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School of the Americas Graduate Led Honduras Coup

by Jennifer Svetlik 06-30-2009 | 2:40pm
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Sunday morning, a military coup took place in Honduras led by commander Gen. Romeo Vasquez, ousting democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Like many other Latin American military coups over the past 50 years, this one was led by a School of the Americas graduate.

Early in the morning, 200 troops surrounded the presidential palace, took the president into custody, and exiled him to Costa Rica. A national vote had been scheduled for Sunday to consult citizens on a proposal to hold a Constitutional Assembly this fall, but the military opposed the vote. After the coup, the Honduran military teargased Zelaya's supporters outside the palace and also cut off electrical, telephone, and mobile phone lines. Additionally, the public television station was shut down and a curfew was set for Sunday and Monday nights in the capital city.

Immediate international response condemned the coup, and the Organization of American States demanded the reinstatement of Mr. Zelaya. President Obama, however, failed to go so far. While his statement expressed deep concern, he added that "any existing tensions and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue free from any outside interference."

While, in principle, I agree with Obama's statement, the U.S.'s history in Latin America has not been one of peaceful dialogue nor refraining from interference. On the contrary, over the past 60 years, the U.S. has meddled frequently in the affairs of Latin American governments to serve U.S. interests and has also trained over 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, psychological warfare and interrogation tactics at the School of the Americas (SOA)/WHINSEC located at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Many of these graduates have been convicted of human and civil rights abuses against their own people upon returning to their home countries. President Obama must acknowledge the link between our nation's history and the current realities in Latin America. If Obama wants to usher in a new era in Latin American relations, he should do all that he can to make sure that the SOA and other similar schools are closed.

Some progress has been made; last week, the House of Representatives voted to force the Pentagon to release information about SOA grads to the public. The House and Senate joint committees must approve the bill before it goes into law, but if it passes, it will be an important step in increasing the SOA's accountability.

Currently, the SOA/WHINSEC claims to practice transparency, however, since 2005, all Freedom of Information requests to the Pentagon have been denied, proof of WHINSEC's unwillingness to submit to oversight from the public. These denials began after research revealed that the SOA continues to train known human rights abusers. Access to information regarding SOA graduates of previous years has been a valuable asset to human rights organizations in identifying Latin American military personnel who have committed human rights abuses in their home countries after attending the school.

Click here to learn more about the movement to bring transparency (and closure) to SOA and to contact your Senators.

Jennifer Svetlik is an organizing assistant for Sojourners.

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by: Eric77

07-06-2009 @ 12:58pm

I understand their overall point about the School of Americas and other South/Central American injustices. I just don't see why it's the focal point of this story about Honduras. There's no evidence provided that Vasquez's limited experience at the SOA had any bearing on the coup. It sounds like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

by: JamesM

07-06-2009 @ 2:35pm

Well, I guess that if you hold the author to an absolute proof standard that there is a link between the schooling and a the coup, it would sound like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

However, it may not seem like such a poor attempt at guilt by association if you are looking at a pattern and practice of past graduates from the same school.

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 4:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 6:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: Minnesotan

06-30-2009 @ 2:27pm

Jennifer, I think we need to be careful in evaluating this situation. The ousted President of Honduras was defying the Constitution and the national Supreme Court and the elected assembly with his call for a referendum to allow him lifetime or long term rule, like other strong arm leaders in Latin America like Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega of Nicaraugua and others. The President of Honduras looks like he was defying the rule of law. I would not be so quick to push this into the mold of "right wing military guys trained by the U.S. overthrew a virtuous politician." The lawless one may very well be the ousted president of Honduras.

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 2:33pm

Not surprising.

by: BuckeyeDon

06-30-2009 @ 2:39pm

Assuming you're right here (and I don't know whether you are or not):

Do you know whether the Honduran constitution has any provision for what to do in the case of a corrupt elected official? I'm thinking in terms of refrerendum, impeachment proceedings, etc.

