Born in Honduras

Review of the Book "Wealth For All" (Riqueza Para Todos)

2012-01-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Carlos Sabillón has the solution to end poverty in Honduras in just four years, as he claims in his book "Wealth for All" ("Riqueza Para Todos").

This economist says that the key to national wealth is to obtain fast rates of economic growth that would wipe unemployment and poverty in record time through a simple management of macroeconomic policy .

Carlos Sabillón has dedicated his life to a quest for the formula that would take Honduras out of poverty, and having collected several college degrees and doctorates, and learning several languages, all with the goal of solving this pressing problem, he believes he has now been able to find the formula for economic growth.

Sabillón calls his doctrine "manufacturism" because, according to his study of world economic history, all developed countries have in common the manufacturing sector as engine of development.

Sabillón debunks and discredits the mainstream academic economic theories on development, both of left and right leanings, and refutes with statistics the clichés of economic policy usually applied in Honduras and Latin America, and demonstrates convincingly that only fast economic growth is the answer to the problems of unemployment, health, education and crime.

Sabillón believes that the only ones to be blamed for the poverty of Honduras are the politicians who have ruled the country, which have been corrupt and ignorant in economic matters. He rejects the idea that Hondurans have a cultural inclination towards laziness, or that being a small country dooms the nation to eternal underdevelopment. Sabillón is fond of quoting the examples of countries such as Luxembourg, Switzerland, Singapore and Qatar, which are smaller than Honduras, but have achieved impressive rates of economic growth.

In his opinion, what Honduras needs is a wise and honest leader who would guide it towards development.

Many of the problems of Honduras can be solved with economic growth, so this issue should be of general interest, however, many Hondurans adopt a pessimistic attitude about the future of their country, thinking that economic issues are very complicated, and that there is no hope for the country; that is why Sabillón appeals in his book to the interests of various sectors, even of those who are not interested in economic issues.

He argues that economic growth can reduce crime and increase the space and time for recreation, allowing more opportunities to find a romantic partner. For those who live the passion for soccer, the national sport, Sabillón says that economic growth would allow Honduras to host the FIFA World Cup, and even become a soccer super power. For those who care about human rights and the rights of women, Sabillón argues with figures, showing that human rights are more respected in countries with higher economic growth.

Sabillón has great faith in the ability of science to solve human problems, without falling into the trap of atheism, as do many others inclined to science. His inclination was always been toward the social sciences, although he is wary of the economic theories accepted in mainstream academic circles.

His focus on economic growth as the solution to social problems could give the impression of a crude economicism, but in fact he is quite the opposite. He does not believe that each person should seek only his own good, and that as a result the market system would magically produce an optimal level of social welfare. His own life bears witness of selfless service to humanity. He does not believe that money is the most important thing in life, but to serve others; and is science, not money, the thing that has improved the standards of living of Humankind.

This book consist of a series of articles independent of each other, all with the common theme of economic development focused on Honduras. At the end of the book he tells the story of his life, recounting his heroic quest for the solution to poverty through economic science.

My Criticism

I sympathize with Sabillón's criticism towards the academic establishment of Economics, but I think that his book does not explain his doctrine of "manufacturism", not even in an sketchy way. He keeps repeating that the manufacturing sector is the key to development, but does not explain what government policies should be applied to stimulate the manufacture, producing those amazing growth rates of 30% annually, that he promises.

His articles stimulate the curiosity and desire to learn more about the doctrine of manufacturism, but that curiosity is never fully satisfied. Nor any references can be found to a further development of the theory, although Sabillón says he has discussed his ideas with many experts in the field of economic growth, and has defeated them intellectually.

Throughout the book one can understand that Sabillón believes he is the best person to lead Honduras towards prosperity, because only he has the knowledge to produce economic growth at an accelerated rate, and only he has dedicated his life to seek the solution to the problems of Honduras. This statement may sound disturbing, for its lack of modesty, but that should be no reason to discard it. Sabillón tried to run for an independent presidential candidacy in Honduras, but failed for some reason.

Some parts of his biographical recount seem hard to believe, like when he says that after completing his studies in Economics he was offered a job that was about visiting luxury hotels.

In general, Sabillón seems to show a tendency towards narcissism, i.e., he seems to hold an exaggerated conception of his own importance, but it is easy to see that if his claims are true the implications are enormous.

The theory that the manufacturing sector is the most important seems to suggest that the government should concentrate the social investment in this sector at the expense of other areas such as health and education. This notion would surely be rejected by people on the Left. Also a government incursion as an entrepreneur in the field of manufacture may be rejected by right-wing sectors.

Touristic Images of Honduras

2012-01-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

This is a video about Honduras touristic images, particularly on Utila and La Ceiba.

In Utila, Bay Islands, we can observe the underwater landscape, a strange sea monster and a seahorse. Also images of the Carnival in La Ceiba. A waterfall in Pico Bonito in La Ceiba. The practice of extreme sports like canopy and rafting. The background music is based on the song "Corazón" ("Heart") of Rodolfo Bonilla.

This video can be found on a DVD of the series of Sabor Catracho (Honduran Flavor) from MC Productions Inc.

It was a Coup indeed, I take it back

2011-06-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

I admit now that I was wrong, and that what happened on June 28, 2009 in Honduras was a coup d'Etat.

In this blog I have defended the thesis that in June 28, 2009 there was a constitutional succession in Honduras, and that Roberto Micheletti was a legitimate President. Although I initially said it was a coup, then I backed down, but I always kept expressing my doubts.

This is an issue that has been spinning round in my head, and I realize that my utter contempt for the figure of Zelaya led me to support a de facto regime in my country.

This is an issue I had in the back of my mind, but the new revelations of Wikileaks have made me see the Honduran crisis in a new perspective.

I do not know how reliable Wikileaks is, I argue that we should not believe something just because a cable published by Wikileaks says it, but the alleged reports of Ambassador Hugo Llorens make much sense to me.

It seems that there was no arrest warrant against Zelaya, the warrant was fabricated after the fact by the coup makers. The military simply decided to oust Zelaya and abort the referendum that was to take place that day. They had no authority to do so. It was a clear act of abuse of authority.

This argument of "necessity" of the military collapses, according to which they justified the expulsion of Zelaya under the guise of saving lives. How are lives going to be saved through a coup? It's absurd.

The Zelaya's resignation letter was an obvious forgery, a clumsy move of the coup makers. Congress was not authorized to remove a president, despite the twisted interpretation of a legal report of the US Library of Congress.

Article 239 of the Constitution has been used repeatedly to justify the coup. It was said that Zelaya was promoting the presidential reelection, so he was automatically dismissed from the presidency, so that when the military kidnapped Zelaya he was no longer president.

However, even if this is true, the Constitution also holds the principle of presumption of innocence. Every Honduran has the right to due process, but this right was denied to Zelaya when he was removed from the country. Therefore, Micheletti committed the crime of usurpation of functions and abuse of authority. Roberto Micheletti served as a de facto president, the legitimate president was still Zelaya.

Roberto Micheletti is not a hero who saved the country from falling into the clutches of communism. Roberto Micheletti grossly violated the Constitution while pretending to save it. There is no justification for the coup, none whatsoever.

It was said that Zelaya had planned to dissolve the Congress and the Supreme Court, and to immediately convene a National Constituent Assembly. This was the justification for the coup of Roberto Micheletti. To prove this they cite the decree PCM-020-2009, but that decree refers to the installation of a fourth ballot box in the November 2009 elections, it does not speak of immediately convening a Constituent Assembly. Micheletti therefore lied to justify the coup and probably conspired with the military to execute the coup. There was no imminent threat to justify such a serious crime.

I apologize to my readers for having supported a coup. I am not a follower of Zelaya, and never will be, but I maintain that the perpetrators of the coup and those who supported the coup also owe apologies to the people of Honduras.

Honduras' Coup is left with no excuse, reveals Wikileaks

2011-06-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

There was no arrest warrant for Manuel Zelaya the day of the coup, according to a Wikileaks cable attributed to Ambassador Hugo Llorens.

While there have been claims that the Supreme Court issued a warrant for Zelaya's arrest, the president of the Supreme Court has told us that this is not true. The only warrant we are aware of is one issued either late on June 25 or early on June 26 by a lower court ordering the seizure of polling material.

