Comments on: Zelaya played a role in his own ouster

By: Russty

Russty — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:43:28 +0000

I enjoyed reading the comments of Emile Mervin and found all but the 3rd term remark to be very close to “on target”.
I live in Honduras and have followed the developing story daily. I have seen, heard and read the actions and accounts brought forward by local and national media. If you have not actually lived this nightmare and taken the time to read the Honduran Constitution you don’t know squat.
Hugo Chavez has been directing this soap opera since shortly after Mel was elected and showed himself to be fertle ground for the Chavez leftist line of crap. Mel himself is an eletist and the son of a convicted murderer. Why then, would anyone believe he is the great hope for Honduras. He proved he is not. Even now the Military has shown amazing restraint and regard for the citizens of Honduras, maintaining order and the safety of demonstrators of both sides. The number of demonstrating supporters of the interim Government has consistantly outnumbered the Mel supporters and there is overwelming evidence that the Mel supporters were there because they were paid to show up. Not so for the supporters of the new President, they were there because they want this country to
remain Democratic.
I am looking forward to the Elections in November and the Installation of a new President on Jan. 27th 2010. Lets hope all this will be behind us no matter which party gets the nod!

By: Brandon Samaroo

Brandon Samaroo — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:45:30 +0000

Referendums that are rigged with a particular outcome is not democracy.

Leaders need to start honoring long standing agreements and respect them rather than changing their modus operandi when they taste oh sweet power.

He should have served his term and find other ways to serve his country and his people.

By: kamla-w

kamla-w — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:38:21 +0000

In this Magnificent, glorious, Free and Democratic Guyana, all I am permitted to write is “Interesting Letter/Article!”

By: Brandon Samaroo (PPP is now the new and improved PNC Dictatorship)

Brandon Samaroo (PPP is now the new and improved PNC Dictatorship) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:45:41 +0000

no coup the man was trying to be a dictator and the people threw him to the curb. Good move Honduras, that is an example of a progressive country Squid.

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:12:39 +0000

Like you, I read the letter, and it seemed pretty straightforward in its presentation of what is pretty much in the mass media’s coverage of the events in Honduras, so rather than simply accusing the writer of speculating and mixing propaganda with facts, it might have been good if you cited areas of speculation and mixing propaganda with facts so we can know of what you’re writing. And are you accusing the writer of using his ‘free time’ on his job to write letters? That’s stealing company time and subjects the writer to dismissal if caught. Lol! :)

By: Henry Horton

Henry Horton — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:51:15 +0000

Wow, this hypocritical double-talk could only emanate from the USA. This simplistic “cold war” style anti-Chavez,socialist rhetoric is “old hat” Emile.This part of the world & region has moved on – we are a politically sophisticated people (Guyana produced Jagan,Burnham & the WPA) so don’t insult our intelligence with this nonsense.Perhaps, you need to understand the internal dynamic of Latin America better before spouting this “Fox” like diatribe.Interestingly,you seem to have a willing enthusiastic partner at Stabroek News who are also keen to support the old oligarchy in Latin America – no surprise there!
Basically, democracy = free market commodification and we should all live by this neo-liberal mantra.
Well, no “massa” we dare to dream!

By: quibian

quibian — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:20:15 +0000

emile, the overthrow of an elected government a coup no matter what reasons are given. it is the people who must decide at the ballot box who they want to rule them. it is they who must decide at the end if the govt. is corrupt, incompetent, not representing them, etc,etc…. we all know your stand with the jagdeo govt, so trying to incite elements is not going to work. the people will decide in 2011 who they want.

By: BORAPORK

BORAPORK — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:50:32 +0000

Isn’t a referendum the ultimate true test of a functioning democracy? The people of Honduras would have had a right to vote up or down. Why not have impeachment proceedings against the president? Yankee imperialism still reigns supreme and the crocodile tears of Clinton and Obama don’t fool anyone.

By: RDMAN

RDMAN — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:40:46 +0000

Emile i normally admire your excellent letters but this one here i totally disagree with,stop trying and speculating and mixing propaganda with some facts,tell this story to those who don’t read.I don’t buy this one.I know you have a lot of free time with the MTA,the New York City Transit Authority,raise your voice about why the fare should not be raised.

By: Stakeholder

Stakeholder — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:20:28 +0000

One correction to Emile’s excellent letter: Zelaya was seeking a constitutional amendment to get a second term, not a third term. The thrust of Emile’s letter is what Paul Collier in his book “Wars, Guns, and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places” calls a “good” coup. Quoting from Collier: “Not only might the threat of a coup discipline a government, but in extremis, a coup might be the only way of replacing a dysfunctional leader. Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall led a surgical coup in Mauritania in 2005, promising clean elections in which he would not be a candidate, and duly kept his promise. The elections, properly conducted, ushered in what currently looks to be an excellent government.”