will pick the wrong one. Maybe this evaluation period is his chance to backtrack on his originally poor one so giving Obama an out is better for the long-term, but I have zero faith that he’s looking for a way out more than he’s looking for a way in to Chavez et al.’s side.
AnonymousDrivel on July 2, 2009 at 10:10 PM
I wonder what Chavez and Obama talked about in Trinidad earlier this year
jp on July 2, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Chavez talked. Barry nodded and took his marching orders.
/just a guess
Cody1991 on July 2, 2009 at 10:25 PM
This little creep fits right in with Obama and his communist buddies. The Republic is speeding down the sewer at warp speed.
rplat on July 2, 2009 at 10:29 PM
LOL, Dopey painted himself into another corner with this one. If Zelaya is The Latino One, Dopey has to send troops down to aid him. Not. Gonna. Happen.
Well played, New Leftist Savior President.
PattyJ on July 2, 2009 at 10:33 PM
There’s still an opening, in the junta in Washington, for a Latin American czar. I think Zelaya would fit perfectly. He’s in tight with the COCOA-Puffs, which certainly fills the requirement.
progressoverpeace on July 2, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I just learned by following that link how the United States will end. A “charter” will trump the United States Constitution the same way they will beat down the Honduran Constitution with their Inter-American Democratic Charter.
Did you happen to catch the date that Inter-American Democratic Charter went into effect, Buy Danish? We never saw it hit us.
Buddahpundit on July 2, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Obama is a fascist.
By his actions, it is clear that he despises constitutional law, separation of powers, and individual liberty.
Face it libs…
…you installed a fascist.
Saltysam on July 2, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Yo Barry,…………I am sitting here and out of TP. You are my only hope.
Good grief
proudteadrinker on July 2, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Scenario: Obama forces Honduras to reinstate Zelaya. Zelaya breaks his promise and refuses to leave office in 2010 claiming his work to bring justice and equality is not finished.
Will…
1. Obama cut ties and demand his ouster?
2. the OAS suspend Honduras from departing from their constitutional norms?
3. the countries that recalled their ambassadors recall them then.
When a republican wins the presidency, if Zelaya is still in power, can we remove him since we put him there?
sjramos on July 2, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Oops, I guess I should post the link to the page. Note the day it was put into effect.
http://www.oas.org/charter/docs/resolution1_en_p4.htm
Buddahpundit on July 2, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Harold Koh says that you should use the word “evolve” instead of “end”. Otherwise, he’ll have to jail you.
progressoverpeace on July 2, 2009 at 10:52 PM
That was really interesting. They seem to completely gloss over the unconstitutional behavior of the deposed president and are in a rush to get him back in place. Do you know if the Hondurans can survive without our aid and is this truly endorsed by all nations? I am feeling very sorry for the citizens of a lot of different countries lately. Including our own.
Cindy Munford on July 2, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Hey, on a somewhat unrelated tack, I see that Obammy is saying that Vladimir Putin needs an “…in-person reminder that the Cold War is over.”
Putin, a famous racist and humorist, is said to have commented upon hearing this, “And he needs reminding that he is African with ears of chimp.”
Obama hopes to loosen up and shoot some hoops with Putin, but sources in Moscow say that Putin plans to counter with a judo match between him and the First Lady.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Yes. Most military takeovers are orchestrated by dictator-wannabes, so US law prohibits aid to people like Castro. It was not intended to penalize coups where the dictator is thrown out, and democracy restored.
Yet another case of brilliant legislation by the people we elect year after year…
BobMbx on July 2, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Obama believes that countries that are run by dictators are easier for us to deal with and more predictable.
I think he is bringing us to the same type of government because he really somehow thinks democracy has failed because some people have more than others.
He would rather we all be poor together. That is his definition of morality.
petunia on July 2, 2009 at 11:03 PM
I’d spend my entire share of stimulus money ($420.00) to see Pootie put The One in a head-lock and dispense some major noogies.