If this is true, the arrest warrant against Zelaya was made after the fact to justify the coup d'Etat.

If this statement is true, there would be no justification for the coup. The argument of "necessity" of the military collapses .

They argue they removed Zelaya out of the country in order to save lives, because the other option would be to lock him in jail, which would have caused violent riots and loss of human lives.

But if there is no arrest warrant, Zelaya's kidnapping is clearly just a case of military abuse, there is nothing to justify it. There's no doubt that this is a coup.

The same cable refers to the excuse used to justify the coup:

It appears that the Attorney General, the military conspired with Micheletti and other leaders of Congress to remove Zelaya based on their fear that he planned to convene a Constituent Assembly immediately after the June 28 poll. They base their claim that he would have done so on the publication in the legal gazette on June 25 of the decree calling for the poll. Micheletti's supporters say that publication calls for the convening of the Constituent Assembly. However, this is patently false, the publication simply states: "Are you in agreement that in the general elections of 2009, there be a fourth urn in which the people decide the convocation of a National Constituent Assembly."

There was no reason to believe that Zelaya was about to dissolve the Congress and the Supreme Court, and to convene a National Constituent Assembly that day. There was no justification for a coup d'Etat.

Could it be possible that Micheletti and his entourage were involved in a coup for misreading a decree?

The coup leaders point to the title of the survey in the decree PCM-020-2009: "Public Opinion Poll Call for a National Constituent Assembly." This implies, according to them, that the call for a Constituent Assembly would have been performed on the same day. But that title should be interpreted in context: again, the question in the survey refers to a fourth ballot box in the elections of November 2009.

It is inconceivable that Micheletti and his advisers were so stupid to misunderstand this decree in such a clumsy way, and to sincerely believe that this warranted a coup. I suspect Micheletti just wanted an excuse to be a de facto president.

Fun Facts about Manuel Zelaya

2011-05-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

His full name is Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, but in Honduras he is known as "Mel Zelaya." The name Jose is omitted because it is extremely common.
The father and grandfather of Manuel Zelaya had the same name: Jose Manuel Zelaya.
In Olancho, the grandfather of Manuel Zelaya was known as "Melon", the father as "Mel" and he himself as "Melito."
Manuel Zelaya's father was a rightist that sympathized with military regimes, he lend his ranch for the murder of a group of farmers (Los Horcones' Massacre). He spent some time in jail and was released following a pardon from the National Constituent Assembly of 1980.
Manuel Zelaya claims to be a rancher, but in fact he and his father were engaged in wood cutting, he was a logger.
Manuel Zelaya says he is from Catacamas, Olancho, but the thruth is he is from Lepaguare, Olancho.
Olancho is a Honduras' region which some people compare with the American Old West, but which has influence of the Mexican folklore.
Mel's favorite music are the rancheras, he learned to play guitar in his youth. He has made of his mustache, stetson hat and cowboy boots part of his identity.
Zelaya began to study civil engineering, but soon quit. He never finished college.
Zelaya married a second-degree cousin: Xiomara Castro. It was an arranged marriage. His father in law has a woman's name: Irene.
Zelaya began his political career as a Liberal Party member, a party with a somewhat conservative tendency. Zelaya was never known as a leftist politician until he was in office.
Zelaya, as Liberal Party representative in the 80's, objected to the continuist intents of President Roberto Suazo Cordova, and expressed solidarity with the drug trafficker Juan Ramon Matta Ballesteros when he was illegally expelled from the country.
Zelaya failed in his first attempt to get the Liberal Party's presidential nomination. The internal movement which he presided was known as Movimiento de Esperanza Liberal (Liberal Hope Movement: MEL).
Mel told La Tribuna newspaper that he would like to reincarnate in a foal from Olancho.
Zelaya, being president, went to town fairs, and paraded on his horse, which he named "Coffee".
Zelaya is fond of Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Micheletti Relation: Before beginning his administration he lobbied to get his friend Roberto Micheletti as president of the Congress (Speaker of the House). Micheletti was the one who put the presidential sash on Mel on the inauguration ceremony. Zelaya also supported Micheletti in his intent to win the presidential nomination for the Liberal Party.
Zelaya appeared on CNN en Español eating melon in his attempt to deny phytosanitary problems.
Being President, Zelaya appointed himself as manager of the National Electricity Company for a short time.
Zelaya had under military leadership the National Electricity Company for a short time.
Zelaya was known for his outlandish behavior during his administration: he sang with his guitar at political meetings, he dedicated songs to his critics, he summoned cabinet meetings late at night, he flew on a F5 plane for fun, he sang with the Tigres del Norte, and nearly drown when he dived in his wetsuit into the sea.
Hugo Chavez baptized Zelaya as "cowboy commander" in the ALBA signing ceremony in Tegucigalpa.
Zelaya ordered to look after a donkey in the presidential palace to later gave it to an Indian chief. He named the donkey as "Palmerolo", in reference to the Palmerola airport in Comayagua.
Zelaya ordered the military to build the new Palmerola airport .
Zelaya forgot the Lord's Prayer while praying in public for a kidnapped journalist.
The media said Zelaya was taken out in pajamas in the coup, but in the videos he can be seen wearing a white t-shirt with a V-shaped neck upon a gray t-shirt. The military said he went out with his normal clothing.
Before the coup, in the frequent national chains of radio and TV, Zelaya gave the impression of being high.
During the coup, it was said that Zelaya had signed a letter resigning from the presidency for mental health problems. Zelaya denied he ever resigned.
Zelaya told Obama that if he was willing, he could make him return to the presidency in five minutes. Obama replied that "he could not push a button to reinstate Zelaya."
After the coup they discovered statues of Zelaya that he himself asked to be made.
At a meeting of the UN Mel referred to the prime minister of Spain as "Felipe Rodriguez Zapatero", when his real name is Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
On a visit to Mexico, Zelaya hinted that the legitimate president of Mexico was Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, but then he tried to deny it. After being received as head of state, he left Mexico in shame.
A few months after the coup, Zelaya entered undercover in Honduras, taking refuge in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa, hoping to start a popular uprising that would reinstate him, but he couldn't make it, for lack of popular support. The president elected after the coup, Porfirio Lobo, decided to end his confinement through a safe-conduct.
During his confinement in the Brazilian embassy, Zelaya came to imagine that he was attacked with toxic gas, and that Israeli technology was used to torture him psychologically with high frequency vibrations.
In his exile in the Dominican Republic the stay costs were borne by the host government. Zelaya spent his days playing guitar, playing chess and surfing the Internet.

The return of Manuel Zelaya is positive

2011-05-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Contrary to what was feared, there were no reported acts of vandalism and no clashes with the police.

Manuel Zelaya speech comes with a new, more conciliatory tone. Zelaya recognizes the government of Porfirio Lobo as legitimate, and supports the Honduras' return to the OAS.

This represents a diametrical change with respect to the previous extremist rhetoric of Zelaya and the so called "resistance."

I do not understand the hysterical reactions of white shirts, upset by Zelaya's return.

Zelaya has embraced the Cartagena Agreement, which respects the laws of the State of Honduras.

The downside, in my opinion, are the distinguished foreigners who participated in this political event openly supporting Manuel Zelaya, who no longer represents the State of Honduras. This blatant interference in the internal affairs of Honduras is reprehensible.

Who won with the Cartagena Agreement

2011-05-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

It seems obvious to me that Pepe Lobo is the great winner with the Cartagena Agreement, because this time he did not have to compromise on anything, and got what he wanted: the return of Honduras to the OAS.

Everything that Lobo promised was already fulfilled by the Honduras government.

All of this was accomplished through the mediation of President Hugo Chavez, confirming the influence of Chavez on Mel: the influence of a boss on his subordinate.

This agreement involves a change of strategy for President Chavez: there is a tacit recognition of the Lobo administration and a downplaying of the figure of Zelaya.

Chavez may prefer to negotiate with Lobo, who has the real power in Honduras, over Zelaya, who has repeatedly failed in his attempts to storm the power in Honduras, or perhaps, because of the riots in Africa, the Chavista dictatorship prefers to take a more cautious attitude.

Mel Zelaya is coming, who is afraid of Zelaya?

