I live in Seattle Washington, USA. Recently it has been in the news that Mcdonalds agreed to stop putting slime in its hamburgers. It was scrap cow waste and skin off the floors, ground up and treated with Ammonia, turned into a pink slime. Some activist got them to quit. The news article said in the past that type of garbage was only put in dog food here. Mcdonalds hamburgers taste like dog food here, unless one buys their more expensive Angus hamburger. Personally when I visit my wifes country of Honduras I do not like seeing all the fast food places from America ruining your traditional landscape. On a side note I find it interesting that in Honduras the expresso shops advertise "American Expresso", and in downtown Seattle Starbucks advertises "Honduran Expresso". We all know coffee comes from your direction. Marketing baloney.
Brilliant essay. It covers every single base of excellence in writing: concise, well couched, and delivers an important message. Wonderful to see somebody write this wonderful story: powerful yet short. That is what I call quality. Congratulations Gringa.
What an inspirational article on a mission of aid to those that need so much help.
There is no greater compensation than the thanks one can receive for helping another.
The Catholic Church’s official position on idolatry is as transparent as it is dismissive: "Statues and sacred relics are cherished and indispensible tools for faith; their authenticity is irrelevant."
Not long ago, the archbishop of Turin, Cardinal Severino Poletto, unequivocally urged the flock to “gaze upon the Shroud with your hearts rather than your minds.”
WHAT?
Jesus, the consummate radical who abhorred all forms of idolatry, would have a fit if he knew how his teachings degenerated into faith by symbolism, superstition and subterfuge.
No. Aside from its absurd character, idolatry poses a serious psychological threat to credulous individuals. If they can be made to believe that an inanimate object has magical powers, they can be made to believe anything. And I mean anything.
Below are the 10 principles adopted by the 1994 Chapultepec Declaration, to which Honduras is a signatory:
1. No people or society can be free without freedom of expression and of the press. The exercise of this freedom is not something authorities grant, it is an inalienable right of the people.
2. Every person has the right to seek and receive information, express opinions and disseminate them freely. No one may restrict or deny these rights.
3. The authorities must be compelled by law to make available in a timely and reasonable manner the information generated by the public sector. No journalist may be forced to reveal his or her sources of information.
4. Freedom of expression and of the press are severely limited by murder, terrorism, kidnapping, intimidation, the unjust imprisonment of journalists, the destruction of facilities, violence of any kind and impunity for perpetrators. Such acts must be investigated promptly and punished harshly.
5. Prior censorship, restrictions on the circulation of the media or dissemination of their reports, forced publication of information, the imposition of obstacles to the free flow of news, and restrictions on the activities and movements of journalists directly contradict freedom of the press.
6. The media and journalists should neither be discriminated against nor favored because of what they write or say.
7. Tariff and exchange policies, licenses for the importation of paper or news-gathering equipment, the assigning of radio and television frequencies and the granting or withdrawal of government advertising may not be used to reward or punish the media or individual journalists.
8. The membership of journalists in guilds, their affiliation to professional and trade associations and the affiliation of the media with business groups must be strictly voluntary.
9. The credibility of the press is linked to its commitment to truth, to the pursuit of accuracy, fairness and objectivity and to the clear distinction between news and advertising. The attainment of these goals and the respect for ethical and professional values may not be imposed. These are the exclusive responsibility of journalists and the media. In a free society, it is public opinion that rewards or punishes.
10. No news medium nor journalist may be punished for publishing the truth or criticizing or denouncing the government.
The struggle for freedom of expression and of the press is not a one-day task; it is an ongoing commitment. It is fundamental to the survival of democracy and civilization. Not only is this freedom a bulwark and an antidote against every abuse of authority, it is society's lifeblood. To Defend it is to honor history and truth.
At best, it would appear Mr. Lobo has neither understanding of nor appreciation for the Fourth Estate. At worst -- and more likely -- he may be trying to silence it.
“at the service of special interests,” explaining that journalism is “a true vocation."
69
Saturday, 28 January 2012 21:10
Silvio
Dear Pepe--
Thank you so much for your praising of journalism. It is, in fact, "a true vocation," as you put it. But, although you're concern and respect for journalism is indeed commendable, your "help" is not necessary. Journalism is journalism, and lives and breathes on its own free and clear of government intervention. Otherwise, it's propaganda. A "true vocation" survives on the notion that it is pure, unencumbered and unbiased. Your proposed measures, would place constraints on journalists and the successful practice of a "true vocation."