My guess is that the army's taking over the country and dragging the alleged corrupt official off to the airport in his pajamas and putting him on a plane to Costa Rica is not part of the Honduran constitution's provisions.

by: jsvetlik

06-30-2009 @ 3:41pm

To be clear about what exactly was to take place during the Sunday vote:
According to the first BBC article linked above, "Mr. Zelaya planned to hold a non-binding public consultation on 28 June to ask people whether they supported moves to change the constitution. This would in practice have meant holding a referendum at the same time as November's presidential election on setting up a body charged with redrawing the constitution."

Honduras' current political system does not allow for much citizen participation; one part of the proposed redrawing was to allow more participation from non-elite groups such as labor and social movement groups, which I would argue increases democracy in the country.

I did not mean to imply that Mr. Zayala was a necessarily virtuous politician, but I do mean to say simply that this coup was a grievous violation of democracy, led by a U.S.-trained officer who follows in the footsteps of many other U.S.-trained military leaders in committing human rights violations against his own people.

by: mjw0486

06-30-2009 @ 3:42pm

Honduras president Manuel Zelaya Rosales will arrive to Washington D.C. where he will be attending a special meeting this afternoon at Organization of American States.

Area residents from Honduras and supporters will get together at 4:00 PM at Washington Monument in the D.C. Mall and march at 5:00 PM to the Organization of American States to demand the end of the military coup and the restitution of civil government and President Manuel Zelaya Rosales.

Bring Transparency to SOA/WHINSEC. Contact your Senators today!
www.soaw.org/vote

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 7:32pm

Wrong again, Don:

Article 4, Section 5 of the Honduran Constitution allows for just this scenario- depsoing a leader and dragging him or off to the airport in nightwear, if, and only if the perpetrator is a graduate of the School of the Americas.

Do your homework before spouting off. Okay?!

by: csquared78

06-30-2009 @ 8:08pm

I agree with Minnesotan. However, there is no doubt that America has meddled into the affairs of Central & South America for the past 60 years. I also am not so naive to think that we as a super-power would not do this. Any country with power like us would find itself meddling into unnecessary international affairs. However, the president of Honduras violated the Constitution and the coup was not a military coup, but a removal by the citizens, mainly the Honduras Supreme Court. I am curious Jennifer, why do you feel it necessary to blame the American institution? I don't think it's wrong to hold American institutions accountable, but the tone of your article seemed very mean-spirited. Whether or not you meant it, your tone sounded as if this was another opportunity to "blame America for the problems of the world." Do you think that? I hope not.

by: Minnesotan

06-30-2009 @ 2:27pm

Jennifer, I think we need to be careful in evaluating this situation. The ousted President of Honduras was defying the Constitution and the national Supreme Court and the elected assembly with his call for a referendum to allow him lifetime or long term rule, like other strong arm leaders in Latin America like Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega of Nicaraugua and others. The President of Honduras looks like he was defying the rule of law. I would not be so quick to push this into the mold of "right wing military guys trained by the U.S. overthrew a virtuous politician." The lawless one may very well be the ousted president of Honduras.

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 2:33pm

Not surprising.

by: LeeRials

07-01-2009 @ 12:07am

Ms. Svetlik's characterization of the Army's School of the Americas is utterly false and dishonest. Calling the Honduran general a 'graduate' is ludicrous when SOAW itself shows he attended two courses of a few weeks each 33 and 25 years ago. Can any rational human being believe that that short contact long ago has any impact on his character today? The other accusations about the school (which Pres. Clinton closed nine years ago) are equally specious--not one example of anyone using what he learned there to commit a crime has ever been shown--not one. Saying so with no evidence is libel of the loyal US personnel who taught there. I take offense because I am a retired Army officer; those people were my peers. WHINSEC, which Pres. Clinton and Congress created to continue the security cooperation with our partner nations in this hemisphere, is utterly transparent. Anyone, with only a photo ID, can sit in its classes, talk with its students and faculty, and review its instructional materials. Not only is it open to ordinary citizens, it has a federal oversight committee reviewing it annually. This committee has members of Congress and civilians from the clergy, attorneys, and businesspersons on it. I encourage you to educate yourself about this great educational facility.

by: BuckeyeDon

06-30-2009 @ 2:39pm

Assuming you're right here (and I don't know whether you are or not):

Do you know whether the Honduran constitution has any provision for what to do in the case of a corrupt elected official? I'm thinking in terms of refrerendum, impeachment proceedings, etc.

