Ignorance Is NOT Bliss

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It's funny how much different life in Honduras has been from what I read in the news before coming down here. Ever since June 28th, when Honduran president Manuel (Mel) Zelaya was removed by force from power. They called it a "military coup" but the truth is, the military never did take control. The order came from the Supreme Court and a de facto government took over. Everything I read in the news made me scared to come down here. Once I was here, I couldn't believe how DIFFERENT it was from what I was reading.

I never felt scared in the beginning. I felt like I lived in my own little bubble that wasn't affected by things going on across the city. Life went on.

When things DID happen, what I'd see and hear here was much different than what I'd later read in the foreign news reports from North America:

"Poor innocent working class men being injured and killed by forceful military" should have read "Forceful protesters blew up a city bus, burned down a restaurant, and acted violently towards miltary who reacted violently in return; perhaps too much force was used."

Neither of the two is the lesser evil. Both sides are at fault and I don't agree with either, but the media back home is only telling one side.

This country needs democracy. Was it right to oust a president through forceful means to try to uphold it? No. Would the country have upheld it if Mel was still in power? Who knows.

You know, I'm glad I'm not in government. I wouldn't want to be the one to have to try and clean up the mess left by the person before me. I can't wrap my head around politics at home, let alone here in Honduras. I try to figure out which political parties are similar to the ones from home but have to base it on a scale of corruption.

I get that things aren't perfect here. I get that it's not home and it won't be the same, but I chose to be here and I need to face reality. What I don't get is the threat of not recognizing this election and the new elected President. Many countries have threatened this.

Were these new elections democratic? I believe so. All candidates were chosen November 2008, before any of this craziness went down. All candidates (except one leftist from a small party) wanted to go ahead with elections. Voting day, 61% of the population turned up to vote - an increase from last year's numbers despite pleas from the ousted president for people to show their disaproval of the coup and to take a stand by not voting. The people of Honduras took a stand to show that they want democracy restored in their country. Why deny them this?

This country needs something good to believe in. The people need hope that there is a bright future ahead. Yesterday's election was peaceful and successful! A new president has been named and people are happy. I'm hoping for good things in the next few years.

All I ask is that anyone reading the "facts" via news reports back home, take a second to stop and think about the side that's not being told. Ignorance is not always bliss.

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Comments

[Lynn Beebe]

Thanks for giving us an on site perspective!
Often when we travel, we've found the same thing...media has blown things out of proportion or only told part of the story. Places have always been safer than we were told before leaving....Since we spent timer in Honduras a few years ago, I really appreciate hearing what is truly going on. Thanks!

[Mom]

Good for you
Good for you - I hope Honduras will be a better place for everyone after this election!

[Dean]

Hostels?
Hello Swills, after reading your blog, I realized that you live in Tegucigalpa. Could you advise me towards any good hostels as it is nearly impossible to find some on the net? Thank you very much, Dean

[swills82]

I can't give recommendations without you sending me your e-mail or something... lol.