Haitian Deception

[AntiLempa]

Disclaimer: Haiti holds a special place in my heart.

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the current situation in Haiti. I offer this report that was issued by Madre, a human right's organization, to balance the reporting. Please read, comment, and share.

http://madre.org/country_haiti_crisis.html

Some highlights:

Who is the Opposition?
*Like the so-called opposition to the Chavez government of Venezuela, Haiti’s opposition represents only a small minority (8 percent of the population according to a 2000 poll). With no chance of winning through democratic elections, they rely instead on armed violence to foment a political crisis that will lead to the fall of the government. Using their international business connections, especially ties to the corporate media, the opposition has manufactured an image of itself as the true champion of democracy in Haiti.

*The gangs that have placed thousands of Haitians under siege are reportedly armed with US-made M-16s, recently sent by the US to the government of the Dominican Republic.

*The gangs are directly linked to two groups financed by the Bush Administration: the right-wing Convergence for Democracy and the pro-business Group of 184.

-snip-


So Should Progressives Support Aristide?
The current crisis is not about supporting or opposing Aristide the man, but about defending constitutional democracy in Haiti. In a democracy, elections—and not vigilante violence—should be the measure of “the will of the people.” Aristide has repeatedly invited the opposition to participate in elections and they have refused, knowing that they cannot win at the polls.

Much Much More. . . http://madre.org/country_haiti_crisis.html

[theorist]

1. I'm not familiar with Haiti, so I have a few questions.

What interests does the United States have in Haiti, and why would the current administration (or any adminitration for that matter) be interested in Aristide being removed from power?

What I have read about Aristide's life has been completely positive, and from these sources, seems to be the ideal man to become Haiti's Thomas Jefferson. What are the gaps in these stories? In other words, why would there exist a minority that hates him so much that they would execute him? Has he committed any crimes against his people?

Thanks.