Connie Mack continues to make inaccurate comments about the coup in Honduras.
In a letter opposing the State Department’s revocation of visas for several Honduran officials, Mack writes –
“Why is the Obama Administration punishing them for following their constitution and the rule of law?”
The coup did not follow the constitution and the rule of law. The constitution requires that an arrest of this sort be done by the National Police, not the military. Under the constitution it is illegal to forcibly exile a Honduran citizen as was done to President Zelaya. The rule of law demands a trial, which was never given to President Zelaya. Zelaya should have been impeached, not exiled. It was the National Police’s responsibility to arrest Mr. Zelaya, not the military’s responsibility. Connie Mack’s argument otherwise is at best naive and ill-informed, and at worst, dishonest.
“…why won’t the Administration recognize Honduras’ legitimate, legal government and support the people of Honduras?”
Just because Mack assert that the Micheletti government is legitimate and legal doesn’t make it so. By Mack’s reasoning it should be OK for Obama to send the National Guard to remove Mack from office, and exile him to another country. Does Mack really think it is OK for him to be removed from his office and exiled without a trial?
“The Honduran people, in their fight for freedom from the tyranny of Manuel Zelaya….”
Again, just because Mack asserts that Zelaya’s government was tyrannical, doesn’t make it so. Zelaya was elected into office by the majority of the citizens of Honduras. Michelitti was installed into office with aid of the military. Mack is resorting to inflamed rhetoric because he knows the facts are not on his side.
If you live in Connie Mack’s district ask him to back up his assertions with facts. Mack is choosing tyranny over democracy. These are not the principles US citizens should expect from their elected representatives.
(See also – Connie Mack Supports Honduran Coup)
