(Via Dan Collins of POWIP) Senator Jim DeMint (R, SC) is back from Honduras - despite the best efforts of the Democrats to stop him from going - and he’s unkind about what has been pretty obviously an attempt by the American government to admit that we made a mistake and picked the wrong side of the Honduras issue:
[American policy re: the Zelaya ouster] was set in a snap decision the day Mr. Zelaya was removed from office, without a full assessment of either the facts or reliable legal analysis of the constitutional provisions at issue. Three months later, it remains in force, despite mounting evidence of its moral and legal incoherence.
[snip]
In a day packed with meetings, we met only one person in Honduras who opposed Mr. Zelaya’s ouster, who wishes his return, and who mystifyingly rejects the legitimacy of the November elections: U.S. Ambassador Hugo Llorens.
When I asked Ambassador Llorens why the U.S. government insists on labeling what appears to the entire country to be the constitutional removal of Mr. Zelaya a “coup,” he urged me to read the legal opinion drafted by the State Department’s top lawyer, Harold Koh. As it happens, I have asked to see Mr. Koh’s report before and since my trip, but all requests to publicly disclose it have been denied.
Bolding mine, and to illustrate the point that this is also a domestic political issue, not just a foreign policy one. I don’t actually think that the administration really intended to end up on the wrong side here; but they guessed spectacularly wrong, from insufficient evidence - and now the White House can’t just come out and admit that they made a mistake, mostly because they don’t want to deal with the consequences of having to admit that they made a mistake. Particularly since they don’t really care about Honduras one way or the other.
Yes. This is offensive. Hence Sen. DeMint’s article.
Moe Lane
PS: I voted for the other guy.
Crossposted to Moe Lane.

Put the pressure on Koh
DerKrieger Saturday, October 10th at 1:40PM EDT (link)We need to see the assessment. This is a no win situation for Obama. He can keep the assessment secret and have to answer questions as to why or he can release it and suffer the consequences of having been wrong.
“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison
An American Coup de grace??
greggoulas Monday, October 12th at 9:14PM EDT (link)Good Bye Obama administration! Perhaps the Hondurans can teach us in America a thing or two in dealing with things getting out of hand and undermining the very Constitution and laws we are to live by and not the ones that this administration and the cavorting misfits in the Democratic House and Senate seem to be trying to put over on us, you know “We The People”. When Thomas Jefferson made the statement that we should have a revolution every twenty years or so to keep our politicians honest…. He really knew what he was talking about!!! It is time for all Americans to put this administration on notice and don’t stop there. The House and Senate need to also be put on notice that they ALL (Democrats,Republicans and Independents) work for us the people and had better walk a tighter line to the Constitution than they have been with their ever expanding and obtrusive Big Government. The Governors of our States need to lay down the true laws to these boys and girls in Washington.
A Very Concerned American
The American People need to see the assessment!
nessa Saturday, October 10th at 2:05PM EDT (link)Liberal lies and backdoor, under the table dealings are growing exponentially. They don’t even bother to hide them anymore. Plans to subvert the legislative process by attaching the baucus bill as an amendment, payoffs to ACORN and Unions written into bills, campaign contributors (unions) written out of tax increases, and their demonstrated, utter and complete disregard for the American People cannot be tolerated any longer.
Bring the administration’s socialist anti-American plans to the light of day and let the American people judge for themselves.
“If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
Contributor to The Minority Report
Minority Report & Samuel Adams
idealjoe Monday, October 12th at 7:51PM EDT (link)The wisdom and vision of the framers never ceases to amaze me, with their unbelievable understanding of human failures and man’s never ending desire to enslave his neighbors.
…………Joe
Why would ye die?
Who gives a rat's tail what Koh thinks.
TNJim Saturday, October 10th at 2:18PM EDT (link)It’s the Honduran Constitution, stupid! On the other hand, we need to see the assessment to know what a$$-hat theory Koh put into his legal opinion. You’re right Moe, this administration doesn’t want to deal with the consequences of admitting they made a mistake by characterizing the ouster of Zelaya as a coup. Show a crack in the highly polished veneer of the O-ministration? Horrors!
Oh, I voted for the other guy, too.
“No. You can’t” -Moe Lane
I don't think they are trying to cover up a "mistake."
badnewzbearz Saturday, October 10th at 6:35PM EDT (link)I think they just supported what Zelaya was attempting to do and did not expect the people of Honduras to rise up and support their constitution and the rule of law. It’s obvious that Obama has much in common with Zelaya, Ortega, the Castros, Chavez, and the rest of the Marxist thugs.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. Thomas Jefferson
Yes, I agree. Obama has the same plans
GregInFla Saturday, October 10th at 10:04PM EDT (link)after his 8 yr term and Michelle’s 8 yr term. After all, they are so young and have so much to offer the country and the world.
