llego la hora, Honduras

Honduras, our hour has arrived. Peace, Respect and Freedom for Honduras. Today is the moment we decide our future, a new future in freedom. This day will provide us an opportunity to proclaim to the four winds, with full lungs, screaming, with a need that comes from the soul: "Peace, Respect and Liberty! We are free! We want peace and respect for our sovereignty!" This will be a day to enjoy, when there are no obstacles to freedom. This will be a day to dream. This is the morning when all Hondurans will build a new country filled with hope.

- Augusto Castillo (commenter on El Heraldo)

I was struck by Augusto's comment. This is a very strong, passionate, and positive intention for our country.

images of new Bliss Beach plunge pool

 

 

Fricking Fabulous! Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

quote of the day

I see that we are rapidly reaching a solution [to the political crisis], which is what we're all waiting for.

- General Romeo Vásquez Velásquez, Chief of the Honduran Armed Forces

This man is a hero for helping protect our juvenile democracy from the onslaught of evil.

Micheletti explains reasoning for suspending some civil liberties

The president of Honduras, Roberto Micheletti, addressed the nation last night to ensure that peace and tranquility will return to the country and that the state of emergency was necessary given the calls to violence that Manuel Zelaya made from the Brazilian embassy.

"Since his illegal incursion into Honduras, former President Manuel Zelaya instigates violence and insurgency in our country. The whole world knows that Mr. Zelaya uses the protection of the Embassy of Brazil to break the peace in our territory."

The president lamented that Saturday night [Sep. 26] Zelaya made "an irresponsible and erratic call for his followers to resort to violence against the people of Honduras and its constitutional government. "

"Through various local media, Mr Zelaya told his followers that it was necessary - and I quote - 'to fight the final offensive.'"

He said this situation was what prompted him to implement a decree that allowed the law enforcement to protect life and property of citizens of Honduras and maintain peace in the country.

"Implementing this decision was not easy for the government of the Republic and we knew we would be criticized for the decision."

He reiterated that the measure will be repealed soon if the majority of society demands it.

Translated from El Heraldo

"The whole world knows that Mr. Zelaya uses the protection of the Embassy of Brazil to break the peace in our territory." 

Think about that...

Shame on you, Brazil! Qué vergüenza, Brasil!

Lula criticized in Brazil over Honduras role

Government and opposition legislators in Brazil's Congress have urged President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to stop Zelaya from using the embassy as a political theater.

"Zelaya's political activities are unacceptable. They weaken Brazil's position and international image," Eduardo Azeredo, head of the Senate foreign relations committee, told Reuters.

Brazil should formally grant Zelaya political asylum and take him out of Honduras, Azeredo said. Brazil would still be seen as defending a democratically-elected leader without being directly involved in the dispute, he said.

- Reuters

beautiful nature

A section of the walking and exercise path. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

Greta Van Susteren and John Bolton

GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOXNEWS: [Moving on] to Honduras, the interim leader down there (INAUDIBLE) they got the ousted president, who is holing up in the Brazilian embassy down there. We've got the interim leader, who has apparently shut down some media, not all. That's not good. And you've got this bizarre -- well, my characterization -- phone call from the ousted leader from the Brazilian embassy to the U.N.

FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N., JOHN BOLTON: Yes. That's the first time I've ever heard of that -- that kind of address to the U.N. General Assembly. But I think, actually, Zelaya's behavior even before that call raised some very important new questions. He said that he is being besieged in the Brazilian embassy by Israeli mercenaries firing X-rays or some kind of rays at him to affect his health.

Now, number one, that is delusional behavior and I think lends a lot of credibility to the argument this guy had Napoleonic aspirations in Honduras. But perhaps even more significantly, by saying it's the Israelis who are after him, I think we've seen here a real streak of anti-Semitism. It's not like he said Ecuadorian mercenaries or Uzbek mercenaries. It's the Jews. And I think the State Department and our government are in a very uncomfortable position supporting somebody who could be, probably is, anti-Semitic. We need to know more about that, and I think the State Department ought to be pressed on that point.

Sunwing to service Roatan from Montreal this winter

According to Marketwire, Sunwing becomes the first airline to serve Roatan, a Caribbean island renowned for its scuba diving, out of Montreal-Trudeau.

The airline's website is flysunwing.com

hiking Picacho

Guests hike the Picacho Peak Trail. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

a "symbolic" reinstatement for a day or an hour?

The fact that barely six months remained in Mr. Zelaya’s term when he was forcibly removed, as well as the fact that he is limited by the Constitution to a single term, may prove to be an opportunity. Some of the officials scrambling to cobble together a deal have proposed that Mr. Zelaya become president again for a day or even an hour, a symbolic restoration before resigning and ceding power to a caretaker government that would conduct the elections and prepare for a new, untainted leader.

- New York Times

I see at least three problems with this proposal:

1) A man who feels he's above the law and who refused to obey our courts can't be trusted to abide by any "political" agreement.

2) If Zelaya was a man of his word, this might be tenable. Problem is he changes his mind three or four times a day. Combine this shiftiness with his pathological lying and you have a man that can't be trusted further than you can kick him.

3) Zelaya always has a cellphone held to his head. Who do you think is on the other end of the line? Zelaya doesn't think for himself. He's not very smart. The Castro brothers, Daniel Ortega, and - especially - Hugo Chavez do the thinking for him. Need I say more?

U.S.: Zelaya's return was "irresponsible and idiotic"

Zelaya's return to Honduras was irresponsible and idiotic and serves neither the interests of his people or those who seek the peaceful restoration of democratic order in Honduras.

[...] [Zelaya] has to act like a leader and send clear messages that express his views in a peaceful manner, he needs to stop making accusations and acting like a movie star. He needs to stop acting as if he's in an old Woody Allen movie.