BobMbx on July 2, 2009 at 11:04 PM
FIFY
BobMbx on July 2, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Putin considered a match with The One rather than Michelle Obama, but sources say he changed his mind when he saw a photo of Obammy’s man-boobs.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:10 PM
As long as Barry can figure a way to get Zelaya back into power, so that their constitution can be overturned and he can impose a dictatorship, all will be well.
That’s real democracy to lefties.
Vashta.Nerada on July 2, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I’d give up a year’s worth of work to see the man of the house, aka, MO, take down Putin. She’s twice his size and won’t take any stink off of some blue-eyed punk.
Cody1991 on July 2, 2009 at 11:21 PM
How many Americans – not to mention Obammy voters – could even remotely find Honduras on a map? How many will even register this story; of those who do, how many will look beyond the phrase “military coup”? How many give a crap about the intricacies of the workings of the Honduran governmental system?
Um…maybe fewer than 10%??
Obammy and his thugs know this, of course.
Sorry, freedom-loving Hondurans, we’re a little busy mourning a pedophile freak and wondering who Meghan Fox is screwing this week. So please, be good little brown people and do what the nice man in the White House says.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Yeah, geez, have ya seen the guns on Michelle? I mean, hava ya? Millenial
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:23 PM
It’s the place in Japan where they make Hondas, right?
BobMbx on July 2, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Hell, yeah! The woman is an arsenal of hate. The trick is to get her focused in the right direction. If we could do that, I have no problem with some cuts in military funding.
Cody1991 on July 2, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Elduende posted it before: Article 239 of the Honduran Constitution: “No citizen that has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President.
Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform, 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.”
What part of “immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years” don’t the imbeciles in Obama’s administration understand? I feel like screaming at the idiots. Don’t they even have a 2nd-grade reading comprehension level?
Or are they not even bothering to read, which makes them not only stupid but downright dangerous and evil?
I feel like we’re watching a crime in slow motion and have no way to scream loud enough so the world will wake up and stop it.
justincase on July 2, 2009 at 11:28 PM
The only thing I could find was this account of the conversation. You’ll find it has a familiar ring to it.
econavenger on July 2, 2009 at 11:28 PM
I think you got it the wrong way around. If anybody’s wearing a lacy thong in that relationship, it’s Obammy.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:31 PM
I feel like we’re watching a crime in slow motion and have no way to scream loud enough so the world will wake up and stop it.
justincase on July 2, 2009 at 11:28 PM
seesalrun on July 2, 2009 at 11:33 PM
And Duracell batteries. Maybe that’s why BHO is “concerned” – Michelle goes through a lot of Duracells.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Obviously they can read, (consider TOTUS), and certainly they are aware of the facts, (they can’t still be ignorant of them after all this time), which means there can be only one answer to your question. Just don’t say it out loud unless you want to be on the receiving end of AllahPundit’s ridicule, though, actually, I don’t recall detecting any of that in this post.
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 11:36 PM
We need to scream to the nation to make it stop at our Independence Day rallies. Guys, we gotta make it happen. Find out where you need to be and then make sure you’re there. We have to find a voice.
justincase on July 2, 2009 at 11:38 PM
I think we need to make these jerks in the State Department answer under oath questions about the facts of this matter. That way if the country ever survives this nightmare we can send them all to rot in jail for perjury.
justincase on July 2, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Oh, AP started the week with some rambling musings about how this must be some sort of sophisticated realpolitik triangulation by Obammy, trying to send a nuanced message to the world.
A. Obama isn’t that smart and he’s too lazy to go that deep.
B. He loves commie thugs: his father was a commie, though too drunk to be a thug.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:40 PM
They should have shot him, a lesson I hope the US Military learns when (not if) the time comes here.
bill30097 on July 2, 2009 at 11:42 PM
I mentioned this before in another context, but it would be great to see some Honduran flags.
On the other hand, I’d bet the state run media would speculate that the flags were in support of Obama’s dictator buddy, Zelaya.
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Yeah, they should have read the Pinochet playbook. As you may recall, when his troops stormed the presidential palace, Allende shot himself with a machine gun…27 times.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 11:48 PM
…and, “Don’t you realize how much stimulus money and free health care you’re going to receive if you simply turn your back on our ally, Honduras?”, the CNN reporter asks.