– A true evolutionist would let endangered species die off. Anyone care to change sides?
Support Marco Rubio for US Senate.
They plan on more
astrolite Monday, October 12th at 10:39AM EDT (link)than 8 years apiece! Google end22 then ask again what they are doing?
Who gives a rat's
idealjoe Monday, October 12th at 8:00PM EDT (link)Say….coup,coup,coup isn’t that when a group of dissidents take over a government with force or how about , Hope and Change. Does that qualify?
When are the citizens of this country going to realize we have just had a coup right here in the USA? If it walks like a duck…..quacks like a duck…….then it must be Hope and Change………….
What about all ENEMIES, foreign and DOMESTIC…..
Hmmmm where have I heard that phrase?
Why would ye die?
John Kerry
syn09 Saturday, October 10th at 2:26PM EDT (link)also sabotaged Iraq:
“Senators Chuck Schumer, John Kerry, and Claire McCaskill wrote a letter to Secretary of State Rice asking her “to persuade the GOI [Government of Iraq] to refrain from signing contracts with multinational oil companies until a hydrocarbon law is in effect in Iraq.” The Bush administration wisely refused to do so, but the resulting media hooraw in Iraq led to the cancellation of the contracts, and helps to explain why Iraq is doing oil deals instead with China. (weekly standard, 2008)
Kerry would deny DeMint visit to democratic ally, yet Kerry visited N Viet and Nicaraguan communists - nt
Mike gamecock DeVine Saturday, October 10th at 6:48PM EDT (link)Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” - Andrew Jackson
That's gonna leave a mark GC! nt
nessa Saturday, October 10th at 7:53PM EDT (link)“If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
Contributor to The Minority Report
28-26
DerKrieger Sunday, October 11th at 12:02AM EDT (link)Go Cocks!
“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison
Dunderheaded leftist policy aided by 4th grade-level incompetence...
RedBeard Saturday, October 10th at 2:43PM EDT (link)…is a deadly mix in foreign policy, and this Obama gang has it all.
We can’t survive until swearing in day 2011, much less survive the wait until January 20th, 2013, We simply have to apply continuous pressure to this Congress, in hopes that there are enough liberals with consciences to tip the scales.
And in order to apply the needed pressure, we have to keep getting the word out. The Obamedia will refuse to help, but the New Media can do a great deal.
Standard-bearer for grouchy curmudgeonry since, oh, 1975 or so.
You cannot distinguish between malice & extreme incompetence
6eorge Jetson Saturday, October 10th at 9:53PM EDT (link)Whatever the intent, the outcome is still very bad.
The Honduras situation might be the biggest...
MacAoidh Saturday, October 10th at 2:50PM EDT (link)…foreign-policy scandal in 30 years.
I have a feeling that if and when all this stuff finally comes out it’s going to make Watergate look like a simple burglary.
Trends!
sarahpalin Sunday, October 11th at 7:14AM EDT (link)your user id is a violation of our terms of service
I call moby. nt
Achance Sunday, October 11th at 7:24AM EDT (link)In Vino Veritas
The Marxist Obama regime
badnewzbearz Saturday, October 10th at 6:19PM EDT (link)is fully exposed on this one. What a disgrace! While “reaching out” to horrible regimes like the one in Iran, they are isolating and punishing the people of Honduras. God help us. In 2010, we need to throw these Obamacrats out of office.
Jim DeMint is a SOLID conservative, and he knows how to articulate conservative principles. I wish he would run in 2012.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. Thomas Jefferson
Cheers!
sarahpalin Sunday, October 11th at 7:17AM EDT (link)Yep, moby. nt
Achance Sunday, October 11th at 7:25AM EDT (link)In Vino Veritas
Senator DeMint
amigag Saturday, October 10th at 6:39PM EDT (link)Ok, I’ll try to post again. Each time I have tried to post using “reply to this” my post disappears.
I am glad Senator DeMint went. His report seems to be making the rounds on the internet.
The main reason I’m posting here is that the senateconservatives.com site is great and I signed up. However, the Donate section is not secured, no lock icon, no mention of security of any kind. Naturally I did not complete information to donate. I thot maybe some of you here would know how to bring this to their attention.