2011-05-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Mel Zelaya did a lousy administration, but gained international notoriety for being the victim of an alleged coup d'Etat. That is enough to attract a group of followers who hope to receive him as a messiah on Saturday, May 28 in Honduras, while Hondurans that do not sympathize with Zelaya see with displeasure his coming. How can a person that has done so much damage to his country be received with great fanfare?

Mel's followers may say the "coupsters" are the ones that damaged the country. They forget, conveniently, all the mistakes of Zelaya, and the constant challenges to the Honduran institutions.

It is feared that Zelaya's reception may become violent. The scenes of vandalism starred by Zelayistas amid the political crisis of 2009 are still fresh in the mind.

But Zelaya is no longer president and he doesn't pretend to be. The Cartagena Agreement implies a recognition of the legitimacy of the State of Honduras. Zelaya can no longer pretend to storm the presidential palace with a mob carrying him on shoulders. Mel Zelaya has no superpowers to punish the "coupsters".

But still, people are afraid of Zelaya.

In my opinion, it is good that Mel is coming to Honduras. There is nothing to fear. With his coming the drama of the "coup d'Etat" will lose its hype. A cycle ends, and the myth of the political persecution of Zelaya collapses.

This is what many countries have called for: the return of Mel Zelaya, and now they have it, there are no more excuses to discriminate against Honduras and to continue the attempts to intervene in its internal affairs.

Former President Zelaya will cause some turmoil with his coming, at first, but then he will no longer be a novelty, but will always keep some leadership among his unconditional followers.

The Chavista Conspiracy against Honduras

2011-05-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

According to "whiteys", Hugo Chavez was responsible for the 2009 political crisis in Honduras.

There are several versions of this theory, but the most radical one claims that Manuel Zelaya received financial support from Hugo Chavez to win the elections of 2.005 through electoral fraud, others say that Manuel Zelaya was diverted to the Chavista left when he signed the accession of Honduras to ALBA.

The modus operandi of the Chavista left is to rise to power through the ballots, and once in power to destroy democracy from within, destroying the separation of the branches of government, creating new political constitutions to enable them to obtain totalitarian powers, establishing unlimited presidential re-elections, allowing them to perpetuate themselves in power through electoral fraud.

This is what Hugo Chavez sought to do in Honduras through Manuel Zelaya, because Manuel Zelaya is nothing more than a lackey of Hugo Chavez.

Zelaya's administration strongly promoted the idea that it was necessary to change the Constitution in order to solve the problems of Honduras, but it never explained what those changes were.

The initial plan was to hold a referendum or plebiscite to ask people whether they wanted a new constitution. This consultation would take place the day of presidential elections: November 29, 2009.

But Zelaya never received congressional approval for the legal framework that would allow this consultation, so Zelaya decided to break the law, and to legitimize this consultation he arranged for another consultation, which would ask the people if they wanted to be consulted on the issue of whether to create or not a new constitution for Honduras.

This new consultation, totally illegal, was just a smokescreen Zelaya used to save time and hide his true intent, which failed, because everyone in Honduras knew that the real intention of Zelaya was to stay in office forever, although the Constitution of Honduras prohibits presidential reelection.

2.009 was scheduled as an election year in Honduras, and normally the electoral issues capture the attention of the press, but Manuel Zelaya overshadowed the issue of elections with his campaign for the "fourth ballot box" or referendum.

In this campaign a seed of hatred was planted against all of those who opposed the Chavista plans of Zelaya, accusing them of being "tools of the oligarchy," or at best: "useful idiots."

It was obvious that Zelaya did not want to have presidential elections, because he didn't provided enough funds to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, a body responsible for conducting the electoral process, and that's why he refused to submit the annual national budget, with the objective of embezzling the government's funds to invest them in the illegal referendum.

Zelaya was informed of the decisions of the Judiciary, which prohibited him from performing such consultation, but he was arrogant and he believed himself to be above the law.

June 28 was the day set for the consultation, which could not be performed because Zelaya was expelled from the country and the electoral material was seized.

The electoral fraud of Zelaya was discovered, that he had prepared an executive decree ordering the immediate convening of a Constituent National Assembly. Zelaya wanted to dissolve the Supreme Court and Congress that day, because they oppose their totalitarian plans for staying in office.

This plan of Zelaya was a real coup, and the removal of Zelaya was made to prevent that coup, but the world could not understand this, because of the disinformation campaign conducted by Hugo Chavez and the international Left.

The Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant against Zelaya, for abuse of authority and treason, among others, but the military responsible for the capture of Zelaya decided that for national security issues it was preferable to oust Zelaya of the country before a mob may try to free him.

To fill the resulting power vacuum, Congress decided to swear in Roberto Micheletti as president of the Republic, to whom belonged this high office as virtue of being the next in the line of command in accordance with the Constitution.

Roberto Micheletti was a legitimate president and not a de facto president, as stated by Honduras' enemies, because Zelaya had been automatically removed from office under Article 239 of the Constitution, for promoting re-election.

Roberto Micheletti behaved as a true national hero resisting international pressure to resign.

The population endured the Zelayista terrorism financed by Hugo Chavez, so it was necessary to declare several days of curfew, as it was necessary to reduce street violence.

For his part, Zelaya was stubbornly defaming his country, throwing absurd accusations of human rights violations, but later, under U.S. pressure, he decided to sign an agreement with the Micheletti administration, an agreement that he ignored when he realized it didn't suit him.

But it was too late for Zelaya, because that agreement allowed the recognition of the 2.009 elections by the United States.

The elections were conducted successfully, despite the boycott attempt by Hugo Chavez. But the Chavez conspiracy did not end with the inauguration of a new president in Honduras.

It has been shown that the new president, Porfirio Lobo, bends easily to Zelayista interests, while pretending to be a moderate. President Lobo is part of the Chavista conspiracy against Honduras, which has entered into a new phase.

Problems with this story

The removal of Zelaya gave the impression of a real coup. The reasons against this give the impression of being mere rationalizations.

This conspiracy theory didn't have an international propaganda diffusion, so it was easy to bury the truth under tons of lies.

"Whiteys" exaggerate when they see the shadow of Hugo Chavez everywhere.

The Cartagena Agreement is positive

2011-05-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

I believe the Cartagena agreement is positive, because it helps to reduce the level of confrontation in Honduras. Although it may seem strange President Chavez's cooperation with Honduras in order to return to the OAS, after his extremist rhetoric, accusing the government of Lobo of being a continuation of the coup. It is also positive the resumption of diplomatic relations with Nicaragua.

With this agreement President Lobo scores another diplomatic victory, locating himself in the center of the controversy between the factions of "whiteys" and "resistance."

A sector of the self-called "resistance" interprets the agreement as a political victory, while another sector questions the lack of transparency in the negotiations.

Manuel Zelaya is expected to arrive in Honduras on Saturday 28 May. A massive welcome is being organized from the "resistance."

The faction of the "whiteys" shows some division too, some see this agreement as an anti-patriotic betrayal, while others see it as an opportunity to lower the profile of Zelaya.

This agreement does not mean the end of tensions. The agreement may be misunderstood by either party, which may create more conflicts. Specifically regarding the alleged legal persecution of the Zelaya's administration officials.

The Conspiracy of the Coup d'Etat

2011-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Both those who favored the coup (they call it "constitutional succession") and those who are against it use different versions of conspiracy theories to explain what happened in Honduras.

While in other parts of the world conspiracy theories suffer from a bad reputation, they are necessary in Honduras.

And of course, internationally, the most acceptable conspiracy theory is that of the coup d'Etat.

And this being so, one wonders, if conspiracy theories have such a bad press, why in the case of Honduras they are acceptable?

In my opinion, this happens because of the bad image Honduras has internationally. A lot of people find it hard to believe that the U.S. government, for example, may conspire against his own people, but it is easier to think that a small country with a bad reputation, like Honduras, can.

The conspiracy theory of the coup d'Etat

According to the group that claims Honduras had a military coup, known as the "resistance", Manuel Zelaya was the greatest president Honduras ever had, the one who had the courage, like no other, to confront the the powers that be. Proof of this was the disproportionate increase in the minimum wage and the proposed "fourth ballot box", through which he was to inaugurate the popular sovereignty and participatory democracy. His affiliation with the progressive governments of Latin America that have joined the ALBA offered no doubt about his good intentions.