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Eh, the machine gun was probably leaning against the door jamb and fell over when Allende opened it to see what the commotion was about. It happens all the time…
FloatingRock on July 2, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Honduras thug: “Help me, Barack Obama, you’re my only hope”
Obama Binks: “Missa help Zelaya. Missa help Zelaya good!”
Daggett on July 2, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Obama will send Cynthia Mckinney and Jeremiah Wright(Who happened to be dating) as an envoy.
THE CHOSEN ONE on July 3, 2009 at 12:06 AM
The rules around here are pretty simple. It’s perfectly OK to question Obama’s motivations — as long as you’re careful to never reach the conclusion that either:
A) Obama doesn’t know what he’s doing; or
B) Obama DOES know what he’s doing.
…’Cause that would mean you’re one of those “dangerous right-wing conspiracy fanatics.”
In other words, the only way to be Allah-certified as in possession of all your faculties is to keep your mind in a constant state of utter confusion.
You know, now that I think about it, that whole AllahPundit equals Joe Scarborough theory is starting to make an awful lot of sense.
logis on July 3, 2009 at 12:14 AM
It seems to me that AP fell overboard when he became infatuated with the McCain brat girl and Frum, whichever’s which. And before that, during the primary, after the contestants had been winnowed down, he seemed to settle on McCain. That was a turning point as well.
I still like AP and respect his ability to stir the pot, but I don’t have as much in common with him politically as I used to.
FloatingRock on July 3, 2009 at 12:31 AM
Considering shamnesty and all.
FloatingRock on July 3, 2009 at 12:33 AM
On this the Honduran Government is entirely correct. Period.
Unless we wish to send Smedley Butler back to Latin America to lead Marines in keeping Latin America a subservient vassal of the United
Fruit CompanyStates, then the Obama Administration should, as they say, STFU, and allow the Hondurans under their laws (which were inspired by our own, by the way, after decades of dictators taking that country apart) to adjudicate the Zelaya problem on their own as they deem fit.Our involvement, calling a removal of a president who openly violated Honduran Constitutional law a “coup” and repeating that “coup” meme constantly is doing us no favors anywhere execept among those who believe they can strong arm their way into power, complete and absolute.
As Americans, we should be appalled at Obama’s meddling in Honduras. We should be shouting from the rooftops our support of the Hondurans, and their respect for the rule of law.
Instead…we get the wonks and experts and politicians looking not at the ramifications of forcing Honduras to violate their own laws to suit our needs, but at the fearful and inconvenient idea that separation of powers works, when allowed to work.
This seems to be at the crux of Obama’s actions…because if tiny Honduras can show that respect for the rule of law, and the Constitution is what civilized societies must do, then the Obama goose is cooked.
coldwarrior on July 3, 2009 at 1:05 AM
RE: coldwarrior on July 3, 2009 at 1:05 AM and especially “… the Constitution is what civilized societies must do, then the Obama goose is cooked.”
All true in my eyes, too. Obama is for incumbency, particularly his own, at all costs.
Partly I think it’s because he doesn’t want foreign entanglements to distract him from his socialist, domestic agenda. Anything that would draw attention and focus away from domestic policy is risky. He cannot control foreign powers like he can domestic ones given our current political environment, so spending capital on those things he cannot dominate for numerous reasons will most assuredly ding his “glowing” reputation. Remember he was able to parlay the greater war on terror into the presidency by attacking Bush. He more than anyone knows the same can be done to him.
Second, I think he really believes via his narcissism that he has some special skills with others government heads, that he can smooth talk them as needed. Clearly it’s in his own mind that he has been or will be successful, but I think it part of his calculus that even if he get schooled by others that they won’t hold him (Obama) personally responsible for any failures and that they’ll spare their new ally. See, Obama’s shown a propensity to save his own ass over all else’s. It’s who he is and it’s that bus undercarriage that his peers have always given him. Why would he expect anything different now other than a pass?
