US supporting Socialism

Honduras has had a democracy since 1982. Former president Manuel Zelaya of aligned himself with Chavez and Castro and took steps to move his country toward Socialism. In June he decided to change the constitution. Specifically, he wanted to change the provision limiting the president to a single term. In addition, he had voiced support for nationalization and wealth redistribution as in Venezuela

In accordance with the laws of Honduras and the decision of the Supreme Court, on June 28, 2009 the Honduran military was ordered to arrest and exile President Zelaya to Costa Rica. The ouster followed the constitution. It was not a military coup.

As expected, his Socialist, friends Castro, Chaves and Daniel Ortega immediately condemned the move. OAS called an emergency meeting and Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza "strongly condemned" the coup. (OAS readmitted Cuba this year)

President Obama joined in condemning the move: "...I call on all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. "Any existing tensions and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue free from any outside interference."

Hillary Clinton joined in: "The action taken against Honduran President Manuel Zelaya violates the precepts of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and thus should be condemned by all. "We call on all parties in Honduras to respect the constitutional order and the rule of law, to reaffirm their democratic vocation, and to commit themselves to resolve political disputes peacefully and through dialogue."

The US banned visas for members of the de facto regime and on August 26th the United States cut visa services for Hondurans, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said the visa curbs were intended to reinforce OAS efforts to persuade the de facto government to accept the San Jose deal.

Unfortunately, with the US supporting the Socialists it is doubtful that Democracy can survive in Honduras.