My guess is that the army's taking over the country and dragging the alleged corrupt official off to the airport in his pajamas and putting him on a plane to Costa Rica is not part of the Honduran constitution's provisions.

by: RedBear

07-01-2009 @ 6:35am

For Us he is a HERO
Im writing you from Honduras,maybe you havent heard a lot from us, but we need you support. Our armed force following a court order removed the president. now, that action have shown the world that we are willing to go ALONE against all the left alba nations, their political, economical and propaganda power...Its easy to see situation through a black/white paper sheet, there, is not showed his abuse of power and taking advantage of it. But the truth is we are a peaceful nation, an our determination will be tested, just "BECAUSE WE DIDNT GAVE ANY CHANCE TO DICTATORSHIP" actually all the world (UN)its pointing us like if we where north korea or cuba. Why our people are treated like that?,chavez campaign of terror is covering all fronts, economical, social, diplomatical and militar. threatened & slandered by chavez. Who openly spoke about a military invasion by alba countries(Check youtube). We will stand alone against them but with courage and god on our side. Please expose it..A patriot

by: jsvetlik

06-30-2009 @ 3:41pm

To be clear about what exactly was to take place during the Sunday vote:
According to the first BBC article linked above, "Mr. Zelaya planned to hold a non-binding public consultation on 28 June to ask people whether they supported moves to change the constitution. This would in practice have meant holding a referendum at the same time as November's presidential election on setting up a body charged with redrawing the constitution."

Honduras' current political system does not allow for much citizen participation; one part of the proposed redrawing was to allow more participation from non-elite groups such as labor and social movement groups, which I would argue increases democracy in the country.

I did not mean to imply that Mr. Zayala was a necessarily virtuous politician, but I do mean to say simply that this coup was a grievous violation of democracy, led by a U.S.-trained officer who follows in the footsteps of many other U.S.-trained military leaders in committing human rights violations against his own people.

by: jkc1945

07-01-2009 @ 9:38am

Listen to this man!! Read his post, several times. Let's get it through our corporate heads, here in the United States of America, that there are a lot of people in the world who know little of democratic principles and operation, no matter what their paper constitution says. Honduras looks like it has been one of them. A Leftist government is in the process of being overthrown, in Honduras. We ought to be rejoicing in this!! We ought to be supporting the people of Honduras, who are probably represented very well by this poster.

by: mjw0486

06-30-2009 @ 3:42pm

Honduras president Manuel Zelaya Rosales will arrive to Washington D.C. where he will be attending a special meeting this afternoon at Organization of American States.

Area residents from Honduras and supporters will get together at 4:00 PM at Washington Monument in the D.C. Mall and march at 5:00 PM to the Organization of American States to demand the end of the military coup and the restitution of civil government and President Manuel Zelaya Rosales.

Bring Transparency to SOA/WHINSEC. Contact your Senators today!
www.soaw.org/vote

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 7:32pm

Wrong again, Don:

Article 4, Section 5 of the Honduran Constitution allows for just this scenario- depsoing a leader and dragging him or off to the airport in nightwear, if, and only if the perpetrator is a graduate of the School of the Americas.

Do your homework before spouting off. Okay?!

by: csquared78

06-30-2009 @ 8:08pm

I agree with Minnesotan. However, there is no doubt that America has meddled into the affairs of Central & South America for the past 60 years. I also am not so naive to think that we as a super-power would not do this. Any country with power like us would find itself meddling into unnecessary international affairs. However, the president of Honduras violated the Constitution and the coup was not a military coup, but a removal by the citizens, mainly the Honduras Supreme Court. I am curious Jennifer, why do you feel it necessary to blame the American institution? I don't think it's wrong to hold American institutions accountable, but the tone of your article seemed very mean-spirited. Whether or not you meant it, your tone sounded as if this was another opportunity to "blame America for the problems of the world." Do you think that? I hope not.