[...] We believe his return was a grave mistake.

- Lewis Amselem, Deputy U.S. Representative to the OAS

Source: La Tribuna

Refreshing change in tune from a U.S. official. Are they finally coming around? By the way, Mr. Amselem, Zelaya's behavior is routinely "irresponsible and idiotic." We Hondurans have grown irreconcilably disgusted with it. What other than an "irresponsible and idiotic" president would have led his country into this mess?

bliss beach Sundays

The incomparable privacy, exquisite natural beauty, and unique sense of freedom of Paya Bay's Bliss Beach is contributing to its popularity with Roatan's 20- and 30-something community. Yesterday a group of friends held a private party on the beach.

The music was rocking... the bar was open and pouring...  (btw, the exchange rate is 20 lemps to 1 US$)

...and eventually almost everyone ended up in the water!

peace and tranquility

Guests catch some rays on the water's edge.  Bliss Beach, Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

interim government forced to respond to Zelaya's "calls for insurrection"

UPDATE 9/28/09 - 3PM: After meeting with Congressional officials, President Micheletti has announced that he's willing to consider revoking the executive decree restricting civil liberties so as to not interfere with the upcoming elections. He will consult with the Supreme Court, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and his advisers.  He apologized to Hondurans for the harsh measure, reiterating that the government's intent is to maintain order and protect life and property, and that his hand was forced by Zelaya's calls for insurrection and disobedience of the authorities.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Honduras's interim leaders suspended key civil liberties last night in response to "calls for insurrection" by ousted president Manuel Zelaya, empowering police and soldiers to break up "unauthorised" public meetings, arrest people without warrants and restrict the news media.

The announcement came just hours after Zelaya called on supporters to stage mass marches today to mark the three-month anniversary of the 28 June coup that ousted him. Zelaya described the marches as "the final offensive" against the interim government.

 [...]

The government announced the decree in a nationwide broadcast, saying it was "to guarantee peace and public order in the country and due to the calls for insurrection that Mr Zelaya has publicly made".

- guardian.co.uk 

This is a dramatic step, but obviously necessary. The zelayistas have been looting and destroying private property during their so-called "peaceful" marches in Tegucigalpa.  Something had to be done to deal with these rent-a-thugs.

Mr. Obama, with all due respect, your Honduras policy sucks

The only country the Obama team has tried to strong-arm is Honduras, which is desperately trying to stave off a socialist takeover by an anti-American autocrat whom the State Department has concluded is worthy of full U.S. support. This has delighted Cuban dictators Raul and Fidel Castro and Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez, who are very willing to let the United States carry their water. Venezuela, meanwhile, has signed a major arms deal with Russia, continues to build the anti-Gringo "Bolivarian" bloc, bullies U.S. ally Colombia and plans to launch its own nuclear program.

- Washington Times

quote of the day

In all honesty, I have no interest in returning to the country as president, I am doing this for the international community. I do not want, nor do I need, [to return as president] as the remaining months will be very difficult.

- Manuel Zelaya on Thursday this week

"The remaining months will be very difficult"? What a cynical S.O.B.! He sneaks back to Honduras like a rat and disrupts the lives of millions of people, costs the country (and the Central American region) millions in damages and lost business, calls for insurrection, and does all this while he claims he's not even interested in being reinstated. This former president is acting like someone who HATES his country.

"I am doing this for the international community" really means "I am doing this for Hugo Chavez." Zelaya is under extreme pressure from Chavez to deliver Honduras to the ALBA cartel. I wouldn't be surprised that Chavez has given "comandante vaquero" an ultimatum with dire consequences if he fails.

Source: Proceso Digital

Manuel Zelaya's strange prison

By Carlos Alberto Montaner
 
Madrid - Politics is full of surprises. Roberto Micheletti, the president of Honduras appointed by the parliament of his country, wanted former president Manuel Zelaya incarcerated in Tegucigalpa as the judges and prosecutors initiate the judicial process against him for violation of the Constitution, corruption and misappropriation of public funds. Curiously, Hugo Chávez, Lula da Silva and Daniel Ortega have made the arrest possible.

It is true that Zelaya is not in a Honduran jail, just holed up in the Brazilian embassy in the capital, but this is much more convenient for Micheletti's government. It is difficult for a zelayista commando to violate the Brazilian embassy to set Zelaya free, since he went there by his own free will, and, after all, the responsibility for the physical integrity of Zelaya now runs on behalf of Brazil. The Honduran police just have to patrol the outside of the building and control the entrances and exits. At some point Mr. Zelaya may decide to submit to the justice of his country, or perhaps choose to spend a long time in asylum.

Meanwhile, President Micheletti wrote quite firmly in the Washington Post that he intends to go ahead with the planned elections on 29 November. Panama, shortly before the most recent incident, said that if the upcoming elections are honest and transparent it will recognize the new government. That's the sensible thing. Fortunately, President Ricardo Martinelli is a courageous statesman who does not mind swimming against the tide if he feels it is morally justifiable.

un héroe / a hero

Don Roberto Micheletti
Presidente Constitucional de Honduras

Como un joven hondureño quiero que usted sepa que es un héroe para mí. Gracias por hacerle frente con tanta fuerza a las enormes presiones injustificadas de la comunidad internacional para entregar nuestro hermoso país a un brutal tirano megalómano (y usted sabe que no estoy hablando del idiota del sombrero.) Admiro que usted es un hombre de mucha convicción y tiene todo mi apoyo. Nosotros los hondureños entendemos lo que realmente está en juego y ningún extranjero tiene el derecho a presiónarnos a que hagamos algo que pueda perjudicar nuestra democracia y nuestro futuro. Gracias a usted los hondureños nos hemos dado cuenta de lo maravillosamente fuertes que somos. Nuestro país le debe una enorme deuda de gratitud.

