Another Latin dictator gets a pass from the Obama administration

April 12, 2010 06:16


The Obama administration seems to be encouraging the rapid descent of Latin American countries into socialist dictatorships. …more humiliation for Americans who used to think of their government as a noble defender of liberty against despots.

By MARY ANASTASIA O’GRADY at WSJ

The Obama administration continued its charm offensive aimed at Latin America’s authoritarian governments last week by sending the State Department’s Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Arturo Valenzuela, to Ecuador to call on President Rafael Correa.

Why pay attention to a mid-level diplomatic visit to a banana republic? Because if you want to know what Honduras avoided by refusing to kowtow to the U.S. last year, Ecuador is it. Moreover, Mr. Valenzuela’s visit demonstrates how little the U.S. is willing or able to do for people who fall victim to left-wing tyranny.

After taking office in 2007, Mr. Correa decided that his popularity put him above Congress and the law. A solid majority of Ecuadorians wanted a new constitution. But he decreed that the constituent assembly, which would write the new document, should also have broad powers, including the power to dissolve Congress. That set off a constitutional crisis that was resolved in Mr. Correa’s favor when he used the power of the state and his supporters used mob violence. Had the Ecuadorian military responded with the courage and patriotism displayed by its Honduran counterpart, the nation might still have a fighting chance for democracy.

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