State Dept suspends Honduras visa service
posted at 6:40 pm on August 25, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Never let it be said that the Obama administration took a defeat graciously. When the Honduran Supreme Court rejected the deal that Costa Rica offered, called the San Jose Accord, that would have reinstated Manuel Zelaya as president, the Obama administration had a choice: allow Honduras to make its own decisions and accept them, or try to pressure Hondurans to bend to American will. Guess which path they chose?
The OAS Foreign Ministers mission is in Honduras seeking support for the San Jose Accord, which would restore the democratic and constitutional order and resolve the political crisis in Honduras. In support of this mission and as a consequence of the de facto regime’s reluctance to sign the San Jose Accord, the U.S. Department of State is conducting a full review of our visa policy in Honduras. As part of that review, we are suspending non-emergency, non-immigrant visa services in the consular section of our embassy in Honduras, effective August 26. We firmly believe a negotiated solution is the appropriate way forward and the San Jose Accord is the best solution.
The White House firmly believes in negotiation rather than law enforcement so much that they will suspend visa services with an American ally in order to enforce a policy cheered by Cuba and Venezuela. That makes as much sense as getting involved in the dispute in the first place. Zelaya broke the law and abused his power, both with his constitutional plebiscite and with his attempt to sack the military commander, which required parliamentary approval. The matter is entirely internal, and should be left to the Honduran parliament and courts.
This looks suspiciously like a petulant retaliation to Tegucigalpa for having the temerity to act on their own accord to enforce their own laws. I suspect it comes because Zelaya’s movement has lost steam and Hondurans have largely shrugged at his removal. Barack Obama should have done the same.
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Honduras also exports cigars, bananas, and clothing (they import the cloth)…
cthulhu on August 25, 2009 at 7:12 PM
I’m just glad I never got involved in that place. I visited maybe a few times years ago, never got involved, and, well, consider yourself blessed if you have not “fit in” over there.
Maybe the guy is diabetic. It can induce really bizarre temperamental behavior if left untreated.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Yes, indeed. The Precedent is lucky in that his goal of destroying the US doesn’t take any skill. Unfortunately, the weak spot isn’t just The Precedent, but the fact that the American population can be taken in so easily by such a person.
progressoverpeace on August 25, 2009 at 7:15 PM
So, the administration misread the cause of freedom? That Latin American stuff is tricky. I am sure the Administration can rely on the CIA for guidance on lightworking.
clorensen on August 25, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Anyone remember the “Twilight Zone” episode with Dan Duryea and Doug McClure in which they both were big time gunfighters and bought a small bottle of potion which would give them the upper hand? Well, it didn’t pencil out. The only guy that came out was the drummer (peddler) and had the satisfaction of watching the two cripple each other. This is your potion salesman at work and all of the bystanders are going to pick up the pieces. Long live the democrats. And who is the seller? Eh? Twilight Zone, folks!
LarryG on August 25, 2009 at 7:15 PM
I’m secretly praying that Sarah Palin would write a facebook message about this. How awesomely cool would that be?
deidre on August 25, 2009 at 7:15 PM
If she stood by her man Willie ding-a-ling Clinton she’ll behave like the battered spouse she is and stand by Barack wee wee’d Obama until the bitter end.
chemman on August 25, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Obama ran on restoring America’s status with the world. Well, with Bush they may or may not have liked us but they respected us. Now they laugh at us and it makes me sick.
HoustonRight on August 25, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Where, again, is that island located where Jurassic Park was built? Maybe we could send Obama there.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Obama would rather apologize to our enemies and punish our friends so its no surprise to see that he chose to be on chavez and castro’s side. A commie is a commie is a commie.
jaboba on August 25, 2009 at 7:19 PM
He’s probably hoping that when try’s the same trick in a few years that Honduras would give him the same courtesy.
Ghostbuster on August 25, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Honestly, what a bunch of complete arses: HERE (read that closing boast by Axelrod, what a doofus).
Still looking for that lost-link-news about David Plouffle, as to his involvement in South America pro-Commie election/s.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Maybe he’s trying to offload the clunker Van (Jones) for $4,500?
clorensen on August 25, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Well here is a sample of the reaction to Obama’s move.
Translation.
From reactions on El Heraldo Newspaper
We need to start emulating the brave and defiant Honduran people. FU Barry.
elduende on August 25, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Fascists support fascists Ed.