Usted y yo sabemos que los buenos ya hemos vencido!

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Don Roberto Micheletti
Constitutional President of Honduras

As a young Honduran I want you to know that you are a hero to me. Thank you for standing so strong as you are subjected to tremendous unwarranted pressure from the international community to hand our beautiful country over to a vicious megalomaniac tyrant (and you know I'm not talking about the idiot in the cowboy hat.) I admire that you are a man of strong convictions and you have my full support. We Hondurans understand what is really at stake and no foreigner has a right to pressure us to do anything that would harm our democracy and our future. Thank you for making me realize how wonderfully resolute and strong we Hondurans truly are. Our country owes you a huge debt of gratitude.

You and I know that the good side has already won!

WashPost: go forward with elections

The only good way out of the Honduran crisis is to go forward with the presidential election scheduled for Nov. 29 and to do so in a way that will allow Hondurans to freely express themselves and governments around the region to accept the results. At the moment, no government is willing to sanction a vote overseen by Mr. Micheletti's administration, and the United Nations has withdrawn its support for the process. If his aim is really to save democracy in his country Mr. Micheletti must act quickly to legitimize the election. The simplest way to do that is to accept the plan put forward months ago by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias -- though any formula that leads to an internationally recognized vote will do.

- Washington Post

The biggest problem with the "Arias plan," of course, is that it requires the reinstatement of Manuel Zelaya. He was legally deposed in accordance with Honduran law for allegedly committing various political and common crimes. Arias wants immunity for these.

Hopefully there is another "formula" that can be found which allows Hondurans to keep both our democracy and our dignity. Who wants an alleged criminal as their president? Who wants a president who stands accused by our Supreme Court of being a traitor to our country? Who wants a president who spent the last three months doing everything he could think of to hurt, damage, and destroy the country? Who wants a president who every day is appearing more and more mentally unstable? Who wants a president who has proven that he's merely a proxy for Hugo Chavez?  

90% of Hondurans DO NOT. That shouldn't surprise anyone.

cry me a frickin' Amazon River, Brazil

In a ridiculous and outrageous move that has Hugo Chavez written all over it, Brazil pressed the UN Security Council for a military intervention in Honduras claiming it feared for the safety of its embassy in Tegucigalpa. All it was able to squeeze from the Security Council was a statement that the Honduran government "cease harassment" of the embassy.

The Brazilian government should have better analyzed the consequences of its actions before it allowed a legally deposed former president to use its Embassy as a "command post" to call for insurrection and disobedience of Honduran authorities. Manuel Zelaya is a fugitive from Honduran justice and our authorities have every right to keep as much security as they deem necessary in the area. Where the Brazilian embassy stops, Honduran territory begins. No country has any right to tell Hondurans what they can or cannot do on Honduran territory.

El Heraldo is reporting that once again today Zelaya made a call for insurrection from the embassy. This is preposterous! The Brazilian diplomats in Tegucigalpa had better gag their "guest" or throw him outside the gate to face the charges pending against him.

The Honduran Government has stated it has no intention of violating a foreign embassy.

quote of the day

The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service concluded the removal of former President Zelaya was Constitutional, and we must respect that. It's unconscionable the administration would attempt to force Honduras to violate its own Constitution by cutting of foreign aid.”

- United States Rep. Aaron Schock (R, Illinois)

Again, thank goodness for Republicans and their spines.

presidential candidates meet with President Micheletti, then Zelaya

Four of the six presidential candidates met with President Micheletti yesterday afternoon. (The two far-left candidates apparently refused to participate.)

In the evening they met with Zelaya at his Brazilian embassy "lair." The candidates refused Zelaya's request to pressure that he be reinstated in the Presidency.

They issued a statement:

We urge the parties to resume a dialogue so that, with the additions and contributions that can be agreed within the negotiating process, a fair and balanced solution to the political crisis we are going through can be found.

Any position designed to discredit the elections being conducted in a fair and transparent manner not only aggravates the crisis, but it would be a total and absurd denial of the principles that underpin democracy. We ask the international community respect for our laws and the principles of national self-determination, helping to strengthen, not weaken them.

Top photo: El Heraldo. Bottom photo and source: La Prensa.

Dialogue is obviously a good thing. However, Zelaya's removal was legal, so his position is extremely weak. He is just a regular citizen at this point, and one who is a fugitive from justice.

a loud silence

The tacit and excluding silence on the crisis in Honduras on the part of leaders of the most powerful countries of the world (China, France, United States, United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation) during the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) was a rejection of the "anti diplomatic" conspiracy promoted around the clandestine return of former President Manuel Zelaya to Honduras.

This exclusion of the item on the crisis in Honduras, was confirmed by experts and advisers at the General Assembly after the speech of U.S. President Barack Obama as he "did not mention" the case and the same behavior was seen from other dignitaries of the Permanent Council.

Speaking to hondudiario.com, one analyst said the president of the United States "did not reiterate his support for the reinstatement of the democratic order in Honduras, nor did he refer to the Arias plan, much less that ex-President Zelaya be restored  as president of Honduras.

Source: Hondudiario.com

a foreign policy gone mad

The saga of Manuel Zelaya should be a teachable moment to the Obama administration. As reported in the Miami Herald, Zelaya’s insanity is seeping out. Zelaya claims he is the victim of radiation and mind control experiments and is being targeted by Israeli mercenaries.

