If nothing else, Twitter has shown us that a voice is an important tool for change. To be capable of sharing significant information is to be able to inspire action. Mass communication from mass plebes who care in Iran is setting a really fabulous precedent. Change could happen in Iran.
Now, let's talk about Honduras. Because there's something going on there, too that is upsetting the political status quo. La cuarta urna. The 4th ballot box. The place where the current President wants to have Honduran elect to bring in a new constituen assembly.
Hondurans see through his motivations. It is believed that he wants Hondurans to elect to keep him in office. Continiusmo, as it's known in Spanish. This new assembly would have the power to review and change the Honduran Constitution.
In theory, only the Supreme Court of Honduras should be able to bring forth such a referendum. Honduras is a new democracy. Mel Zelaya could upend their 29 years of democratic elections if his proposal materializes.
Like Iran, the people of Honduras are not pleased. They are standing up to Zelaya. Or trying. The are participating in strikes all over the country in historic numbers. Historic for Honduras, that is. I believe they are looking to June 29th with optimism that their voice matters.
They see that Zelaya's interest in pushing through this change at the end of his term is sospechoso, at best. While the media is clearly against the referendum, the most suspicious of all points is how quickly this decision was made, with little clarity and explanation to the public. Decisions carried out in secret are not democratic.
Hondurans are, of course confused. Historically, they've rarely felt empowered to make political change. Unlike their neighbors, they've often stood by and let corruption flow. The sheer poverty has created a style of living that can only be described as complacent and tired.
In this case, they seem to understand that such a sweeping change is against the ideals of their democracy, even if they aren't exactly sure how democratically run their country is. This change appears to be related to Zelaya's newfound relationship with Chavez. While Zelaya might not believe in the socialist values of Chavez, he appears to be interested in the power he wields. And wants it.
In a country where three quarters of the population is poor, the status quo cannot maintain itself forever. Zelaya has motivated a portion of the Honduran population to take action. By accident, he has probably upset the status quo. It's pretty hard to maintain a pure and peaceful democracy when so many people live in poverty. Anger and resentment will eventually ensue.
An unfortunate story out of San Pedro Sula claims that a very reputable doctor of great integrity was fired 2 weeks ago as Director of the Public Hospital, Catarino Rivas. He did not agree with Cuarta Urna.
The hospitals and schools have a very contentious relationship with the elected officials in Honduras. Budgeted money never seems to land where it should. And Monday El Heraldo reported that visitors to a hospital in Tela are now not being served unless they agree to sign off on La Cuarta Urna.
The political landscape of Honduras is changing fast. I wonder how a few communication devices and a little empowerment could assist people in finding their voice.
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