BKennedy on August 25, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Obama doesn’t take victory graciously either.
Earlier today there was a thread about Obama’s peeves. He is a peevish, petulant narcissist.
INC on August 25, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Different mechanic at work. She could never be tainted with Bill’s sexual indiscretions unless she left or was caught actively covering for him (and maybe not even then). Here, until she resigns, everything Berry does reflects on her.
Count to 10 on August 25, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Charles’s brain got lost in a cosmic vortex then sucked through a worm-hole to the nether worlds. Never to be seen again. Interpretation for dummies LOST IN SPACE
chemman on August 25, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Looks like it will be 24 months, rather than 6, for us, but I echo the sentiment.
Count to 10 on August 25, 2009 at 7:23 PM
They wee wee on our backs and tell us it’s raining. Thanks but no Thanks Mr. Precedent.
chemman on August 25, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Sad, isn’t it? I personally think the United States should be more arrogant. We have always stood for what was right and moral. The lefties want to cry about Tibet and Darfur. I guess all the Iraqi and Afghan people don’t matter. All the women abused, multiple mass graves….
TXMomof3 on August 25, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Obama rhymes with Banana.
As in Republic.
(Nothing racist implied, although I’m sure Obots will try to monkey around with the metaphor.)
Viva Barry!
profitsbeard on August 25, 2009 at 7:26 PM
You know, that article sounded almost identical to Carville’s laughably insane praise of Stephanopoulous’ intellect during the ’92 campaign. Carville said something ridiculous about boiling eggs with Stephie’s massive IQ. And I think there was mention of “being quiet” then, too.
progressoverpeace on August 25, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Here, this is what I was earlier referring to…
From Plouffle’s awful website:
July 8, 2009
AKPD Congratulates Francisco de Narváez and the Union-PRO list for Stunning Victory
AKPD Message and Media congratulates Francisco de Narváez and the Union-Pro list for an historic victory in last week’s parliamentary elections in Argentina.
AKPD worked with Francisco de Narváez to create message and media strategies that helped defeat the long-standing majority in Parliament, headed by former president Nestor Kirchner. Neither Nestor or current president Cristina Kirchner have ever lost a major election, prompting the Associated Press to call the results “stunning” and the New York Times referred to it as a “crushing defeat” for the incumbents.
Larry Grisolano, AKPD’s managing partner, said: “The people of the province of Buenos Aires have chosen reform — putting an end to politics-as-usual, and rejecting those who put the interests of powerful insiders before the economic and security needs of ordinary people. De Narváez is an inspirational symbol of hope for people across the world who are using the power of their votes to hold governments accountable to their every day needs. ”
AKPD has a long history as media and message consultants to successful campaigns at every level of government.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:27 PM
What’s next, thumb sucking?
diogenes on August 25, 2009 at 7:28 PM
“AKPD” is Axelrod’s firm, for which Plouffle also works along with Axelrod’s son.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Be sure to leave him barefooted also…and take his damn Blackberry away!
lovingmyUSA on August 25, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Maybe Obama is struck with some sort of obsessive problem. And that he’s entirely hateful about and toward BANANAS. So he hates Honduras. Because they grow bananas.
/sarc.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:32 PM
d1carter on August 25, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Now you’ve done it, Obama will be sending people to recruit Charlie into his loonie bin.
Ghostbuster on August 25, 2009 at 7:33 PM
No, no, we aren’t supposed to say “BLACK” again.
Lourdes on August 25, 2009 at 7:33 PM
God I miss President Bush.
KSgop on August 25, 2009 at 7:34 PM
+1
TXMomof3 on August 25, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Yeah, me too.
He was really easy to make fun of. Too easy, really.
welcome_ghosts on August 25, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Four long years.
Four long years.
Four long years.
Four long years…
Greg Toombs on August 25, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Four long years.
Four long years.
Four long years.
Four long years…
Greg Toombs on August 25, 2009 at 7:41 PM
_________________________________________
That will be a good chant at the 2012 Republican convention.
ICBM on August 25, 2009 at 7:45 PM
elduende on August 25, 2009 at 7:21 PM
I hope they know that Obama’s administration does NOT represent a lot of us, who are cheering them on and admiring their courage and persistence.