This is the man the Obama administration has been trying hard to restore to power in Honduras. A crazy, power-hungry tyrant in the image of Hugo Chavez, Muammar al-Khadaffi and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

By taking Zelaya’s side, the Obama administration has betrayed an ally and friend. More important, the Obama administration’s foreign policy has been revealed to be as insane as Zelaya.

We bully our friends, twist the concept of the rule of law to portray our allies as criminals, and impose sanctions and other get-tough tactics only against people who like us. A foreign policy gone mad, in which good is bad and friend is foe.

- hotair.com

"mind-altering gas and radiation"

[Manuel Zelaya] claims his throat is sore from toxic gases and "Israeli mercenaries'' are torturing him with high-frequency radiation.

"We are being threatened with death," he said in an interview with The Miami Herald, adding that mercenaries were likely to storm the embassy where he has been holed up since Monday and assassinate him.

- Miami Herald

Careful, "Mel." People might think you are having cocaine withdrawal symptoms...

After taking cocaine on a regular basis, a cocaine addiction almost always occurs. When discontinued, the user will experience what has come to be known as a “crash” along with a number of other cocaine withdrawal symptoms including:

* Paranoia
* Depression
* An intense craving for more cocaine
* Exhaustion
* Anxiety
* Mood swings
* Irritability
* Cravings
* Fatigue
* Depression
* Insomnia

I'm sure the only "toxic gases" circulating in that hot, cramped embassy are from the farts, B.O. and W.C. fumes created by all those fools holed up inside.

The Antisemitism is interesting. Makes you wonder who Zelaya was hanging with during his exile. Chavez's Iranian friends, perhaps?

The Honduran Government has stated it has no intention of violating a foreign embassy.

U.S. Congressional Research Service: Zelaya's removal was CONSTITUTIONAL

A new report (click here for the pdf) from the [United States] Congressional Research Service bears out what our editorial board has been pointing out for months now: The situation in Honduras should not be a cause for concern in Washington. It should a relief.
President Zelaya, who was attempting to subvert the constitutional order of Honduras by seeking re-election (considered a crime there) was removed from office by the order of civilian authorities, and the constitutional order of succession was honored afterward.
The legal arguments made in the report, which was prepared by Senior Foreign Law Specialist Norma Gutierrez, are quite intricate and based in Honduran law. But the bottom line is this:

1. The Honduran Congress appears to have acted properly in deposing President Manuel Zelaya. Unlike in the United States, the Honduran Congress has the last word when it comes to interpreting the Constitution. Although there is no provision in Honduras's Constitution for impeachment as such, the body does have powers to disapprove of the president's official acts, and to replace him in the event that he is incapable of performing his duties. Most importantly, the Congress also has the authority to interpret exactly what that means.
2. The Supreme Court was legally entitled to ask the military to arrest Zelaya. The high court, which is the constitutional venue for trials of the president and other high-ranking officials, also recognized the Congress's ouster of Zelaya when it referred his case back down to a lower court afterward, on the grounds that he was "no longer a high-ranking government official."
3. The military did not act properly in forcibly expatriating Zelaya. According to the CRS report and other news stories, Honduran authorities are investigating their decision, which the military justified at the time as a means of preventing bloodshed. In fact, Zelaya should have been given a trial, and if convicted of seeking reelection, he would have lost his citizenship. But he is still a citizen now, and the Constitution forbids the expatriation of Honduran citizens by their government.
4. The proper line of succession was followed after Zelaya's ouster. Because there was no Vice President in office when Zelaya was removed (he had resigned to run for president), Micheletti was the proper successor, as he had been president of the Congress.

“The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service concluded the removal of former President Zelaya was Constitutional, and we must respect that," Rep. Aaron Schock said today. "It's unconscionable the administration would attempt to force Honduras to violate its own Constitution by cutting of foreign aid.”

- Washington Examiner

Wow. Now the reputation of United States Congress is at stake. How can the U.S. government pressure for the reinstatement of a rogue president who was legally deposed?  How can any government pressing for Zelaya's return ignore the Honduran Constitution?

this is all about Brazil getting a seat on the Security Council?

The pressure coming from countries of South America, particularly Brazil and Venezuela, to restore former President Manuel Zelaya in power, is to build a bloc with the countries affiliated to the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) and require a "seat on the Security Council" of the United Nations, agreed analysts at the State Department of the United States.

Source: Proceso Digital [Google Translation]

These ruthless politicians (Chavez and Lula da Silva) are willing to put the lives and livelihoods of the entire Honduran nation at risk just to carry out their agendas. Unbelievable! I've just lost every ounce of respect I had for Brazil.

Today in Honduras

My comments in gray italics.

08:55 PM
Honduras's government suspended the curfew starting tomorrow at 6:00 am. The government expects the general population will return to their daily work and routines.

08:48 PM
OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, announced Wednesday in New York that this weekend he will lead a new mediation mission to Honduras.

08:47 PM
The Fire Department supplied the facilities of the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa with potable water.

05:49 pm
Police Commissioner Orlin Cerrato denied that there have been any registered deaths in clashes between authorities and zelayistas. He reported that zelayistas marched in downtown Tegucigalpa, taking advantage of the suspension of the curfew and broke windows of businesses.

05:36 pm
The President of Argentina, Cristina Kirchner, asked the UN Wednesday for "a strong and precise multilateral strategy," referring to the political developments in Honduras.

Please. It's widely rumored this cynical woman is indebted to Hugo Chavez as he helped finance her presidential campaign. Perhaps the UN should implement a "strong and precise multilateral strategy" to investigate her campaign financing.

05:22 pm
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights asked the Micheletti government to visit as a matter of urgency, to examine allegations of human rights violations following the return of Manuel Zelaya.