by: LeeRials

07-01-2009 @ 12:07am

Ms. Svetlik's characterization of the Army's School of the Americas is utterly false and dishonest. Calling the Honduran general a 'graduate' is ludicrous when SOAW itself shows he attended two courses of a few weeks each 33 and 25 years ago. Can any rational human being believe that that short contact long ago has any impact on his character today? The other accusations about the school (which Pres. Clinton closed nine years ago) are equally specious--not one example of anyone using what he learned there to commit a crime has ever been shown--not one. Saying so with no evidence is libel of the loyal US personnel who taught there. I take offense because I am a retired Army officer; those people were my peers. WHINSEC, which Pres. Clinton and Congress created to continue the security cooperation with our partner nations in this hemisphere, is utterly transparent. Anyone, with only a photo ID, can sit in its classes, talk with its students and faculty, and review its instructional materials. Not only is it open to ordinary citizens, it has a federal oversight committee reviewing it annually. This committee has members of Congress and civilians from the clergy, attorneys, and businesspersons on it. I encourage you to educate yourself about this great educational facility.

by: RedBear

07-01-2009 @ 6:35am

For Us he is a HERO
Im writing you from Honduras,maybe you havent heard a lot from us, but we need you support. Our armed force following a court order removed the president. now, that action have shown the world that we are willing to go ALONE against all the left alba nations, their political, economical and propaganda power...Its easy to see situation through a black/white paper sheet, there, is not showed his abuse of power and taking advantage of it. But the truth is we are a peaceful nation, an our determination will be tested, just "BECAUSE WE DIDNT GAVE ANY CHANCE TO DICTATORSHIP" actually all the world (UN)its pointing us like if we where north korea or cuba. Why our people are treated like that?,chavez campaign of terror is covering all fronts, economical, social, diplomatical and militar. threatened & slandered by chavez. Who openly spoke about a military invasion by alba countries(Check youtube). We will stand alone against them but with courage and god on our side. Please expose it..A patriot

by: jkc1945

07-01-2009 @ 9:38am

Listen to this man!! Read his post, several times. Let's get it through our corporate heads, here in the United States of America, that there are a lot of people in the world who know little of democratic principles and operation, no matter what their paper constitution says. Honduras looks like it has been one of them. A Leftist government is in the process of being overthrown, in Honduras. We ought to be rejoicing in this!! We ought to be supporting the people of Honduras, who are probably represented very well by this poster.

by: Eric77

07-02-2009 @ 12:11pm

I think this gentleman, in an op-ed in the Washington Post today, offers some good commentary on the issue:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Last year, following the script originally laid out by Chávez in Venezuela and adopted by Evo Morales in Bolivia and Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Zelaya announced that he would hold a referendum to set up a constituent assembly that would change the constitution that barred him from reelection. In the next few months, every legal body in Honduras -- the electoral tribunal, the Supreme Court, the attorney general, the human rights ombudsman -- declared the referendum unconstitutional. According to the Honduran constitution (articles 5, 373 and 374), presidential term limits cannot be changed under any circumstance; only Congress can modify the constitution; and political institutions are not subject to referendums

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 4:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: Eric77

07-02-2009 @ 12:11pm

I think this gentleman, in an op-ed in the Washington Post today, offers some good commentary on the issue:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Last year, following the script originally laid out by Chávez in Venezuela and adopted by Evo Morales in Bolivia and Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Zelaya announced that he would hold a referendum to set up a constituent assembly that would change the constitution that barred him from reelection. In the next few months, every legal body in Honduras -- the electoral tribunal, the Supreme Court, the attorney general, the human rights ombudsman -- declared the referendum unconstitutional. According to the Honduran constitution (articles 5, 373 and 374), presidential term limits cannot be changed under any circumstance; only Congress can modify the constitution; and political institutions are not subject to referendums

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 6:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: JamesM

07-03-2009 @ 10:45pm

I think Sojourner's major complaint is that some of the people who study at the School of the Americas go back and engage in coup d'etat and death squads. I'm not sure as to why Sojourners would care about such a trifling problem either. No big deal to me.