That's why the Honduran oligarchy was frightened, because it saw the power slipping out of it hands, so they decided to conspire for a coup d'Etat, with the secret U.S. approval. In fact, the U.S. took the initiative in the coup, as the Honduran oligarchy is too servile to even think of a coup without the approval of Uncle Sam.

The conspirators were a group of businessmen of Arab descent who have taken the country through economic power, exploiting the natives and their natural resources. This group of Arab businessmen used the military to give a military coup with some semblance of civilian rule. Roberto Micheletti appeared as a de facto civilian president, but in reality he was only a puppet in the hands of the military.

The military took control of Congress and the Supreme Court.

Upon learning of the coup, the people went immediately to the streets protesting against the savage military coup, repudiating dictator Micheletti, so the de facto regime responded with torture, killings and disappearances.

The dead, tortured and desaparecidos are counted by the thousands, it's a real slaughter, but you wouldn't have known this by the Honduran media because they were all controlled by the coupsters. All anti-coup media was shut down. The international news channels like CNN were censored.

The oligarchy organized rallies of government and private business employees supporting the coup to give the impression that it had popular support, but they failed to convince anyone.

The U.S. publicly denounced the coup but it secretly continued funding it.

With the help of the United States fraudulent elections were held which were attended by less than 5% of the population, and yet the United States recognized the elections as valid.

The elections were intended to wash the face of the coup, but the sad reality is that the military remains in power through savage repression and brutality, but this is hidden from international public opinion through the disinformation campaign of the U.S. imperialism.

The Honduran people continue to believe that Mel Zelaya is their messiah, and he soon will come to free his people from he chains of the oligarchy.

But the reality is that...

It's not true that Mel Zelaya did an excellent job as president in favor of the poor. Zelaya was characterized by his chaotic administration, he squandered the money of the debt cancellation. Zelaya was not removed from office for being pro-poor, but for trying to jump the fence of the political game's rules.

There is no evidence of conspiracy for a coup d'Etat. The expulsion of Mel Zelaya of the country was apparently an unexpected event. Micheletti took office because he was the next in the line of command under the Constitution. There is no evidence that the military exercised the power. Micheletti led a civilian government. The Congress and the Supreme Court continued with the same officials who served during Zelaya's term.

The groups that supported Zelaya were a minority. Reports of human rights abuses were politically manipulated in order to damage Honduras' image. The pro-Zelaya media continued to operate in the midst of crisis, defaming and inciting people to violence.

The elections were a success, and have been the basis for international recognition of the Honduras government. There is no evidence of U.S. participation in Zelaya's overthrown, rather, on the contrary, it pressed for the return of Zelaya to power and continues to regard what happened on June 28, 2009 as a coup.

Mel Zelaya, annulment of charges

2011-05-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

"They bent the arm of the Supreme Court, which was forced to annul the the charges against Zelaya so that Honduras may return to the OAS. "

That's what the anti -Zelaya media media says, but there is no evidence of this.

Whiteys complained that Zelaya had no respect for the law and that the rule of law had to be rescued.

However, the annulment of the charges against Zelaya was made following the legal principles and legal formalities. Therefore, it must be respected, even when they don't like it. Justice can not expect to please everyone.

They forget that the removal of Zelaya was illegal. Every citizen is entitled to due process, and not to be forced out of the country. When this right is violated, legal consequences may come, as the annulment of charges.

But Zelaya followers are mistaken if they believe this will end all legal actions against Zelaya. The Public Ministry has decided not to appeal the decision of the Court , but that does not mean they can not initiate a new prosecution against him.

The annulment of charges does not amount to admit that Zelaya is innocent of the charges against him, let alone admitting that there was a coup d'Etat on June 28, 2009.

Zelaya himself has said that "the persecution against him still continues", that his "constitutional rights" are still not guaranteed That is, he intends to enjoy total impunity as a condition to return to Honduras.

The Garifuna People

2011-04-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Currently there are two major groups very representative of Afro-Caribbean Blacks : the Garifuna and the English-speaking Blacks.

These latter were located mainly in the Bay Islands and La Ceiba with their own cultural particularities . Their population is approximately 20.800 people.

The Garifuna in their native language are called Garínagu, which in English means "Black Caribs"." They have their origin in the Yurumain Island, also known as St. Vincent, West Indies Minors.

They are descendants of the Carib, Arawak and black Africans, who arrived on the island to escape the enslavement of the Spanish and Portuguese ships. In the seventeenth century some of these boats sank in front of the Yurumain Island ( St. Vincent) in which the slaves took refuge, mixing gradually with the native Caribs producing the emergence of the Garifuna people.

The Afro-Caribbean partnership resulted in the fussion of language and culture, augmented by the inter-ethnic procreation and subsequent arrival of cimarrones (runaway slaves) from other islands.

In 1793, St. Vincent became the property of Great Britain, which succeeded in defeating the Garifuna after a series of battles that highlighted the strength of the legendary leader Chatuyc. In 1797, the Garifuna were deported to Roatan Island and then to Trujillo Bay, in which they had good relations with the natives, according to some documentation. From the area of Trujillo, whose villages Cristales (Crystals) and Río Negro (Black River) still represent the traditional capital of the ethnicity, it begins the process of coastal dispersion resulting in the current geographic distribution.

The language that Black Caribs speak today is of Amerindian origin: the Arawak, of European influence (French, Spanish and English), which gave rise to the Garifuna language.

The Garifuna have formed in 47 communities in the departments of Cortes, Atlantida, Bay Islands, Colon and Gracias a Dios. They have a population of 250 thousand inhabitants, including settled populations in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. They are also in Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

This population has a long and rich culture expressed in various socio-cultural factors, with an agricultural system that relies on the collective ownership of land used in household production for subsistence.

Their production system (fallow and crop rotation ) has allowed them to live in harmony with the land and its resources, thanks to their social organization, where women play a major role in agricultural and cultural activities. Also, many women contribute significantly to the family income, spending much of their time in the preparation and sale of casabe, bread and coconut oil.

The Garifuna social organization highlights the figure of the chief and the council of elders. In addition to the traditional occupations of agriculture and fishing they have a wide variety of foods and beverages, rich in proteins, vitamins and calories as the tatau (Garifuna soup with a variety of tubers, seafoods and coconut), the areba or manioc (large tortilla of baked cassava) and thehudutu (machuca). Among the drinks is the hin, a species of beer made from cassava; the Marmara, a beverage prepared with fermented corn and sugar cane juice.

As for singing, dancing and ritual, the most important and significant manifestation is , however, the Dágá, a rite dedicated to the dead in which the abaómahani is sung by women and the arumhani by men . There is also the punta, a fertility dance dedicated to people's reproduction. The Chugé is also a rite dedicated to the spirits.

Most of the of them profess the Catholic faith, without abandoning their religious beliefs of the Dágá, and the Chagá (cult of the dead) which is a meeting for family unity.

Given the limited opportunities for training and local employment, many Garifuna men work as sailors (cooks, stevedores, cleaners and helpers) in commercial vessels and then migrate to the USA .

Among the first modern organizational efforts of the ethnic peoples is the foundation of the Organization of the Community of Crystals and Black River, a Garifuna association which in 1986 succeeded in titling the communal property of an area of 9 thousand hectares of land that is now invaded by the State itself.

In June 1977 a group of black leaders concerned about the future of their communities founded the Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras (OFRANEH) as a civic and protest entity.

The Garifuna community has built up its nutrition and lifestyle relying primarily on marine-coastal resources.

Source: Diario La Prensa, 28 January 1996. Quoted in the book "Historia de Honduras" by Miguel J. Suazo Padilla.

Honduras' ZIP Codes

2011-04-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Within Honduras, it is not necessary to include a ZIP code in the mail in order for it to arrive at its destination within the country. However, some websites ask for this information, and it may be necessary when sending mail to Honduras from another country.

ZIP codes are only defined for the major cities of Honduras. To each city corresponds a single ZIP code, with the exception of the city of San Pedro Sula, which has four ZIP codes corresponding to the four cardinal points.