It is not a human right to vandalize, break, and/or burn the property of your fellow citizens. Just saying. Seems to me this commission's time and energy would be much better spent investigating authentic human rights violations in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Brazilian opposition questions Zelaya's use of their embassy

The Partido Popular Socialista (PPS) has asked for clarification of how Zelaya came to the embassy and his permanence there because "since it is not a case of asylum, it seems the Brazilian diplomacy has a stake in a covert action that is a clear interference in internal affairs of another country. "

According to Congressman Raul Jungmann, of the PPS, "the Brazilian embassy has become electoral platform" and Foreign Minister Celso Amorim "must be held accountable for that. "

Senator Arthur Virgilio, of the opposition Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), said that "if the government was involved in all this, it is an unforgivable diplomatic blunder."

Virgilio admitted that "it is correct to provide refuge, but noted that "it is also correct to prevent political activity" from the embassy.

In any case, he claimed that "Brazil lost the ability to be a mediator in this crisis, as it is directly involved in the campaign to restore the rule of President Zelaya."

Source: Proceso Digital

President Micheletti on upcoming elections

Our citizens believe that the upcoming presidential election is the best way to guarantee peace and democracy. The electoral process has been under way for some time. The election is being convened by an autonomous body, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, whose magistrates were selected by Congress in early 2009 and ratified by then-President Zelaya. The autonomous body began the electoral process with presidential primary elections -- supervised by the Organization of American States -- in 2008 also during Zelaya's tenure. The election will include Honduras' first independent presidential candidate -- a rarity in all Latin America.

The winner of the election will take office as president in January. At that moment my transitional administration will cease, and the newly sworn-in president will hold all the authority vested to him by our constitution.

- President Roberto Micheletti in Washington Post editorial

WSJ: U.S. helped create Honduran mess

Now that he is back, Mr. Zelaya and his allies aren't calling for calm. His supporters have flocked to Brazil's embassy with cinder blocks, sticks and Molotov cocktails. "The fatherland, restitution or death," he shouted to demonstrators outside the embassy. In anticipation of trouble and with concern for public safety, President Roberto Micheletti announced a curfew. But when police tried to enforce the curfew, the zelayistas resisted and there is now a Honduran standoff.

On Monday Mr. Zelaya said he owed his return and political survival to "the support of the international community." He's getting support from Nicaragua's Sandinista President Daniel Ortega, the former guerrilla group FMLN in El Salvador, and especially from Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. But let's face it: None of that support would mean very much without the diplomatic and sanctions muscle of the U.S.

If the U.S. didn't know about Mr. Zelaya's stealth return, it ought to feel deceived and drop its support. Now that he's back in Honduras, the best solution to avoid violence would be for the U.S. to urge Mr. Zelaya to turn himself over to Honduran authorities for arrest and trial.

- Wall Street Journal

Zelaya assisted by a drug "kingpin"?

Venezuelan journalist Nelson Bocaranda reports that former Venezuelan Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin arranged for Zelaya to be spirited back in a car trunk, with Nicaraguan help.

If so, it wouldn't be surprising. As one of three Venezuelan officials designated drug "kingpins" in an official [United States] Treasury Department report, and thus subject to arrest, he would likely have knowledge of smuggling routes into Honduras from his associates.

That's a heck of a guy for Zelaya to owe a favor to. It would be appalling for the U.S. to want Zelaya's rule restored in light of that.

- Investor's Business Daily

WTF?!

quote of the day

I am willing to discuss how to resolve the political crisis, to talk to anyone, anywhere, at any time, including former President Manuel Zelaya, provided he explicitly recognizes the elections of 29 November.

- President Roberto Micheletti

President Micheletti: "we are happy to talk"

Interim President Roberto Micheletti, expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the participation of all sectors of society and impartial foreign diplomats.

"I'm announcing to the world: We are happy to talk. We will establish the commissions with people who have not been involved before," Micheletti said to the media.

He confirmed the invitation to dialogue "for the possibility that we can sit with serious and responsible agencies with which there has been no previous relationship." He said he would provide the names of people who make up the group this afternoon. He also ruled out involving presidential candidates (unless they request it) because they are immersed in their "political work."

The President dismissed the mediation of President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, although he "remains a respected man" and requested the participation of "someone impartial from United Nations that can come to listen to the position of Hondurans."

Photo and Source: El Heraldo.

He's elbowing Arias and the OAS aside and requesting impartial diplomats (in other words, diplomats without the Hugo Chavez taint).

Bravo Presidente Micheletti! El 90% de los hondureños lo apoyamos! Honduras libre y democrática!

Pigeon Cay: one of top 10 spots to snorkel

Coastal Living Magazine has included Pigeon Cay in its list of top ten spots to snorkel! The popular Pigeon Cay excursion is offered by Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

Alvarado: we will respect the embassy

The government of Honduras said today that its security forces will not enter the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa to arrest deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya.

"You can't [break in], there are conventions and we will respect the embassy," said the Honduran Deputy Foreign Minister, Martha Alvarado.

Moreover, "this would bring even bigger problems," the official said after the police evicted with tear gas and rubber bullets Zelaya's supporters who had been in front of the embassy. Police acted against the pro-Zelaya demonstrators for failing to obey the curfew and after a police vehicle has vandalized and burned.

A strong police contingent has the Brazilian embassy surrounded. Holed up inside for a second day are Zelaya and some family members after the unexpected return home of the deposed president.

Alvarado said she hopes that the Brazilian authorities decide soon "if they are going to grant Zelaya asylum or hand him over to Honduran justice" where he faces charges of political and common crimes, for which several arrest warrants have been issued.