by: JamesM

07-03-2009 @ 10:45pm

I think Sojourner's major complaint is that some of the people who study at the School of the Americas go back and engage in coup d'etat and death squads. I'm not sure as to why Sojourners would care about such a trifling problem either. No big deal to me.

by: Eric77

07-06-2009 @ 12:58pm

I understand their overall point about the School of Americas and other South/Central American injustices. I just don't see why it's the focal point of this story about Honduras. There's no evidence provided that Vasquez's limited experience at the SOA had any bearing on the coup. It sounds like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

by: JamesM

07-06-2009 @ 2:35pm

Well, I guess that if you hold the author to an absolute proof standard that there is a link between the schooling and a the coup, it would sound like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

However, it may not seem like such a poor attempt at guilt by association if you are looking at a pattern and practice of past graduates from the same school.

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: Minnesotan

06-30-2009 @ 2:27pm

Jennifer, I think we need to be careful in evaluating this situation. The ousted President of Honduras was defying the Constitution and the national Supreme Court and the elected assembly with his call for a referendum to allow him lifetime or long term rule, like other strong arm leaders in Latin America like Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega of Nicaraugua and others. The President of Honduras looks like he was defying the rule of law. I would not be so quick to push this into the mold of "right wing military guys trained by the U.S. overthrew a virtuous politician." The lawless one may very well be the ousted president of Honduras.

by: Minnesotan

06-30-2009 @ 2:27pm

Jennifer, I think we need to be careful in evaluating this situation. The ousted President of Honduras was defying the Constitution and the national Supreme Court and the elected assembly with his call for a referendum to allow him lifetime or long term rule, like other strong arm leaders in Latin America like Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega of Nicaraugua and others. The President of Honduras looks like he was defying the rule of law. I would not be so quick to push this into the mold of "right wing military guys trained by the U.S. overthrew a virtuous politician." The lawless one may very well be the ousted president of Honduras.

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 2:33pm

Not surprising.

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 2:33pm

Not surprising.

by: BuckeyeDon

06-30-2009 @ 2:39pm

Assuming you're right here (and I don't know whether you are or not):

Do you know whether the Honduran constitution has any provision for what to do in the case of a corrupt elected official? I'm thinking in terms of refrerendum, impeachment proceedings, etc.

My guess is that the army's taking over the country and dragging the alleged corrupt official off to the airport in his pajamas and putting him on a plane to Costa Rica is not part of the Honduran constitution's provisions.

by: BuckeyeDon

06-30-2009 @ 2:39pm

Assuming you're right here (and I don't know whether you are or not):

Do you know whether the Honduran constitution has any provision for what to do in the case of a corrupt elected official? I'm thinking in terms of refrerendum, impeachment proceedings, etc.

My guess is that the army's taking over the country and dragging the alleged corrupt official off to the airport in his pajamas and putting him on a plane to Costa Rica is not part of the Honduran constitution's provisions.

by: jsvetlik

06-30-2009 @ 3:41pm

To be clear about what exactly was to take place during the Sunday vote:
According to the first BBC article linked above, "Mr. Zelaya planned to hold a non-binding public consultation on 28 June to ask people whether they supported moves to change the constitution. This would in practice have meant holding a referendum at the same time as November's presidential election on setting up a body charged with redrawing the constitution."

Honduras' current political system does not allow for much citizen participation; one part of the proposed redrawing was to allow more participation from non-elite groups such as labor and social movement groups, which I would argue increases democracy in the country.

I did not mean to imply that Mr. Zayala was a necessarily virtuous politician, but I do mean to say simply that this coup was a grievous violation of democracy, led by a U.S.-trained officer who follows in the footsteps of many other U.S.-trained military leaders in committing human rights violations against his own people.

by: jsvetlik

06-30-2009 @ 3:41pm

To be clear about what exactly was to take place during the Sunday vote:
According to the first BBC article linked above, "Mr. Zelaya planned to hold a non-binding public consultation on 28 June to ask people whether they supported moves to change the constitution. This would in practice have meant holding a referendum at the same time as November's presidential election on setting up a body charged with redrawing the constitution."