These are the ZIP codes sorted by departments:

Atlantida
1. La Ceiba 31101
2. Tela 31301
Colon
1. Trujillo 32101
2. Tocoa 32301
Comayagua
1. Comayagua 12101
2. Siguatepeque 12111
Copan
1. Santa Rosa de Copán 41101
2. La Entrada 41202
Cortes
1. San Pedro Sula
Sector N.E. 21101
Sector N.O. 21102
Sector S.E. 21103
Sector S.O. 21104
2. Puerto Cortes 21301
Choluteca
1. Choluteca 51101
2. Pespire 51201
El Paraiso
1. Yuscaran 13101
2. Danli 13201
Francisco Morazan
1. Tegucigalpa 11101
2. Comayaguela 12101
Gracias A Dios
1. Puerto Lempira 33101
Intibuca
1. La Esperanza 14101
2. Jesus de Otoro 14201
Islas de La Bahia (Bay Islands)
1. Roatan 34101
La Paz
1. La Paz 15101
2. Marcala 15201
Lempira
1. Gracias 42101
2. Erandique 42201
Ocotepeque
1. Ocotepeque 43101
2 San Marcos de Ocotepeque 43201
Olancho
1. Juticalpa 16101
2. Catacamas 16201
Santa Barbara
1. Santa Barbara 22101
2. Trinidad 22114
Valle
1. Nacaome 52101
2. San Lorenzo 52102
Yoro
1. Yoro 23101
2. El Progresso 23201

What is the Capital of Honduras?

2011-04-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Tegucigalpa at Night

For a quick response it is said that Tegucigalpa is the capital city of Honduras.

However, it is more correct to say that the capital of Honduras is formed by the cities of Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela. Both cities compose the Central District. These cities are divided by the Choluteca River.

Both cities are in the department of Francisco Morazan. Honduras is divided into 18 departments. Francisco Morazan is the name of the most important national hero of Honduras. Previously the department had the name of Tegucigalpa, the same name as the capital, and Comayagüela enjoyed administrative autonomy, having its own mayor.

Tegucigalpa emerged as a mining town, although this activity is no longer practiced. The first Comayagüela settlers were indigenous of Nahuatl origin, who were brought by Spanish conquerors to work in the mines of Tegucigalpa. Tegucigalpa's historic center is characterized by its narrow streets. Comayagüela is known for its street markets, which are in a somewhat precarious situation. Municipal authorities traditionally dedicate more resources and attention to Tegucigalpa than Comayagüela.

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What's wrong with "Whiteys"

2011-04-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

I was one of those who supported the overthrow of Zelaya, because in my opinion he was leading us to a dictatorship, and he had to be stopped before it was too late.

However, I do not share the radicalism expressed by some of the more radical members of the group of "Whiteys" (blanquitos).

"Whitey" (blanquito) is a somewhat derogatory term used to identify those who supported the Micheletti regime after the overthrow of Zelaya. The name "Whiteys" came from the rallies in which Micheletti supporters dressed in white.

The organization called the Civic Democratic Union (UCD) arose spontaneously in response to the the "fourth ballot box" project that aimed to change the Political Constitution.

This organization has been weakened after the inauguration of President Lobo, since he has not followed the hard line of those that oppose Zelaya.

This shows that the UCD is more of a "reactionary" than a civic organization. The UCD has not submitted any proposal for the development of the country, and is only interested in going against the Zelaya group.

The most radical anti-Zelayistas opposed to the transfer of frequency of channel 8, saying it was an act of illegal expropriation by the government, which was shown to be false. This frequency was being used illegally by a private corporation, and is now in control of the Honduran State. El Heraldo newspaper made a strong campaign insisting on this lie, despite its slogan boasts of being "the truth in your hands." By this time I stopped reading this newspaper regularly

El Heraldo newspaper has a strong anti-Zelaya bias. I'm not a supporter of Zelaya, but I don't agree with the distortion of the news only to favor the anti-Zelaya group.

El Heraldo does not waste the opportunity to call "ex military coupster" to Hugo Chavez, when most of the time this is not relevant to the news article.

Some of the most radical Whiteys have talked about the convenience of a coup against President Lobo, for the alleged expropriation of channel 8, and other Lobo's actions.

Whiteys are opposed to dialogue with the Zelayista group. They maintain a vindictive attitude that does not benefit the country. It was through dialogue that the representatives of Zelaya signed on the Tegucigalpa-San Jose agreement, which allowed the U.S. recognition of the current Honduran authorities. If the radicals Whiteys had gotten their way this recognition would have been more difficult.

The attitude of Whiteys to prefer confrontation instead of dialogue would produce more mindless violence.

I support the initiative of President Lobo to talk with Hugo Chavez. Whiteys are shocked by this, because they believe he is some kind of devil's incarnation. For my part I think we should negotiate with the devil if it's necessary, and if Hugo Chavez now wants to cooperate with Honduras we should let him.

Whiteys are more Catholic than the Pope opposing Petrocaribe, when it was approved by Micheletti himself when he was president of the Congress.

It is true that Petrocaribe does not provide cheaper fuel, but it gives us the opportunity to delay payments with low interest rates, resulting in an excellent business for the country.

Whiteys criticize the alleged crimes of Zelaya, but turn a blind eye to corruption allegations in the Micheletti administration.

Whiteys harshly criticize teachers' struggles, but are not interested in examining what is the origin of their claims. Whiteys speak as if the State had no responsibility for teachers' protests.

Whiteys are opposed to innovative development projects, such as Charter Cities, this makes them look as reactionaries that oppose any change.

Whiteys embrace failed free-market theories, instilling the fear of Communism. Whiteys' anti-Communism borders on the absurd. For my part I consider that a well understood Socialism is a beautiful hope for humanity.

PayPal in Honduras

2011-04-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

PayPal is a payment processor that makes online shopping easy. More and more websites are accepting PayPal as payment. PayPal allows you to buy without having to enter your credit or debit card numbers each time make you make a purchase.

PayPal also allows you to receive money in your PayPal account and credit it to your Visa credit or debit card in Honduras. This is an option that some days ago was not available for Honduras, previously we could only make payments in Honduras, and now we can also receive them.

How to pay with PayPal in Honduras

Opening an account with PayPal is easy, you just need to go to the PayPal website and fill the required fields. You will need a credit or debit card that has a confirmation number on the reverse to make online payments. It is preferable to use a VISA card, as this will allow you to get paid in your PayPal account.

The VISA debit card of Banco Atlantida does not work with PayPal, because it doesn't have the verification number on the reverse. It is preferable to use the debit card of Banco Ficohsa. At least, that is the card I have used successfully, I can not vouch for the cards of other banks.

You can use debit cards in dollar or lempiras accounts, but I think it is more convenient to use a dollar account, as most online payments are made in dollars. PayPal charges a fee for currency exchange.

How to Verify a PayPal account

PayPal will ask you to verify your account in order to provide more security for the vendors. Verifying your account will allow you to remove the limit on payments.

Verifying your account is easy. You go to your PayPal account, click the link to verify the account, follow the process indicated, and they will charge your card for the value of US$ 1.95 or the equivalent in national currency. Then you will check your statement of account and look for the four-digit code associated with this charge, enter the code in your PayPal account and that's it. The US$ 1.95 charge will be credited back to you.

PayPal to sell online

With a personal account on PayPal you can send and receive money online, but those who are engaged in selling online need a Premier or Business account. The first is for individual vendors and the second for companies.

Juan Ramon Matta Ballesteros

2011-04-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Juan Ramon Matta Ballesteros, also known as Juan Ramon Matta Lopez, or Juan Ramon Matta del Pozo, was a very powerful Honduran drug dealer whose illegal deportation to the United States was very controversial, it was seen as an interference of that country in the internal affairs of Honduras, and as a flagrant violation of the Constitution.

Matta Ballesteros, who was born in Barrio La Hoya of Tegucigalpa, on January 12, 1945, was accused of the crimes of drug trafficking and murder in Mexico, United States, Colombia and Honduras. He escaped several high-security prisons, such as EGLIN (U.S.) LA PICOTA and MODELO (Colombia).

Upon returning to Honduras he was imprisoned, but was soon acquitted. Honduran and U.S. authorities captured him on April 5, 1988 for submission to the U.S. federal police in order to send him to court in the U.S. His sentence was life imprisonment.

When Matta Ballesteros was in a Honduran jail, someone asked how he had escaped from "Model" prison of Colombia, which at that time was considered the safest in Latin America, to which he replied: "Well, the doors were opening and one is passing."

The reaction to the arrest of Matta

The enlightened opinion of Honduras qualified as illegal the expulsion of Matta, citing Article 102 of the Constitution, which states that "no Hondurans may be expatriated, or handed down to the authorities of a Foreign State."

