Military Coup or Defense of Democracy?

The Honduras turmoil is slowly rising. Hugo Chavez has vowed to invade if the exiled president Zelaya isn't allowed to return.

President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton, have both condemned the events.

Do we really know what's happening down there? Is our administration really on the right side of this issue. Doesn't America stand for democracy and it's defense?

You need to read this article. I think this administration better read it as well...

Saving Democracy in the Honduran 'Coup'

What is being billed as the "first military coup in Central America since the Cold War" occurred early Sunday morning, June 28. The president of Honduras, Jose Manuel Zelaya, was arrested at his residence by members of the Honduran army. His arrest came only hours before he planned to hold an unofficial vote to determine support for his desire to change Honduran law and run for re-election. Per his request, he was flown to Costa Rica where he had asked for asylum.

At first glance this event seems to be another instance of long term democracy's peril in Central America. After all, Central and South America have seen more coups in post-colonial history than a large flock of doves released at a wedding.

Condemnation of President Zelaya's arrest and exile was swift; President Obama said he was "deeply concerned" and leaders of the European Union, along with Secretary of State Clinton, have condemned the military's actions. Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela and close friend of the leftist Zelaya, has vowed to overthrow whatever successor is chosen to serve the remainder of Zelaya's term.

I am not convinced that the military committed a coup d'etat, per se. With such widespread reaction abroad, what was the reaction from the other branches of the Honduran government?
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