Honduras' current political system does not allow for much citizen participation; one part of the proposed redrawing was to allow more participation from non-elite groups such as labor and social movement groups, which I would argue increases democracy in the country.

I did not mean to imply that Mr. Zayala was a necessarily virtuous politician, but I do mean to say simply that this coup was a grievous violation of democracy, led by a U.S.-trained officer who follows in the footsteps of many other U.S.-trained military leaders in committing human rights violations against his own people.

by: mjw0486

06-30-2009 @ 3:42pm

Honduras president Manuel Zelaya Rosales will arrive to Washington D.C. where he will be attending a special meeting this afternoon at Organization of American States.

Area residents from Honduras and supporters will get together at 4:00 PM at Washington Monument in the D.C. Mall and march at 5:00 PM to the Organization of American States to demand the end of the military coup and the restitution of civil government and President Manuel Zelaya Rosales.

Bring Transparency to SOA/WHINSEC. Contact your Senators today!
www.soaw.org/vote

by: mjw0486

06-30-2009 @ 3:42pm

Honduras president Manuel Zelaya Rosales will arrive to Washington D.C. where he will be attending a special meeting this afternoon at Organization of American States.

Area residents from Honduras and supporters will get together at 4:00 PM at Washington Monument in the D.C. Mall and march at 5:00 PM to the Organization of American States to demand the end of the military coup and the restitution of civil government and President Manuel Zelaya Rosales.

Bring Transparency to SOA/WHINSEC. Contact your Senators today!
www.soaw.org/vote

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 7:32pm

Wrong again, Don:

Article 4, Section 5 of the Honduran Constitution allows for just this scenario- depsoing a leader and dragging him or off to the airport in nightwear, if, and only if the perpetrator is a graduate of the School of the Americas.

Do your homework before spouting off. Okay?!

by: JamesM

06-30-2009 @ 7:32pm

Wrong again, Don:

Article 4, Section 5 of the Honduran Constitution allows for just this scenario- depsoing a leader and dragging him or off to the airport in nightwear, if, and only if the perpetrator is a graduate of the School of the Americas.

Do your homework before spouting off. Okay?!

by: csquared78

06-30-2009 @ 8:08pm

I agree with Minnesotan. However, there is no doubt that America has meddled into the affairs of Central & South America for the past 60 years. I also am not so naive to think that we as a super-power would not do this. Any country with power like us would find itself meddling into unnecessary international affairs. However, the president of Honduras violated the Constitution and the coup was not a military coup, but a removal by the citizens, mainly the Honduras Supreme Court. I am curious Jennifer, why do you feel it necessary to blame the American institution? I don't think it's wrong to hold American institutions accountable, but the tone of your article seemed very mean-spirited. Whether or not you meant it, your tone sounded as if this was another opportunity to "blame America for the problems of the world." Do you think that? I hope not.

by: csquared78

06-30-2009 @ 8:08pm

I agree with Minnesotan. However, there is no doubt that America has meddled into the affairs of Central & South America for the past 60 years. I also am not so naive to think that we as a super-power would not do this. Any country with power like us would find itself meddling into unnecessary international affairs. However, the president of Honduras violated the Constitution and the coup was not a military coup, but a removal by the citizens, mainly the Honduras Supreme Court. I am curious Jennifer, why do you feel it necessary to blame the American institution? I don't think it's wrong to hold American institutions accountable, but the tone of your article seemed very mean-spirited. Whether or not you meant it, your tone sounded as if this was another opportunity to "blame America for the problems of the world." Do you think that? I hope not.

by: LeeRials

07-01-2009 @ 12:07am

Ms. Svetlik's characterization of the Army's School of the Americas is utterly false and dishonest. Calling the Honduran general a 'graduate' is ludicrous when SOAW itself shows he attended two courses of a few weeks each 33 and 25 years ago. Can any rational human being believe that that short contact long ago has any impact on his character today? The other accusations about the school (which Pres. Clinton closed nine years ago) are equally specious--not one example of anyone using what he learned there to commit a crime has ever been shown--not one. Saying so with no evidence is libel of the loyal US personnel who taught there. I take offense because I am a retired Army officer; those people were my peers. WHINSEC, which Pres. Clinton and Congress created to continue the security cooperation with our partner nations in this hemisphere, is utterly transparent. Anyone, with only a photo ID, can sit in its classes, talk with its students and faculty, and review its instructional materials. Not only is it open to ordinary citizens, it has a federal oversight committee reviewing it annually. This committee has members of Congress and civilians from the clergy, attorneys, and businesspersons on it. I encourage you to educate yourself about this great educational facility.

