Thursday Mar 4, 2004

Reuters

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that even if the United States "recognized a leader had been elected," he could not rely on U.S. support against an armed revolt if America considered he had misgoverned. "We can't be called upon, expected or required to intervene every time there is violence against a failed leader," Boucher told reporters. "We can't spend our time running around the world and the hemisphere saving people who botched their chance at leadership. I do not think that's something the American government and the American people want, nor do I think it's ultimately good for democracy in the hemisphere," he said. Boucher singled out Venezuela as an example of how Washington has supported democracy in the region. "We've stood up for threats to democracy in Venezuela, whatever side they might be coming from," he said.

from what i can gather, and mind you i might be incorrect, isn't Aristade an asshole? He condoned corruption, suppressed his political opponents, and lived very nicely while most of Haiti's population lived in poverty. While the people were looting his house they found factory-packaged toys, large sums of cash, and other goodies. The large sums of cash (U.S. currency of course) seems the most interesting to me.

Do you also think that a few hundred (i've also heard that it could be as many as 1,000) could be counted as an occupational force?

I'm not trying to say I know whats going on there, but the fact of the matter is we have Aristade on one hand, and the international press on the other as far as our sources of information. World governments also seemed to be hesitent to interve; dont you think if they were trying to have a coup, they would love to take power ASAP, not put it off for weeks after they had the opening?

These are just things I can think of, I ma really unfamiliar with Haitian politics, and I have seen little reliable coverage regarding the recent history of Haiti and the political forces in the country so as to give some insight.

If anyone has some credible sources regarding the situation in Haiti, please post them

Hearts and Stars,

-Aaron