In Little Honduras a Loyal U.S. Client, and Tyrant, Backed by Trump and the Bananan Republicans

[Judi Lynn]

DÉJA COUP

Rigged elections. Dead protesters. Why is Trump supporting such a bad guy in Honduras? (And why are the cartels so happy about the situation?)

JEREMY KRYT
12.31.17 9:28 PM ET

CALI, Colombia—Would you risk your life to defend democracy?

The topic might spark a revealing back-and-forth between the guests at your next dinner party, but—at least for now, at least in North America—the threat of getting killed over incompatible ideals remains abstract.

In the brave new world of post-election Honduras, on the other hand, the possibility of getting shot or bludgeoned to death while showing support for the rule of law is an everyday reality for much of the populace. Dozens have been killed, hundreds more wounded, and at least 1,500 have been imprisoned for resisting a corrupt regime’s bid to retain power by any means necessary.

And the Trump administration is now aiding and abetting that regime’s electoral coup, openly endorsing a “tyrant” and would-be “dictator” by the name of Juan Orlando Hernández, who has been widely criticized for hijacking the presidency of the “U.S.S. Honduras”—so called for its long-standing use as a base for Uncle Sam’s military operations, whether overt or covert.

More:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/in-little-honduras-a-loyal-us-client-and-tyrant-backed-by-trump-and-the-bananan-republicans

[Judi Lynn]

1. Something in this article is worth remembering:

Banana Republicans

The U.S. Southern Command’s Soto Cano air base in Honduras remains the largest foreign-soil U.S. military installation in the hemisphere. But the presence of hundreds of American troops and a fleet of aircraft hasn’t prevented Honduras from becoming a crime-ridden, drug-smuggling hotbed.