by: LeeRials

07-01-2009 @ 12:07am

Ms. Svetlik's characterization of the Army's School of the Americas is utterly false and dishonest. Calling the Honduran general a 'graduate' is ludicrous when SOAW itself shows he attended two courses of a few weeks each 33 and 25 years ago. Can any rational human being believe that that short contact long ago has any impact on his character today? The other accusations about the school (which Pres. Clinton closed nine years ago) are equally specious--not one example of anyone using what he learned there to commit a crime has ever been shown--not one. Saying so with no evidence is libel of the loyal US personnel who taught there. I take offense because I am a retired Army officer; those people were my peers. WHINSEC, which Pres. Clinton and Congress created to continue the security cooperation with our partner nations in this hemisphere, is utterly transparent. Anyone, with only a photo ID, can sit in its classes, talk with its students and faculty, and review its instructional materials. Not only is it open to ordinary citizens, it has a federal oversight committee reviewing it annually. This committee has members of Congress and civilians from the clergy, attorneys, and businesspersons on it. I encourage you to educate yourself about this great educational facility.

by: RedBear

07-01-2009 @ 6:35am

For Us he is a HERO
Im writing you from Honduras,maybe you havent heard a lot from us, but we need you support. Our armed force following a court order removed the president. now, that action have shown the world that we are willing to go ALONE against all the left alba nations, their political, economical and propaganda power...Its easy to see situation through a black/white paper sheet, there, is not showed his abuse of power and taking advantage of it. But the truth is we are a peaceful nation, an our determination will be tested, just "BECAUSE WE DIDNT GAVE ANY CHANCE TO DICTATORSHIP" actually all the world (UN)its pointing us like if we where north korea or cuba. Why our people are treated like that?,chavez campaign of terror is covering all fronts, economical, social, diplomatical and militar. threatened & slandered by chavez. Who openly spoke about a military invasion by alba countries(Check youtube). We will stand alone against them but with courage and god on our side. Please expose it..A patriot

by: RedBear

07-01-2009 @ 6:35am

For Us he is a HERO
Im writing you from Honduras,maybe you havent heard a lot from us, but we need you support. Our armed force following a court order removed the president. now, that action have shown the world that we are willing to go ALONE against all the left alba nations, their political, economical and propaganda power...Its easy to see situation through a black/white paper sheet, there, is not showed his abuse of power and taking advantage of it. But the truth is we are a peaceful nation, an our determination will be tested, just "BECAUSE WE DIDNT GAVE ANY CHANCE TO DICTATORSHIP" actually all the world (UN)its pointing us like if we where north korea or cuba. Why our people are treated like that?,chavez campaign of terror is covering all fronts, economical, social, diplomatical and militar. threatened & slandered by chavez. Who openly spoke about a military invasion by alba countries(Check youtube). We will stand alone against them but with courage and god on our side. Please expose it..A patriot

by: jkc1945

07-01-2009 @ 9:38am

Listen to this man!! Read his post, several times. Let's get it through our corporate heads, here in the United States of America, that there are a lot of people in the world who know little of democratic principles and operation, no matter what their paper constitution says. Honduras looks like it has been one of them. A Leftist government is in the process of being overthrown, in Honduras. We ought to be rejoicing in this!! We ought to be supporting the people of Honduras, who are probably represented very well by this poster.

by: jkc1945

07-01-2009 @ 9:38am

Listen to this man!! Read his post, several times. Let's get it through our corporate heads, here in the United States of America, that there are a lot of people in the world who know little of democratic principles and operation, no matter what their paper constitution says. Honduras looks like it has been one of them. A Leftist government is in the process of being overthrown, in Honduras. We ought to be rejoicing in this!! We ought to be supporting the people of Honduras, who are probably represented very well by this poster.