The Deputy Minister said "the situation with Brazil is compromising in the sense that they are treating Mr. Zelaya as a guest and he, from their embassy, is calling for insurrection and to defy the curfew order" issued yesterday by the Government of Roberto Micheletti.

"This is compromising for a country, this is an interference" of Brazil in Honduras, said Alvarado.

Source: laprensa.com.ni.

Update: Honduran authorities have cut water, telephone, and electricity lines to the Brazilian Embassy.

Source: La Tribuna.

Respectful yet tough. Since the Brazilian diplomats allowed Zelaya to use their embassy as a platform to call for insurrection and disobedience of the police they deserve to get their services cut.

Micheletti Administration: Brazil directly responsible

Today the Government of Honduras protested against Brazil for hosting the deposed president, Manuel Zelaya, in its embassy in Tegucigalpa and blamed the country "for the violence that could occur within and outside of it."

The Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a protest note to the Brazilian embassy, where Zelaya is located after he returned home 86 days after the military overthrew him and Parliament President Roberto Micheletti was appointed as president of the country on 28 June.

"It is unacceptable to the Government of the Republic that the diplomatic headquarters of Brazil are tolerating public calls for insurrection and political mobilization on behalf of Mr. José Manuel Zelaya Rosales who is on the run from Honduran justice," said the letter, released by the Foreign Ministry.

"Such interference in the private affairs of the Honduras is condemnable and for that reason it is protested vigorously as a flagrant violation of international law," it added.

The note said that "tolerance and provocation that is performed from the local representation of Brazil are contrary to the rules of diplomatic law, and make the embassy and the Brazilian government directly responsible for any violence that occurs within and outside of it. "

Source: El Heraldo

Micheletti to Brazil: turn him over

I appeal to the Brazilian government to respect the court order issued against Mr. Zelaya, handing him over to the competent authorities of Honduras.

- President Roberto Micheletti, this afternoon.

he's back alright... and defiant...

Manuel Zelaya waves to his supporters from the roof of the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa.

Nobody will catch me asleep again. My position is homeland, restitution or death.

- Manuel Zelaya, this afternoon.

Photo courtesy of El Heraldo.

Hopefully the events this reckless move will trigger will help us Hondurans to put this unfortunate episode behind us faster.

alleged law-breaker back in Tegucigalpa

Reports from Tegucigalpa indicate that Manuel Zelaya entered the country in secret overnight and is now holed up in the Brazilian Embassy in the capital.

The interim Micheletti administration has said that if Zelaya returned to the country they would arrest him to face charges resulting from his multiple alleged law-breaking actions prior to June 28. Let's see if they follow through.

Panama will recognize November elections

The Government of Panama will recognize the president resulting from the November elections in Honduras, "as long as they are held in a transparent manner and seek reconciliation," said the vice president, Juan Carlos Varela.

Source: El Heraldo.

Finally. Some reason and common sense. I hope this starts a trend. The fake hysterics displayed by other hemispheric governments regarding the political events in Honduras is, frankly, annoying and fatiguing. Manuel Zelaya in multiple instances allegedly broke the law and defied our courts. In doing so he abundantly proved that he's not worthy of the Honduran presidency. Emboldened by Chavez' advice and petrodollars, Zelaya acted like he was above the law. As a result, was removed from office. He got what he deserved. My advice to regional governments: Get over it, see this loser for what he is, recognize the upcoming elections, and let's move on. It's not complicated.

photo of the day

The new Bliss Beach plunge pool. Stunning! Truly a work of art. It's amazing what happens when you allow the Universe to guide your hand. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

visions of nirvana

A guest heads to Secret Cove. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

tribal beach party

The Garifunas put on a vibrant show last night at the Tribal Beach Party! Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.


Dancing punta to the rhythm of African drums.

President Micheletti on FoxNews (Part 2)

living in the magic of life

My BFF, Ana, and her beautiful daughter, Isabel, were just visiting us here at Paya Bay.


Isabel tells Lucky "a secret." So cute!


Future supermodel!

President Micheletti on FoxNews (Part 1)

I'm loving the beautiful Bay Islands setting! Don Micheletti is not just my de facto President, he's like my grandfather! Love him!

paya trail lighting

Cool, energy-saving lighting has been added to approximately a third of the Paya Trail, making this beautiful nature trail a pleasure to explore at night.


Lucky sniffs for geckos attracted to the insects attracted to the light.

kayaking

Guests from Massachusetts prepare to kayak from the beach.

German friends

Guests from Germany enjoy a late afternoon moment at Bliss Beach. This is Andrea and Michael's second trip to Paya Bay.

quote of the day

A man only learns to forgive in life when he has needed many to forgive him.

- Jacinto Benavente

My brother, Thomas, found this online, printed it out, and handed it to me tonight. There are no coincidences. Forgiveness is a challenging life lesson for me. Lately, however, I've been focusing more on the lesson of moderation in all things. Perhaps, I should tackle forgiveness next.

serenity

Guests enjoy Bliss Beach. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

independence day

Today, September 15, is the Honduran Independence Day. 188 years have gone by since Honduras and the four other provinces of Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica) declared our independence from Spain.

Today, as we Hondurans celebrate our independence from the Spanish Crown, we are acutely aware that we are also celebrating our more recent declaration of independence from chavismo.

Viva Honduras! Libre, Soberana e Independiente!

peace

Main deck area at Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

the picacho challenge

Yesterday, three of our guests took the Picacho Challenge and did the hike up to the summit of Roatan's highest peak.


Picacho as seen from Paya Bay.


Foxy explores a ledge near the summit.

hubble

Planetary nebula in Scorpius.

I'm speechless. Click the thumbnail above to see a larger version of this photo.