Finally, I think (and have for a long time) he actually sides with socialists and Marxists. (Not a novel idea here, of course, but it cannot be said enough. It’s self-evident.) It’s his core. He has been immersed in America-hating environments for decades. America and its democratic constructs are a blight in his eyes. To knock it down a peg whether directly or by proxy while boosting others of his feather would surely appeal to his poisoned nature. Clearly this last opinion is the most debatable. It’s (that is, “hating America” is) also the most dangerous motivation since it would attribute to our President characteristics that would be described as treasonous. Is that going too far? I’m not sure anymore. I see Obama pushing this nation further, faster Left than I could have ever imagined… and I remember Carter. Carter was naive but at least he served the country. Obama has taken every opportunity to disrespect it except to the extent that he can use political service to advance his career. Carter was better than that.
So, yes, Honduras should tell Obama to F-Off and that they know how to follow the law better than Obama, Constitutional “scholar” that he is. We all know Obama has no intention of using the military against them, and who in national matters believes his “just words?” Obama will coast on the risky policies Bush laid out for him (and for which Bush politically “died”). Obama will move no further on foreign soil.
Domestically, however, is an entirely different story.
AnonymousDrivel on July 3, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Barry is a frightened little clock going: Coup-coup, coup-coup.
Hugo Chavez was once deposed, but, like the Hondurans, his people also forgot to execute him to prevent any chance of return.
Both should learn from the Romanians… and note how they took care of the Ceausescus.
profitsbeard on July 3, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Stick a light saber up your ass punk.
infidel4life on July 3, 2009 at 2:03 AM
If the State Department cannot manage to find the correct Russian translation for ‘reset’, when handing the Russian Foreign Minister a gag-gift that looks like a nuke launch button …
If The Precedent thinks that there is such a language as “Austrian”, and isn’t sure if there is an expression for “wheeling and dealing” in it …
If the greatest economic drag ever to be imagined is called a “Jobs Bill” …
If welfare disbursements are declared to be “tax cuts” …
.. it just doesn’t matter what anyone in this administration knows, because nothing has any connection to reality, anyway. Whether by ineptness, stupidity, ignorance or malice, they will always be able to arrive at whatever conclusion hurts the US and Western civilization. It’s a special talent; the worst of all worlds.
progressoverpeace on July 3, 2009 at 2:29 AM
Let it be written: President Barack Obama was the first president of the United States to support the idea that the Supreme Court could be safely ignored by the executive, and that the People should have no confidence in the will of the Supreme Court being enforced.
Seixon on July 3, 2009 at 4:24 AM
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0702/p09s03-coop.html
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/07/023955.php
elduende on July 3, 2009 at 4:40 AM
Thank you, elduenda.
From the CSM…Octavio Sánchez writes:
“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.”
Yet, our President, has openly and with malice decided that Honduras is acting outside the law?
Follow the link. Print a copy of the article. Mail it to your members of Congress and the State Department, and the White House. $2.20 is a very small price to pay in postage while a free country is being openly subverted as a matter of US National policy by an Administration who finds nothing at all wrong with Continuismo.
coldwarrior on July 3, 2009 at 4:58 AM
Thank you,
elduendaelduende.mea maxima culpa…
coldwarrior on July 3, 2009 at 5:54 AM
It seems to me that is is not a “military coup” since they went in constitutional succession. I.E. there is no General as the sitting President.
I would imagine that the soldiers that arrested and deported the wanna-be dictator were simply following their oath to defend their country against enemies both foreign and domestic.
Since Zelaya was acting against his constitution, they had to act or they would be negligent in their duty.
TheSitRep on July 3, 2009 at 7:47 AM
They’re not dating. Jerry prefers his women to be a little less . . . pigmented.
AZCoyote on July 3, 2009 at 7:57 AM
Maybe the AMERICAN PEOPLE needs to FORECLOSE on thr wimp house.(White House)
easyone on July 3, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Speaking of “stimulus” and “epic fail”, can we get Krugman committed to an insane asylum yet?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/opinion/03krugman.html?_r=1
Count to 10 on July 3, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Been wondering the same thing.
Count to 10 on July 3, 2009 at 9:19 AM
According to NRO, Zelaya was elected as a center-right type, but suddenly became a raving socialist halfway through his term. Presumably, this is why his own party wanted him out.