by: Eric77

07-02-2009 @ 12:11pm

I think this gentleman, in an op-ed in the Washington Post today, offers some good commentary on the issue:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Last year, following the script originally laid out by Chávez in Venezuela and adopted by Evo Morales in Bolivia and Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Zelaya announced that he would hold a referendum to set up a constituent assembly that would change the constitution that barred him from reelection. In the next few months, every legal body in Honduras -- the electoral tribunal, the Supreme Court, the attorney general, the human rights ombudsman -- declared the referendum unconstitutional. According to the Honduran constitution (articles 5, 373 and 374), presidential term limits cannot be changed under any circumstance; only Congress can modify the constitution; and political institutions are not subject to referendums

by: Eric77

07-02-2009 @ 12:11pm

I think this gentleman, in an op-ed in the Washington Post today, offers some good commentary on the issue:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Last year, following the script originally laid out by Chávez in Venezuela and adopted by Evo Morales in Bolivia and Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Zelaya announced that he would hold a referendum to set up a constituent assembly that would change the constitution that barred him from reelection. In the next few months, every legal body in Honduras -- the electoral tribunal, the Supreme Court, the attorney general, the human rights ombudsman -- declared the referendum unconstitutional. According to the Honduran constitution (articles 5, 373 and 374), presidential term limits cannot be changed under any circumstance; only Congress can modify the constitution; and political institutions are not subject to referendums

by: JamesM

07-03-2009 @ 10:45pm

I think Sojourner's major complaint is that some of the people who study at the School of the Americas go back and engage in coup d'etat and death squads. I'm not sure as to why Sojourners would care about such a trifling problem either. No big deal to me.

by: JamesM

07-03-2009 @ 10:45pm

I think Sojourner's major complaint is that some of the people who study at the School of the Americas go back and engage in coup d'etat and death squads. I'm not sure as to why Sojourners would care about such a trifling problem either. No big deal to me.

by: Eric77

07-06-2009 @ 12:58pm

I understand their overall point about the School of Americas and other South/Central American injustices. I just don't see why it's the focal point of this story about Honduras. There's no evidence provided that Vasquez's limited experience at the SOA had any bearing on the coup. It sounds like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

by: Eric77

07-06-2009 @ 12:58pm

I understand their overall point about the School of Americas and other South/Central American injustices. I just don't see why it's the focal point of this story about Honduras. There's no evidence provided that Vasquez's limited experience at the SOA had any bearing on the coup. It sounds like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

by: JamesM

07-06-2009 @ 2:35pm

Well, I guess that if you hold the author to an absolute proof standard that there is a link between the schooling and a the coup, it would sound like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

However, it may not seem like such a poor attempt at guilt by association if you are looking at a pattern and practice of past graduates from the same school.

by: JamesM

07-06-2009 @ 2:35pm

Well, I guess that if you hold the author to an absolute proof standard that there is a link between the schooling and a the coup, it would sound like a poor attempt at guilt by association.

However, it may not seem like such a poor attempt at guilt by association if you are looking at a pattern and practice of past graduates from the same school.

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 4:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 4:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 6:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras

by: RedBear

07-22-2009 @ 6:21am

Im not posting this to convience you all about, what u think under ur perspective whats wrong or rigth.
But the Fact its you dont know how things ticked over here the last 3 ½ years, Again All the military are our HEROES, you dont understand it beacuse u dont appreciatte your own. Also dont know what its beeing bullied around by a dictator wanna be with an open check book to set in place a DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP. But its pretty simple in the end CHAVEZ its buying his way up in Latin America open your eyes. Because if he victoriuos USA will pay heavily that.
Us Honduran PATRIOTS only ask for let us be, we will solve this issue with our own sweat, blood and tears. Vasquez actions proveed that our military have principles, followed the(even if u dont understand it) law, respected for the constitution and the balance to take controversial action(nobody wants the hot potatoe) are tied with their love for our contry and democracy(most american forgot the price of it). SOA it ancient history and we are proud of our Humble,brave & disciplined Armed Forces. Viva Honduras