The other day I read about a 15-year-old Iranian boy who was arrested for being at a pro-freedom rally. He was repeatedly raped and tortured. It kills me that the man occupying the White House says nothing in the defense of people who are sacrificing so much.
Then I read about the VA workbook to talk our wounded heroes into committing suicide.
There are no words that can adequately express my contempt for everything this guy is about. He is as opposite the real Christ as a person can possibly be.
justincase on August 25, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Not quite. 1243 days, 16hrs a few minutes and counting. There isn’t that better :-)
Oldnuke on August 25, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Now that Palin is no longer governor she should stand with Honduras. If I were her, I’d make a trip down there to call attention to it.
FloatingRock on August 25, 2009 at 7:50 PM
I don’t like arrogance unless you can back it up 100% which is rare. The United States of America is the greatest country in the world! I couldn’t care less if some dribbling socialist, communist, fascist, dictator, or anybody else has a problem with it.
We are the most powerful country and should not bow to, apologise, or appease any one. Nor should we send billions of our taxpayers dollars to those who not only don’t appreciate it but take it in one had and back stab us with the other.
OK taking deep breath from my rant.
HoustonRight on August 25, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Just when does our revolution begin?
Onager on August 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Why does it seem that Obama’s motive in this is one of spite? When the people of Honduras did not yield to his demands, out of spite Obama strikes back.
Look for more of Obama’s spitefull retribution towards those that refuse to agree with him in the future.
Freddy on August 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Hondurans love the US. They don’t like Obama. In fact, and this should tell you everything you need ot know about how Obama is viewed, the Zelaya supporters taunt the Pro democracy side by telling them that “Obama is not going to let an ally like Zelaya go down” and he is “going to use force to install Zelaya”.
Obama’s malevolence is beginning to manifest itself for people that had not been paying attention.
elduende on August 25, 2009 at 7:53 PM
That’s effed up. I hope to God our allies can hold out without us for about 3 & 1/2 years. Not only are we not there for them, now we’re actually working against them. Like I said, that’s just f*cked.
4shoes on August 25, 2009 at 7:55 PM
It is his nature. He does not handle adversity well. He acts like a spoiled brat when he does not get his way.
ICBM on August 25, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Obama doesn’t want us to follow a constitution, and he doesn’t want Honduras to follow a constitution. This will make it easier for him when he takes over the world.
mobydutch on August 25, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Most everyone in the world wanted this douchebag, for the same reasons the majority here did. I’m embarrassed and mortified by him too, and I’d like to help Honduras, but I suspect that he was probably the most popular choice there as well. If so, a painful lesson to learn. (same for many Israelis.)
JiangxiDad on August 25, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Obama steps in it again. Does he never learn?
jeanie on August 25, 2009 at 8:14 PM
The maggot in chief has spoken. Bend to his will or pay dearly.
Griz on August 25, 2009 at 8:22 PM
It started with the Tea Parties…now in the Townhalls….streets next?
d1carter on August 25, 2009 at 8:23 PM
o/t: go to Drudge & read how bambi may bring about Middle East peace. no, really. i’m shocked.
kelley in virginia on August 25, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Hillary and Obama are fellow travelers with Fidel and Hugo. That’s all you need to know to understand this.
CP on August 25, 2009 at 8:24 PM
I think we need look no further than this.
George Orwell on August 25, 2009 at 8:25 PM
The USA officially has a Marxist president.
n0doz on August 25, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Is he offering Israel a 7 year guarantee?
bill30097 on August 25, 2009 at 8:30 PM
The US Military needs to study hat happened in Honduras and then go reread their oath!!!!
bill30097 on August 25, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Mr. Glock and I are ready
bill30097 on August 25, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Actually this makes sense only if you assume that Hugo is going to invade. An invasion that will topple the government of Honduras and install a Dictator.
The question is, is the U.S. is clearing the way for an ugly piece of Military action to distract us from the Health Care Debate? This could be the sparking point. We will go to sleep in one kind of Nation and wake up in another. Same with the Hondurans.
GunRunner on August 25, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on violations by the current Honduran government:
AJB on August 25, 2009 at 8:41 PM
As soon as we get rid of Obummer I think I take a long vacation in Honduras and celebrate the demise of the Obamanation.
izoneguy on August 25, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Am I missing somethng?