Among those who spoke out against this action was Mr. Guillermo Perez Cadalso, which was then dean of the Law Faculty of the National University and president of the Bar Association. Also the then Chancellor of the National University, lawyer Oswaldo Ramos Soto, and the then Representative Manuel Zelaya Rosales, this last one spoke on behalf of a group of fellow Representatives.

In response to the latter, the also parliamentarian and then Minister of Natural Resources, Rodrigo Castillo Aguilar, said in a phrase that became famous: "I understand that with the surrender of Matta to the United States the Constitution was violated, but, if it is for benefit of Honduras, THE CONSTITUTION MUST BE VIOLATED AS MANY TIMES AS NECESSARY." President Azcona argued that Matta was expelled because of reasons of "social prophylaxis. "

That same day, April 7, at 7:00 P.M., a crowd gathered at the facilities of the American Embassy in Avenida La Paz, and immediately began throwing stones and objects at the building. The peat, which was joined by college students, burned some cars that were on the road. This peat was suppressed by anti-riot agents of the Army around 10 P.M.

Days later, on April 19, the high school student Roger Gonzalez Zelaya was arrested by security agents on charges of being one of the people who set fired to the Embassy. This young man never appeared, and some say he was tortured to death by the National Investigation Directorate (DNI).

In response to the Embassy unrests, President Azcona declared a curfew, valid only in the cities of Tegucigalpa, Comayagüela and San Pedro Sula. In implementing the provision Azcona ordered the compulsory establishment of a compulsory Cadena Nacional de Radio y Television (National Network of Radio and Television), which only broadcasted government bulletins all night long, from April, 8 to March, 12. This was widely criticized by public international opinion.

In response to the expulsion of Matta, Jaime Rosenthal Oliva resigned from his position as economic advisor of Azcona, although he continued in his position as vice-president.

Source: Book "Evolucion Historica de Honduras" by Longino Becerra (2009).

Open letter of Juan Ramon Mata Ballesteros

2011-04-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

The following appeared today as a paid ad in La Tribuna newspaper:

23 YEARS

Today April 5, marks 23 years of the surrender of my life by the then rulers of my country to the U.S. authorities, violating all my rights, ignoring even the smallest legal proceedings. I was a victim of the vilest KIDNAPPING!

When I was kidnapped my lawyers filed a demand for Habeas Corpus before the government of the United States. In the resolution of such plaint it was clear that Honduras did not present any protest to the U.S. government. This was indeed a tacit consent to this irregular procedure.

It has been 23 years, struggling every day to "recover my rights", something rather painful, since rights are acquired by birth and inalienable. But this is my sad reality!

I was carried to three trials, being illegally sentenced and condemned. These convictions were based on rigged testimonies and whimsical conjectures of the prosecutors. The punishment imposed on me surpasses any penalty applied in my country.

Then there's my status within the prison system, years go by and I can not be included in any program to alleviate my permanence on this place. Just now my lawyer has filed a demand, in order to see if it is is possible to change this situation. I ask for no privileges, just to be treated according to the rights pertaining to my time served in prison and my conduct.

On this sad anniversary, 23 years!, it would be proper and fair, for the respect every citizen deserves and the rights granted by the Constitution, that the appropriate officials should comply with the law, concerning the enforcement of the rights of the citizens, no matter who is the citizen affected.

On reflection, it gives me great hope to see that the country struggles constantly to remain within a democratic system. Therefore I do not lose faith that someday, sometime, I will be compensated for the abuses suffered, and I will be able to return to my homeland, next to my family, in the last days of my life.

I ask God to put his hands full of goodness in our country and that Hondurans may live as brothers and sisters, living in peace, putting an end to violence and bringing back harmony. That tolerance and respect for life may prevail!

Juan Ramon Mata del Pozo

Homosexuals in Honduras

2011-04-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Miguel Caballero Leiva

Famous homosexuals of Honduras

In Honduras there are important public figures of the social life that are homosexuals, although the majority of them has not confessed publicly their homosexuality.

Closeted Homosexuals

It is said, for example, that a former president is a homosexual. This rumor has circulated for years, in spite of the fact that this is a married man and professes the catholic religion. Also the malicious tongues say that a former first lady is actually a man. I find very difficult to believe this, because she is very feminine and beautiful, but that's the rumor that circulates.

All these rumors go by word of mouth. In Honduras there is no "tabloid press" neither the paparazzi. The mass media in Honduras doesn't meddle with the private lives of Honduran celebrities.

Openly Homosexuals

Perhaps the best-known openly homosexual in Honduras is Miguel Caballero Leiva, who works in the show business. Miguel Caballero Leiva is a respected figure of the Honduran society, he is a homosexual that does not make any exhibitionism of his sexual tendency, just the opposite behavior of his protégé, the transvestite Josué Abraham Cardona, who goes by the name of Chiquinquirá Lorenz. It is said that this personage, that has a celebrity gossip blog, took away the husband of a journalist of the newscast TVC: Alejandra Rodriguez. Another openly homosexual of celebrity journalism is Xander Reyes.

The attitude of Honduran society towards homosexuals

Honduran society, having a Christian cultural basis, does not welcome the homosexuals tendencies, but they are tolerated. No Honduran law discriminates against homosexuals, although no one favors them.

There seems to be no chance for the approval of homosexual marriages in Honduras. A few years ago a constitutional amendment was made clarifying that Marriage can only be between a man and a woman. The political influence of the Christian religion would not allow gay marriage.

There is still some stigma attached to homosexuality which prevents many from openly declaring their sexual orientation. This is understandable in a conservative society, but it is not true that the condemnation of homosexuality originates only from the religious sphere. Honduran writer Longino Becerra, who is an atheist of Marxist tendencies, says in his book Ética para Jóvenes ( Ethics for Young People) : "Anyone who suffers from sexual deviations, whatever they may be, is with no doubt, a candidate not only for unhappiness, but also for tragedy. Always remember this. "

Homosexuals can not miss in humorous radio programs made in Honduras. The gays are found laughable for their mannerisms. Homosexuals are stereotyped in these programs as stylists and fashion designers.

It is normal for parents to be ashamed for having a gay kid, but despite these attitudes, understandable in a conservative society, there is no organized persecution against homosexuals.

Lately there have been reports of homosexual killings in Honduras, but this is explained by the
wave of violence that affects the entire Honduran society. This violence does not discriminate by gender or by sexual orientation.

Homosexual Activism

In Honduras there are organized homosexual groups with legal personality granted by the Honduran State, like the "Colectivo Violeta." Some of these groups have recently organized "Gay Pride" parades.

These groups use very loosely the term homophobia as a way to stigmatize those who oppose their political agenda. The "World Day against Homophobia" is also celebrated in Honduras, and has
the attention of some of the media.

Fish Rain in Honduras: a phenomenon to investigate

2011-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

The following is an article from the magazine "Cultura", from 1980, on the phenomenon of fish rain in Yoro, Honduras.

ACAN-EFE report

By: Armando Cerrato

The province of Yoro, to the north of Honduras, has witnessed again this year [1980] one of the rarest natural phenomena, perhaps unique in the world: fish rain, which for many years was believed to be the product of the natives'imagination.

The phenomenon occurs almost annually in the area known as El Pantano (The Swamp), a mile southwest of the picturesque city of Yoro, nestled between mountains and surrounded by jungle vegetation crossed by rivers that give life to the mighty river Aguan.

Everything happened during the strongest downpouring of the rainy season: a huge dark purple cloud shifted rapidly from the Atlantic Ocean heading to the Gulf of Honduras, on the same coast, but across the mainland.

There was a lot of electrical activity, and as it has been happening for hundreds of years, it forced the natives to lock in their homes, waiting for the miraculous fish rain during a strange and mournful whistling of the wind.

At the end of the natural activity, the natives left their homes with baskets (wicker baskets and of other materials from the area as jute) in order to collect hundreds of fish that were jumping with death rattles.

Research

Various theories have tried to explain the strange phenomenon, but none of them has been able to convince the natives that there is no fish rain in their land, Yoro.

The only serious investigation was promoted by the National Weather Service of Honduras, that sent the technicians Andrade Edgardo Zuniga (Honduras), and Martin Rossemblat (U.S.), to the zone of the phenomenon some years ago.