Hillary v. Honduras

Honduras's ejected president Mel Zelaya saw the Secretary and apparently persuaded her that the outcome of Honduras's next elections must be rejected. On what basis? None was stated, and no logical basis exists. The next elections will be entirely constitutional and held on time; and the term of office of the ousted Zelaya would end naturally and constitutionally when a new president is sworn in, in January. The candidates were selected before the current crisis began, and all the parties--including Zelaya's Liberal Party, one half of Honduras's essentially two party system--are participating. There is no reason whatsoever to doubt that the election can be monitored by international observers (and we could have demanded more of them than usual) and fairly conducted. Honduras's vote for a new president on November 29 was the obvious way for everyone to dig out of the current mess without hurting the Honduran people and without damaging Honduras's democratic institutions.

But it was rejected yesterday by Clinton and the Obama administration. The State Department's spokesman said that "Based on conditions as they currently exist, we cannot recognize the results of this election." The irrationality of the words is striking: based on conditions today, we can't recognize the results of a free election more than two months from now on November 29, even if everyone thinks it's free and even if Zelaya's party participates, and even if his term would constitutionally be over anyway. Remember, it was Zelaya who wanted to screw around with that election, and hold a referendum on that date allowing him to be re-elected in perpetuity--just as his mentor Chavez has done in Venezuela. That's what gave rise to his defenestration. Now Hondurans want to go back to regular elections, but the United States won't allow them to do so?

The argument made around the Organization of American States (which is supporting Zelaya) is that elections conducted under the "de facto regime" cannot be considered fair. Really? Every country in Latin America that made a transition from military to civilian rule held elections with the military still in charge, yet we don't hear the OAS saying all those elections were phony. Just to take one example, in Chile the dictator Augusto Pinochet was not only president when transition elections were held in 1990, he continued on as head of the armed forces for 8 years after that. Such history is forgotten at the OAS when it is convenient, but facts are stubborn things--even in Latin America.

- Elliot Abrams, The Weekly Standard

Elliott Abrams, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, was Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs in the Reagan administration.

a counter-coup

Never before in the history of political conflicts in Latin America has an international body like the OAS waged war against a people who decided to rid themselves of an aspiring dictator, Manuel Zelaya Rosales. They did not do it with Trujillo of the Dominican Republic, nor with the Argentine military (which waged a dirty war against its own people). It is inconceivable that President Barak Obama and the Secretary of State of the United States, Hillary Clinton, are supporting the senseless accusations and pressures of another dictator, Hugo Chávez of Venezuela, and his ALBA satellites to reinstate in power someone who was dismissed in accordance with the laws of his own country after violating the Constitution. In Honduras there have been no coup, but a constitutional succession. It was a counter-coup that neutralized the coup started by Zelaya Rosales.

- Ricardo Zamora Valencia, laprensa.com.ni

Bliss Beach plunge pool very close to being launched

This photo of Lucky and the new Bliss Beach plunge pool was taken at that magical moment right after sunset when the remaining sunlight becomes suddenly redder and everything gets a rosy warm glow to it. Those delightful minutes when people with fresh suntans look exceedingly beautiful. I can't wait to see this pool full of fun, happy people! Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

our highway is getting paved!

It used to be that the last 7 KM of highway to Paya Bay were unpaved. Now that's down to only 6.3 KM, and pretty soon the entire road will be paved. Roatan is experiencing an unprecedented level of growth (driven by our international airport and two cruise ship docks) and much needed infrastructure is finally being put in place.

my Roman double

My friend Hugo Turcios of Tegucigalpa was just in Italy and he took this photo of a policeman in Rome he said looked just like me. All I can say is Rome boy is kinda hot! Nice big feet!

descendents of the Roatan Cooper brothers

Samuel and his two (2) brothers left New Castle England for the "New World" in 1815. The two Brothers named Thomas Cooper and John Cooper. They served the Armed Forces of Great Britain in the War of 1812 as some old records said "With their Swords Defeated" (Uncle Danny Cooper has one of the Swords on his wall). The Cooper's Brothers sailed to Philadelphia, PA. There, one brother Thomas separated from the others and went Northwest. John and Samuel Cooper traveled to Jamaica, BWI. Samuel Cooper sailed to Belize, British Honduras, CA., to stay as a settler. Samuel fell in love with Katherine McLead a lovely Irish young lady from Cork Ireland who was on a sailing ship to care for a baby of her Aunt, the wife of the Captain of the Ship, who was not a good sailor the story is told, and she often will get seasick from the voyage and not able to care for the baby. Katherine took care of her baby cousin. (To Continue)"

- Descendants of the Roatan Cooper Brothers

I'm Lurlene Cooper's son. She's the firstborn daughter of Bryan Evans Cooper. My grandfather went by his second name, Evans, or by his nickname "Uncle Peg." Amazingly, there is some kind of uncanny resemblance between the old man Sam Cooper and me (facial bone structure, deep set eyes, hairline). This is interesting...

what Chavez really fears

The letters of [FARC leader] Reyes detail the relationship between the FARC and the Democratic Unification Party (UD) in Honduras. This is the only party in Honduras that supports the return of President Zelaya. Recently, the [interim] government of Honduras showed evidence of money sent by the FARC to this group to fund the popular demonstrations in favor of Zelaya (which incidentally are very anemic).

Honduras is the bridge required for drug-laden planes to refuel with petrol before arriving in Mexico and the United States. In Honduras there is an agreement between the government and the United States to operate the Soto Cano [air] base. In the same style as Colombia's agreement with the United States under Plan Colombia, which is soon to be expanded.

The Soto Cano base is the headquarters of the U.S. "Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-B), consisting of army, air force, joint security forces and the first battalion, regiment 228 of the U.S. Air Force. There are approximately 600 people and 18 combat aircraft, including UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook. It is also used for anti-drug operations.