Count to 10 on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Source
What Happened According to the Constitution
July 2nd, 2009 ·
This was forwarded to me from a friend. I think your readers might benefit from it…
Under the Honduran Constitution, what really happened here?
By Octavio Sanchez*
If you are not familiar with the country’s history and the Honduran constitution it is almost impossible that you would understand what happened here this past weekend. In 1982 my country adopted a new Constitution to allow our ordered return to democracy. After 19 previous constitution -two Spanish ones, three as part of the Republic of Central America and 14 as an independent nation- this one, at 28, has been the longest lasting one. It has lasted for so long because it responds and adapts to our changing reality, as seen in the fact that out of its original 379 articles, 7 of them have been completely or partially repealed, 18 have been interpreted and 121 have been reformed.
It also includes 7 articles that cannot be repealed or amended because they address issues that are critical for us. Those unchangeable articles deal with the form of government, the extent of our borders, the number of years of the presidential term; two prohibitions -one to reelect presidents and another one to change the article that states who can’t run for president- and one article that penalizes the abrogation of the Constitution.
In these 28 years Honduras has found legal ways to deal with its own problems. Each and every successful country around the world lived similar trial and error processes until they were able to find legal vehicles that adapt to their reality. France had 13 Constitutions between 1789 and the adoption of the current one in 1958 which has passed 22 constitutional revisions. The USA had one before this one which has been amended 27 times since 1789 and the British –pragmatic as they are- in 900 years have change it so many times that they have never taken the time to compile their Constitution into a single body of law.
Having explained that, under our Constitution, what happened in Honduras this last Sunday? Soldiers arrested and took out of the country a Honduran citizen that, the day before, through his actions had stripped himself of the presidency of Honduras.
These are the hard facts. Last Friday Mister Zelaya, with his cabinet, issued a decree ordering all government employees to take part in the “Public Opinion Poll to convene a National Constitutional Assembly” (Presidential Decree PCM-020). The decree was published on Saturday on the official newspaper. With this event, Mister Zelaya triggered a constitutional protection that automatically removed him from office.
The key legal elements for that constitutional protection to be triggered are the following ones. Constitutional assemblies are convened to write new constitutions. In Honduras, you have 365 articles that can be changed by Congress. When Zelaya published that decree to regulate an “opinion poll” about the possibility of convening a national assembly he acted against the unchangeable articles of the constitution that deal with the prohibition of reelecting a president and of extending his term. His actions showed intent.
How is that kind of intent sanctioned in our Constitution? With the immediate removal of those involved in the action as stated in article 239 of the Constitution which reads: “No citizen that has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President. Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform, 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 rule speaks about intent and that it also says immediately –as in instant, as in no trial required, as in no impeachment needed.
This immediate sanction might sound draconian, but every country knows its own enemies and it is the black letter of our supreme law. Requiring no previous trial might be crazy, but in Latin America a President is no ordinary citizen, it is the most powerful figure of the land and historically the figure has been above the law. To prevent that officer from using its power to stay in office Honduras has constitutional rules such as the mentioned one.
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, no one will be above the law.
——-
*
Lawyer (J.D. Universidad Nacional Autonóma de Honduras; LL.M. Harvard Law School). Former Presidential Advisor (2002-2005) and Minister of Culture (2005-2006) of the Republic of Honduras.
byteshredder on July 3, 2009 at 11:00 AM
elduende on July 3, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Barry can’t label it a military coup, on the merits, so he’ll have to attempt the currently popular model of vote-but-don’t-read-the-source-material.
Honduran legislative branch made the law, judicial branch issued essentially a warrant, and the executive branch enforced it.
See Honduran constitution’s Article 313 above, thanks elduende.
Christien on July 3, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Part of the problem is that we who live under the English law tradition are not accustomed to self-executing laws: laws that say, do this and you automatically incur a certain punishment, without need for an intervening tribunal to determine facts and law. But that is part of the Roman law history. For example, there are several violations of Roman Catholic Canon Law which incur automatic excommunication, such as assaulting the Pope.
Flar on July 3, 2009 at 4:55 PM
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