Both forecasters knew that some people believed that the fish were collected at the Atlantic Ocean by a waterspout, others said they jumped from the depths of the earth from an underground river, and the most gullible said it was a miracle from heaven.

In their observations, Andrade and Rossemblat could verify that all fish are of the same type and size (boat fish [peces lancha], a variety of sardines) that are not blind and did not show any bruises after they appear.

This proved they were not brought by a waterspout, because in that case there would be fish of all sizes and varieties, in addition to the fact that no meteorological phenomenon follows the same course and is repeated with the frequency of the apparition of fish.

Also, not being blind, these fish could not ever come from groundwater. Not presenting bruises, they could not have fallen from the sky, because there was no fish in the roofs of the village houses.

Conclusions

The two researchers concluded that the boat fish probably belongs to a family that keeps the habit of going to die to the place of birth.

But the tradition is that some of the ichthyologic varieties studied die in the place they were born, but they do it in the water, in lakes or streams, and never on land, as it happened in Honduras.

Moreover, where the dying jumping boat fish were found, there were no puddles or streams.

Besides, the cloud that always appears in the valley of Yoro is of the mamatus cumulonimbus type, common in all regions of the world, which takes its name from its breast form, producing the throaty whistle of the wind when the air drops through its narrowest part.

It is believed that the fish come up, swimming against the current of the Aguan River in order to die where they were born. It is ignored if the zone to which they jump, before they become food for the people of Yoro, was at one time a lake or a pond.

Still, for tourism, the phenomenon is of great value, and nothing like this can be found elsewhere in the world, and much less the big belief of the natives that "we are a privileged people because God sends us every year a fish rain. "

But esoterically it is known that this fish rain in Honduras comes from another world, parallel to ours, which corresponds to the fourth dimension. This explains why fish come from the air. But as the title of this article says: "A phenomenon to investigate", any esoteric researcher can investigate and test, while official scientists will never know because of their very limited means of investigation.

Taken from the magazine "Cultura", No. 51 of 1980.

Blanca Olmedo: Summary of the Novel

2011-03-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Blanca Olmedo's novel is one of the best known in Honduras. And perhaps, just like Prision Verde, it is recognized not for its literary merit, but for its social criticism.

Blanca Olmedo, a romantic novel written in the early twentieth century, is outdated for its time, because the cultural period of Romanticism is considered superseded by that time.

Unlike Prision Verde, a novel that tries to reflect the experiences of poor people in the banana plantations of the Atlantic Coast of Honduras, in Blanca Olmedo the protagonists enjoy a fine education that allows them to always use a refined language. In social gatherings attended by these characters they perform musical pieces popular of Europe. The place of action appears to be an undetermined city in an undetermined country in Latin America. It is until the last page of the novel that we realize that the action takes place in the city of Danli, Honduras, which is also the birthplace of the author, Lucila Gamero de Medina.

In fact, the protagonist of the novel, Miss Blanca Olmedo, has some similarities with the author, particularly in regards with their philosophical and religious perspectives. Mrs. Gamero loved to define herself as a "freethinker", as Blanca Olmedo does in the novel. Both Lucila Gamero and Blanca Olmedo seem to lean toward pantheism and they both make strong criticisms against the Roman Catholic religion.

Blanca Olmedo is the tragic story of a young woman struggling to be happy against an adversity that lurks at every turn and defeats her in the end. Blanca Olmedo is an exemplary girl, beautiful and intelligent, qualities that instead of playing in her favor win her enemies that will not rest in their endeavor to destroy her.

Blanca Olmedo's misfortunes began when the character Elodio Verdolaga offered to bring the legal issues of his father, Mr. Carlos Olmedo. Verdolaga conspires with the plaintiff in order to harm Mr. Olmedo, causing him to loose his assets, and he also tried to use the financial misfortunes of the family to take advantage of Blanca. Mr. Olmedo realizes Verdolaga's betrayal and tells her daughter Blanca about it, and from that time on she begins to despise Verdolaga with all her heart. Mr. Olmedo dies shortly afterwards, overwhelmed by misfortune.

Elodio Verdolaga is portrayed as the perfect scoundrel. Verdolaga is married and has children, but that is not obstacle for him to go after Blanca. He is not a licensed lawyer, but still practices law, and through his cunning he obtains the position of Judge, to the astonishment of Blanca, who sees how a man who is the epitome of corruption and cynicism is rewarded by the State that appoints him as an administrator of justice.

Blanca manages to get a job as a governess at the home of Mrs. Micaela Moreno where she befriends his student, Miss Adela Murillo. Adela is a teenager who is sick all the time, overwhelmed by the harsh upbringing she receives from Mrs. Moreno, her aunt, who is a woman devoted to the Catholic conservatism of her time. Mrs. Moreno is convinced that the differences between social classes exist by the will of God, and people who have money like her should not befriend less fortunate people. Therefore, she believes Blanca Olmedo is not worthy of her friendship, nor the friendship of her niece or her son, because she is from a lower class. Mrs. Micaela Moreno clings to this retrograde belief, although Blanca Olmedo was stripped of her inheritance through deception, she wasn't born poor, and has better education and manners than her employer, but Mrs. Moreno thinks she is superior just because she has more money.

Mrs. Moreno is educated in religious matters by the young Father Sandino, who visits her regularly in order to see Miss Olmedo, for whom he falls so sickly in love. Father Sandino even denies his own religion before Blanca, trying to show her he cares little for his vows of chastity if he has the luck to win her heart, when in public he keeps the appearance of Christian piety. He suffers the logical rejection of Blanca.

The young doctor Gustavo Moreno, son of Mrs. Micaela Moreno, soon realizes the beauty of Blanca Olmedo and tries to win her love, but Blanca, knowing Mrs. Moreno's opinion, tries to avoid him by all means, and befriends the young Mr. Joaquin Leiva, who goes to visit her frequently. Leiva also falls in love for her, but she also rejects him.

Gustavo at last overcomes Blanca's resistance and makes her his girlfriend. This causes the expected visceral rejection of Mrs. Micaela Moreno, who can't conceive of his son marrying a woman she considers to be inferior. Gustavo manages to appease his mother for some time, while Father Sandino and Verdolaga conspire to separate the couple. To save time, they advise Mrs. Moreno to try to postpone the marriage, request which Gustavo concedes.

Elodio Verdolaga proposes to use his political influence to send Gustavo to war, retaining the letters he may send to his girlfriend. Mrs. Moreno agrees with this plan, despite the danger it poses to her son.

After Gustavo goes to war, Mrs. Moreno dismisses Blanca, but not before insulting her, echoing the libels that Father Sandino and Verdolaga reported to her. Verdolaga told her that Blanca was once his lover. Father Sandino accused Blanca of trying to seduce him. To these slanders Mrs. Moreno added the accusation that Blanca tried to seduce Gustavo for material interest, and that she "prostituted" him.

Blanca comes out very agitated and sick of Mrs. Moreno's house and seeks shelter in her former maid's house, who told her the secret that Gustavo actually was not the son of Mrs. Micaela Moreno.

Blanca fails to communicate with Gustavo. The letters they address each other are retained in the post office, at the request of Verdolaga. Blanca's health worsens when Verdolaga publishes a newspaper slander. At the end Blanca dies with her wedding dress on, without seen Gustavo. When Gustavo returns from war and is informed of the situation he kills himself. Shocked by Gustavo's death Miss Adela Murillo also dies from a heart attack.

In the epilogue, an epitaph on the tomb where Gustavo, Blanca and Adela were buried says: Innocent victims of a Representative of Justice, a Representative of the Catholic Religion and a Fanatic Woman. Father Sandino disappears from the city, Micaela Moreno repents of all the evil done and founds a refuge to help poor girls and Elodio Verdolaga is sentenced to life imprisonment for his many crimes.

The novel is not available on Amazon, but you can purchase the book at Hondurasmalls, or contact Editorial Guaymuras. See some book excerpts at Google Books.

Father Subirana in Catacamas

2011-03-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

By: Winston Irias Calix

A messenger of God in Catacamas

He disseminated and practiced the message of love, faith and hope, which are the essence of the doctrine of Christ. He defended indigenous rights obtaining legal titles for their lands. He punished and converted the sorcerers and students of the School of Witchcraft operating in Catacamas, which closed, warning them they were excluded from the grace of God, as expressed in the Bible in Galatians 5. He performed miracles that will build the basis for his future recognition as a saint of the Catholic Church.