1. The Honduran President jumps up one morning and says the national state of affairs are such that he has to extend his term in office indefinitely (i.e. become President for Life)
2.The Honduran Supreme Court jumps up and says: “No Mr. President, what you propose is unconstitutional”
3. hereupon the Honduran Congress jumps up and says we’ll abide by the rule of law and our country’s Supreme Court ruling
4. Whereupon the Honduran army throws the silly SOB (president) out of the country
5. Whereupon, Obama jumps up and says: This 2 bit dictator has to be restored
6. WTF????????????????
alwyr on August 25, 2009 at 8:59 PM
F*ck those worthless leftist Chavistas in the White House. There isn’t a single thing they haven’t effed up since Inauguration Day, including Inauguration Day.
On the bright side, this is fun and funny:
FOXNEWS O’REILLY 3,440,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 2,937,000
FOXNEWS BECK 2,810,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 2,450,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,066,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 1,860,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 1,114,000
CNN KING 1,063,000
MSNBC MADDOW 885,000
CNN COOPER 827,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 640,000
There are 5.375 O’Really? viewers for every Chris Matthews dope.
There are 3.319 Hannity viewers for every lesbian watching David “Butch” Cassidy aka Maddow.
Just sayin’.
Jaibones on August 25, 2009 at 9:01 PM
AJB on August 25, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Sorry Dude, but half those Demonstrators have a very real motivation to lie. If this were even a little true, we would have seen the postings on YouTube.
GunRunner on August 25, 2009 at 9:03 PM
I hope Hondurans collectively give Obama the finger.
evergreen on August 25, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Smart power.
Kafir on August 25, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Wow…this is heavy!
/sarc
Dr. ZhivBlago on August 25, 2009 at 9:10 PM
And in a faraway cave in Iran/Iraq/Pakistan/Afghanistan, our enemies are laughing as they see the weaknesses of Obama while they plot their next attack upon the United States.
GrannyDee on August 25, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Obama’s a fool, but I doubt even he would go that far. The vast majority of Americans currently have no clue about what’s been happening in Honduras. But if Barry were stupid enough to involve our military, it would draw a lot more public and media attention to the situation — and raise a lot of embarrassing questions about Barry’s support for the anti-democratic, corrupt thug, dictator-wannabe Zelaya. That’s the last thing Barry wants right now.
AZCoyote on August 25, 2009 at 9:15 PM
next will be the marches and rallies on 9/12.
Red State State of Mind on August 25, 2009 at 9:17 PM
I did not mean to imply that U.S. forces would be involved. He probably would do anything till it was all over. However, satellite photos, military advice and promises of loans and friendship go a long way.
And his homie Hugo, dez be tight, nowhatimsaying?
GunRunner on August 25, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Treason
cobrakai99 on August 25, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Democrat Disease: Treat your enemies with supplication and concessions, and your allies with contempt
Which is exactly how a wimp acts: cringe before the people you fear, but act macho when you’re around someone who won’t fight back.
I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.
I hope this minor little wrist-slap is all Obama tries to pull against Honduras. I think he’d like to lend our military to Chavez to punish Honduras, but knows better than to try.
didymus on August 25, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Isn’t THE ONE showing a little ARROGANCE to our southern neighbor? I thought he’d spent time before APOLOGIZING for prior incidents of ARROGANCE. Is THE ONE trying to set up new incidents?
GarandFan on August 25, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Obama is a thug
Zelaya is a thug
birds**t of a feather….hang them together (by the military of course after a proper drumhea trial)
bill30097 on August 25, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Honduras! Hell yeah!
Real people who believe in freedom, not tyrants!
Unlike the President of the United States… for shame!
drunyan8315 on August 25, 2009 at 9:56 PM
True. I was banned a few months ago, but Charles had lost it several months before that. He can’t deal with any dissent, Christianity, criticism of BHO, etc. etc. Too bad, it used to be a good blog.
zeebeach on August 25, 2009 at 10:00 PM
That look on Hillary’s face says it all. She’s thinking, ‘he gonna win this dammit’.
johnnyU on August 25, 2009 at 10:45 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJAbuwJOdPo
izoneguy on August 25, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Naw, Hillary is thinking “I still cannot figure out how this putz took my job,
And damn my money man got arrested today! Now what will i do?”
izoneguy on August 25, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starting to think Articles of Impeachment.