Why do you think Chavez is so obsessed with Honduras? Because it is the forced route of drug trafficking and that base is another headache. And the only way to get them out is with the arrival of the Bolivarian revolution.

If there is something Chavez, Correa, Evo, Ortega and Zelaya have in common, it is their hatred of the DEA. They have done everything to undermine its work. These five need the drug money to finance their expansionist plans, saving for old age and staying out of legal problems and tracking of accounts.

With that money they can buy consciences, finance political campaigns, arm the FARC and destabilize governments. And no one in Latin America can prove anything.

The biggest enemy with drug trafficking and Chavez allies are the aircraft of the United States government. These planes carry advanced spy technology that goes beyond the most feverish of imaginations.

This technology has intercepted communications of the FARC, to the extent that it has been forced to use human couriers. This technology tricked the FARC in the famous Operation Jaque that freed Ingrid Betancourt. Evidence has emerged from these interceptions for court cases against Venezuelan and Ecuadoran government officials.

[...]

While these aircraft are in Colombia's skies, Chavez, Correa, and the FARC are exposed to them discovering all their diabolical plans. Imagine everything these crooks could get away with without American vigilance in Colombia and Honduras?

Chavez is afraid to end up in a U.S. prison, just like Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama. These aircraft are listening to conversations all day, intercepting radio, monitoring activities. And their radio range does not stop at the the border line between Colombia and Venezuela and Ecuador. This is where the evidence will come from that will allow Chavez be prosecuted in the future for drug trafficking, money laundering, etc...

- Gustavo Abello, politicaydesarrollo.com.ar [Google Translation]

the "complexity" explained

This past week the U.S. State Department made reference to the "complexity" of the Honduran situation but didn't go into details. I found an editorial written in English that explains this complexity quite well.

However, out of all the articles hereto exposed, Art. 239 is the most crucial because it grants the Constitution a Self Defense Mechanism clause that avoids the need of a political trial by immediately removing the title of President or any other public title from those that seek to change or encourage a change in presidential term limits. Art. 239, is important because it clarifies whether a military coup took place or not. When on June 27 Mr. Zelaya signed and published in official newspaper the referendum decree, immediately Art. 239 kicked in and stripped him of his official capacity. Accordingly, when Mr. Zelaya is arrested on the morning of June 28, by a valid arrest warrant signed by a unanimous Supreme Court (15-0) and executed by the Honduran Army, and subsequently deported to Costa Rica, he was no longer President of Honduras but rather a common citizen.

[...]

Asking Honduras to restore to power the man who over and over again violated the law is tantamount to having a heartless judge ordering an incest child-rape victim to move back into her father's house because the law says that a child is to live with his parents.

Hugo Sevilla, Honduras This Week

I'm pro the U.S. 4th Fleet!

Wow. An extraordinary level of repulsion.


Hondurans marched in Tegucigalpa today to protest Hugo Chavez's general repulsiveness as well as his vile interference in the affairs of other Latin American countries. Anti-Chavez marches were held in several different countries around the world this September 4th.

Photos and source: El Heraldo

I personally do not believe in being "anti" anything. I believe the stronger you feel about something, whether you are for it or against it, the faster you will attract it to yourself (the Law of Attraction). It's much better to be "pro" (whatever) counters, opposes, cancels out, and/or otherwise neutralizes that which you don't want in your life.

The one thing that is out there that I'm sure makes Hugo Chavez lose sleep at night is the Fourth Fleet of the United States Navy. He knows those American battleships and submarines are right off the coast of Venezuela and within striking distance of Caracas. This is one of the few things that makes Chavez think twice (or three or four times) as he goes about his business of being a nasty little tyrant and a regional bully. Why do you think he's so bitterly anti-American?

So, I'm very much pro the U.S. 4th Fleet. It wasn't reactivated in 2008 (after 58 years) just for giggles. Chavez knows that if he gives the Americans an even slightly compelling reason, they will promptly install a bright, shiny new cruise missile in his bedroom. Today's marches would have been a hell of a lot more effective (as far as rattling Chavez and sending him a strong message) if everyone dressed in costumes as U.S. Navy servicemen and servicewomen, carried pictures of American battleships, held cruise missile-shaped piñatas in their arms, and waved banners saying "We Support the 4th Fleet." I'm not pro-violence, I'm just suggesting an effective message. It's language Chavez would understand.

Chavez is a sociopath. I'm sure tonight he will be boasting to his drinking buddies about all the marches against him today. "I'm so evil, Mahmoud! Look how evil I am! Hey guys, look at me, I'm Doctor Evil! 'We get the warhead and we hold the world ransom for... ONE. MILLION. DOLLARS!'"

Seriously, tho, we have to fight fire with fire. Don't be Anti-Chavez... If you are truly serious about ridding the world of this pestilence, be pro the U.S. Fourth Fleet!

By the way, my fellow Hondurans, this means we have to be pro the United States, consistently. We can't have it both ways. We can't be hypocrites like the leftists. Even though we may not always agree 100% with the policies of their government, we can't condemn the American people as a whole and call them insulting names out of one side of our mouths and then beg for their help out of the other side. Trust me, I know Americans, they might not seem all that smart at times (Dubya, Iraq), but they are rocket scientists! They eventually figure things out, and if there is one thing they don't like, it's la hipocresía.

Manuel Zelaya, Hugo Chavez, and their leftist buddies have already shown us how pathetic and disgusting hypocrisy is.

Right, Mr. Obama? (By the way, sir, I was all Fired up! Ready to go! but these days I'm having mixed feelings about you. What's up with Hillary dissing your Honduran buddies? Not cool, man.)