These are some of the many activities that the Spanish missionary, Father Manuel de Jesus Subirana, made in Catacamas in 1860, as a part of an intensive evangelization campain, according to the story told by my great-aunt and second mother, Miss Francisca Irias Calix, to whom my sister Dilcia, due to a bad pronunciation of her name called Mi Chacha.

As told by his father, my grandfather, Mr. Antonio Irias, who met Father Subirana when that holy man was heading from Santa Maria de El Real to Catacamas, Father Subirana told the crowd that met him: "We are heading to the Catacamas Lagoon." When they told him the town is located on land, he insisted on the name he had mentioned.

About the name Catacamas Lagoon several people say there is plenty of shallow water in the Valley of Catacamas. For decades the city had eyes of water or surface sources, such as the ones that existed in the zone of Ojo de Agua (Water Eye), which 40 years ago was a village of the municipality, just like El Hatillo is now. Both are now neighborhoods of Catacamas.

At that time a stream ran along Second Avenue in the same place the Rosmunda Herrera School was located, where now is the Municipal Library. But there's more: the flow of the Catacamas River, which previously flowed into the Guayape, was reduced by the collapse of a hill at its source, back in 1940.

During the tragedy caused by Hurricane Mitch, bulky water jets came to the surface on the hills and slopes of Catacamas.

People in Catacamas say that missionary Subirana predicted that the city would be destroyed by the Piedra Blanca Mountain (White Stone Mountain), and that until that disaster did not happen the town of Santa Maria de El Real would never prosper.

In this regard, my aunt reassured me that Father Subirana made such fatal prediction in order to make the residents of Catacamas repent for their sins, praying every day to our Lord to keep the city safe.

Father Subirana was staying at the site once occupied by the Rosmunda Herrera School, a place I consider to be the most suitable for the operation of the Catacamas Museum, near the Municipal Library.

The School of Witchcraft reappears

My great-aunt told me that some sorcerers disobeyed the order of Father Subirana and continued their anti-Christian practices.

At the beginning of the twentieth century the Shool of Witchcraft reemerged in Catacamas, it was located at the place where now is the Juan Pablo II School (John Paul II), in Barrio La Cruz (The Cross Neibourghood). At night their "students" turned into apes and walked hand in hand through the downtown streets unto the square where now is the Central Park. They played in the leafy branches of the ceiba tree, and then returned to their place, emerging furtively, now in their human form, according to the story.

The Indian Rojas assured me that the "students" of the school turned into monkeys at a site located about 300 meters to the west of their witchcraft center, which operated in the place where now is located the Juan Pablo II School. According to tradition, in order to turn into animals the sorcerers left their souls in a gourd, which they hid with extreme caution, and in returning they would drink it, thus regaining their human form. If anyone shed the soul he or she would remain as an animal for life, according to popular belief .

But the Spanish missionary made a new miracle after his death, according to my great-aunt. The school building began to collapse and the warlocks were somehow identified by their relatives, friends and curious people. People reminded them how their ancestors had been punished and converted by Father Subirana and many of them convulsed at the mere mention of his name. Repentant, they did not exercise again their witchcraft practices.

From the book "Catacamas: Del ayer al año 2000" by Winston Irias Calix.

The Snake Woman

2011-03-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

By Jorge Montenegro

My friend Luis Hernan Sevilla (RIP) told me long ago in the city of Danli a story that made me think and fueled my imagination. Many years ago in the (also known as) City of Hills there was a passion for classical music, literature, spiritism and poetry, and many young people embraced some of these special inclinations, including Jorge, a young pianist who had a beautiful two-storey house. He delighted performing with his skillful hands the most beautiful melodies, people passing by his house stood or sat on the sidewalk to listen to him, he exerted such fascination with his music that people from other places went to hear him perform with such mastery.

One afternoon Jorge left home to take his usual walk around the city, visiting relatives and close friends, he talked with many people, and when the sun threatened to give way to darkness, the young man continued his walk towards home.

A deep blue-eyed woman was walking in the opposite direction. When he saw her he greeted her politely, but without knowing how he felt trapped by the influence of that living statue's stare. With her crystalline smile she captivated even more Jorge's heart, who invited her to enjoy a private concert.

"I always listen your performance from the garden, you have such a delicacy to play the piano, so I feel very honored to be the first woman you invite to your house to hear the most beautiful melodies."

"On the contrary, the honor is mine, I never thought to find in my life's way a woman so beautiful, so ethereal, so special."

"I have learned to know your soul from every tune that emerges from your piano, you are a good and sensitive man who loves music and nature."

With that conversation Jorge felt different, he finally found the woman he idealized for so long, he knew that his loneliness was about to leave him.

Little by little, walking through the streets of Danli, they were getting to know each other.

"I have to say goodbye," she said, "I cannot spend much time outside my house because I did not ask permission, my father is very strict and it would be distasteful to be late."

"I understand ... but you still haven't told me your name."

"My name is Diana and I hope to see you again."

"Tell me where I can find you."

"I will find you, I know where you live, and as long as you talk to your piano, I will always be around."

That night the neighbors listened a true concert, the hands of Jorge ran through his piano's keyboard with extraordinary mastery, pulling out the most beautiful notes that delighted the neighbors. No one complained, everyone was enthralled with the impromptu concert.

The next day Jorge wrote the lyrics of a song that highlighted the beauty of Diana, then he patiently began to feel within his soul a deep inspiration to compose a sublime music for those lyrics. He barely took a cup of coffee during the day, he ate nothing because his food was the melody for those lyrics.

In the evening he was able to capture what he wanted in the staff: a unique and special song, a song that came out of his soul, out of his spirit. Upon arriving the night the work was finished. He felt no fatigue, his energy increased when his hands ran through the keyboard performing Diana, the melody of his inspiration. He went for a walk as usual, a bit puzzled because he didn't know where the woman who had stolen his heart lived.

Suddenly he felt someone holding his hand, it was her, his beloved Diana. Together they walked through the deserted streets of the City of Hills, they said to each other so many things.

"I made a song for you, Diana."

"Can we go to your home to listen to it?"

Thus, hand in hand they arrived at Jorge's home, the piano was located near the bedroom. There he performed the melody of his inspiration. She wept with emotion and surrendered into the arms of Jorge. Kissing her passionately he took her to bed. That was the night when loneliness left Jorge.

The dawn's early light projected by the bedroom window, Jorge felt that something was slipping between the sheets and something cold was rubbing his legs. Upon opening the door he saw with astonishment that an enormous snake was leaving his bed, going out through the window and falling into the garden, he tried to stop it, he was confused.

When he went to the garden he knew the truth, Diana was a snake, a snake that listened to his performance fascinated every night, hidden among the flowers.

They say the pianist locked himself in his house and played his piano day and night until it stopped sounding. His family and friends went to bury him and upon throwing the last shovelful of dirt, a huge snake passed very near the grave.

From the book "Cuentos y Leyendas de Honduras" by Jorge Montenegro.

Father's Day in Honduras

2011-03-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

In Honduras, just like in Bolivia, Spain, Italy and other countries, Father's Day is celebrated on March 19, being this the day of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus according to the Bible, although the decree that gives official sanction to this celebration in Honduras does not mention the Saint or Jesus.

Father's Day is a time to celebrate fatherhood, to remember and ponder the virtues of good parents.

Although not as popular as Mother's Day, Father's Day is celebrated in schools, and the children give to their fathers the handicrafts they made specially for them in their day.

Merchants take advantage of Father's Day to promote their products and services, urging to make an acknowledgment of love for those who are fathers with gifts to their liking.

Although the Mother's hymn is well known, Father's hymn does not enjoy the same diffusion.

Father's Day is a timely opportunity to ask reflection to irresponsible fathers, those who only drop the seed and go away, leaving the entire burden of raising children on women.

While Catholic priests are called "fathers", the Father's Day is not for them. The Catholic Church has designated Maundy Thursday as the day to commemorate the institution of the priesthood by Christ, according to Catholic doctrine.

Hondurans are very Christian, and above all they trust in their Heavenly Father to guide them and help them to be better people.