Dave R. on August 25, 2009 at 11:00 PM
What a f’ing hypocrite.
What was all that talk about ‘staying out of other nations elections’ after the Iranian election debacle?
What I think we can accuratley say is that in Iran – Zero’s preferred candidate won. Therefore, no intereference.
In Honduras – Zero wants to see a socialist thug installed which is a viiolation of their constitution. No biggie. Turn up the pressure and try to force them into reinstating their preferred thug.
It’s only a Constitution. We all know how Zero feels about following those pesky, outdated documents.
Mr Purple on August 25, 2009 at 11:22 PM
God I miss President Bush.
KSgop on August 25, 2009 at 7:34 PM
+1
TXMomof3 on August 25, 2009 at 7:37 PM
I miss Cheney more, and Reagan more than him. But what I’d give frank, outspoken Goldwater right now!
“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!”
Archimedes on August 25, 2009 at 11:45 PM
It started with the Tea Parties…now in the Townhalls….streets next?
d1carter on August 25, 2009 at 8:23 PM
next will be the marches and rallies on 9/12.
Red State State of Mind on August 25, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Speaking of the 9/12 march, I am looking to match up with someone for a ride to DC. Anyone know anybody in the Chicagoland area going who has room? Willing to pitch in on expenses.
Archimedes on August 25, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starting to think Articles of Impeachment.
Dave R. on August 25, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Starting? Man I’ve been there since Chrysler’s shareholders got mugged Chicago-style and their company handed over to the UAW & Fiat(mafia). Check out Der Spiegle’s investigation
Of Fiat & La Costra Nostra teaming up to defraud the Italian Gov’t of 10′s of billions of Euro’s in a scam to make, wait for it…….wind turbines for green energy projects.
Italian mob & Fiat=Obama=Chicago mob & Chrysler… what’s the common denominator?
Anyone want to guess the time elapse till the administration announces a new program for Chrysler’s recovery in windmill production?
Archimedes on August 26, 2009 at 12:05 AM
How sad when you consider that Honduras had a Congress that would stand up and prevent their constitution from being raped, and a supreme court that insisted on following rule of law (instead of making it up, or relying on Venezuelan or other country law) and a military that would stand for their constitution rather than the socialist president and enforce the law.
I pray we at least have the military if Obama’s socialist and wacko czars are led by him to try to take over our country. I don’t think the Pelosi’s House or Reid’s Senate or our left tilted Supreme Court will do anything.
Christian Conservative on August 26, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Even if Zelaya had stayed President in Honduras, his term ends in January 2010. All this talk and all Obama’s actions toward Honduras on this issue will be moot in 5 months. So all Honduras has to do is wait a while.
Unless Obama invades Honduras, they shouldn’t have much problem. So I guess the logical conclusion is that Obama is planning on invading Honduras this fall?
I don’t actually expect it. But I wouldn’t 100% rule it out. Maybe I’d 98% rule it out. A lot more likely is Obama helps Cuba or Venezuela invade Honduras — still not very likely.
Kohath on August 26, 2009 at 12:32 AM
That’s the whole problem…the reason the guy was put out to pasture was because he wanted to remain in power past the legal term limits…by staging an illegal national referendum with the help of Venezuala…a la his buddy Hugo Chavez.
AUINSC on August 26, 2009 at 1:28 AM
Defend your constitution and obey the rule of law…punished.
Oppress your citizens and ignore the law….bowed to.
29Victor on August 26, 2009 at 1:35 AM
I’m telling you, Chavez and Obama are buddies. Any closer and I think Barney Frank might get jealous. If you want to see what your future here is going to be like, study Chavez and Venezuela. It is like getting a glimpse into the future, almost “Final Destination” like.
If they can’t force Healthcare through, they will turn their sights on communications, places like Hotair, Beck, Fox news and radio. Kill the communications, then try again.
archer52 on August 26, 2009 at 3:49 AM
Look at the hatred in Hillary’s eyes.
Birdseye on August 26, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Man that photo is the picture of evil if there ever was one.
Yes evil does live among mankind…….
bluegrass on August 26, 2009 at 9:44 AM
I think we need a better headline… something more like what the DNC would put out in a townhall commercial…
“Racist President bans Hispanics from US allied country!”
dominigan on August 26, 2009 at 9:49 AM
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