Thank you.
If you're using IE, clear your cache and history
Achance Saturday, October 10th at 6:41PM EDT (link)and Reply to This should appear. RS and IE don’t play well together.
In Vino Veritas
Reply not working
amigag Saturday, October 10th at 6:58PM EDT (link)Ok, cleared cookies, files and history, still tells me the page cannot be displayed. Thanks for the info, I wonder what browser RS works better with?
Maybe it is because I still use IE6, & XP2. Youtube tells me they are about to stop supporting IE6. I can do without Youtube, but I have seen too many problems with IE7 & IE8. I’m waiting on Windows 7.
Do you think if I faxed Senator DeMint on the lack of security on that site, that it would be given to him? I really have no idea what else to do. But that is a drawback; no one would use it to give cc info, etc.
Thanks
Hey...
badnewzbearz Saturday, October 10th at 7:03PM EDT (link)Why don’t you try Foxfire? I find it much more user-friendly than IE.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. Thomas Jefferson
Oops..
badnewzbearz Saturday, October 10th at 7:04PM EDT (link)I meant Firefox.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. Thomas Jefferson
IE
amigag Saturday, October 10th at 7:45PM EDT (link)badnewzbearz Saturday, October 10th at 7:04PM EDT (link)
Thanks, I have thot about it, but I am so used to IE
Oh, after I signed up at senateconservatives.com, I received an email from Senator DeMint and believe it or not, I could reply!! So I relayed my concerns that way.
Thanks for your and achance’s advice. I don’t post too often here, stay busy on a couple of forums and participate in the struggle as others are doing.
Amateurs,
theBlur Sunday, October 11th at 12:32AM EDT (link)plain and simple. But he did win the Nobel Peace Prize (and why, yes, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express recently).
Can the left be stopped?
sarahpalin Sunday, October 11th at 7:26AM EDT (link)Ive learned so much over the last 9 years. It is clear this fight for Liberty and Freedom will never end. If it does, we’ll resemble something akin to Canada or Europe. Im sick to my stomach watching this rediculous Administration and feel helpless to stop it. They have the Media, the schools, minorities, gays etc. Did Obama ask the Military what they thought of gays openly serving in the Military?Why the hell do we care what other Nations think? Their is none like America with which to compare! Is the era of politicians policing politicians over yet? Clearly that isn’t working and is a cancer at the heart of our Democracy.
We aren't a democracy, we're a democratic republic. nt.
ocleverone Monday, October 12th at 9:19AM EDT (link)To me, “consensus” seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects … There are still people in my party who believe in “consensus” politics. I regard them as Quislings, as traitors … I mean it. — Margaret Thatcher
SECOND AMERICAN REVOLUTION
geraldstephens Monday, October 12th at 5:35AM EDT (link)My heartfelt thank you to every one of you working to overcome the the HISTORIC TRAGEDY presently threatening our Constitution.
Who could have imagined we would or could be confronted so from within?!
NEVER YIELD!
Gerald Stephens
Hartford, CT
The Nice Thing About Making a Mistake...
dclamage Monday, October 12th at 10:14AM EDT (link)Is you recognize it when you make it again! Thank you Mark Twain.
When yo make a mistake, you admit the mistake and try to correct it. That is what grownups do.
– Dan Clamage
No Way
majic Monday, October 12th at 12:56PM EDT (link)You will never see the assessment. Mr. Obama and Ms. Clinton has proven to be absolute innocents in the field of foreign policy, they will not and can not allow the American people to prove their failure. The administration has proven they are incapable of coherent thought and actions and that their passive leadership is dangerous. They have accomplished nothing in the first year because they do not understand the situation that they face. The only reason that this incompetence is allowed is by the administrations distractions and the media love affair with Mr. Obama.
It's not a mistake.
Plumb_Bob Monday, October 12th at 4:42PM EDT (link)Zelaya is in the mold of Chavez and Castro. Obama intended to support the Zelaya takeover, and his support of Zelaya is consistent with the rest of his foreign policy.
This policy may be incoherent to Sen. DeMint and to anybody who still uses Western virtue and linear logic to assess policies, but that description does not fit our President or his cabinet. He is a neo-Marxist. For them, virtue is defined by the victory of World Socialism, and vice is defined by impeding the same; it has nothing to do with what is legal, what is fair, what is good, what is just, or what is right.
(Unrelated to this topic, please visit my political blog, “Plumb Bob Blog: Squaring the Culture,” at http://www.plumbbobblog.com. Thanks.)