Your "altruistic" motives, would they have anything to do with journalists in Honduras reporting exploding crime rates (which your embassy in Washington is debunking via Op-eds (read: propoganda/opinion, not journalism) pieces written in the Wall Street Journal?)?
Or, is it something to do with what one US embassy official said to me when I was in Honduras conducting research, (paraphrasing) "the number of journalists killed isn't all that high, some of them were bloggers."?
Your motives are transparent Pepe, any journalist can see that.
Yah, well maybe you have just been lucky. My wife is from honduras. Her good looking adult sister and model niece were almost abducted on the road there. Watch your ass.
No, have YOU forgotten? Zelaya was unconstitutionally removed from office without benefit of an impeachment process, a plebiscite or national referendum. Discarding one bad apple when the whole barrel is rotten speaks volume of the perfidy of Honduran politics. What followed Zelaya is more of the same.
When I come to Honduras, I rent a vehicle and always have friends drive in the city, to avoid getting lost in a bad area. I never ride the bus. Other than that, we do go out at night to restaurants and clubs, malls and the pool parlor. We have one taxi driver that we call whenever we take a cab. I have never had anything but good experiences meeting wonderful, friendly people who welcome me with open arms and kisses and hugs. Oh, but stay away from Comoyaguela. The police are crooked there and will demand bribes.
They are doing a great work in Copan, but they are not the only Domestic Violence Center in Honduras. I am president and Co-Founder of Heart of Christ Ministries in Talanga, Francisco Morazan. We have had (and still do have) a center for victims of domestic and sexual violence for six years. Also, there is a center in Juticalpa, Olancho, that opened three years ago as a colaboration between an NGO from Canada and the Alcaldia (Mayor). There was a center in Tegucigalpa and the Office of the Woman along with the national comission against domestic violence was in the process of building another center in Teguc. And the office of the woman in Roatan has been working these last four years to try and get one open there. Not sure how that turned out. - Gracie Murphree, Heart of Christ, www.heartofchristhonduras.org
Comparing Honduras and Somalia is a distinction without a difference. Both can be deadly, but in different ways. Meanwhile, this is what the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory says about Honduras. It's a mouthful:
"Crime is endemic in Honduras and requires a high degree of caution by visitors and residents alike. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug cartel activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate. There were 6,236 homicides in Honduras in 2009, a rate of 77 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Since 1995, 98 U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras; however, only twenty-eight cases have been resolved. As of July 2011, four U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras in 2011; nine in 2010; 18 in 2009; seven in 2008; four in 2007; eight in 2006; and nine in 2005.
Kidnappings have also been on the rise in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers. Seven U.S. citizens were reported kidnapped in 2010; 12 in 2009; three in 2008; three in 2007; four in 2006; and three in 2005.
U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but nonetheless, foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. Weapons abound in Honduras and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras’ urban areas. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. There have also been reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets.
Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. For more information, please see the section below on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. Avoid driving at night. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not on economy buses. Choose taxis carefully, and note the driver’s name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.
Kidnappings for ransom have occurred in affluent areas where individuals may be targeted for their connections to the business community. Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted because of their citizenship, they may be at increased risk for targeting than the average local citizen because of their presumed wealth. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens in early 2009 took place while the victims were sitting in their cars outside their homes or schools. In some cases, investigators believe that the kidnappings were arranged by people who knew the victims. Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. Should a U.S. citizen be kidnapped, local authorities and the Embassy should be contacted immediately.
Do not resist a robbery attempt. Most criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. In 2004, an American citizen was murdered while attempting to flee an armed robbery in progress and another American was shot while resisting a carjacking. Several American citizens have been injured or killed while resisting armed robberies. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Use the same common sense while traveling in Honduras that you would in any high crime area in the United States: do not wear excessive jewelry; do not carry large sums of money, or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras and exercise strong caution during the day. Do not hike alone in backcountry areas, or walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails.
The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Problems with the judicial process include corruption and an acute shortage of trained personnel, equipment, staff, and financial resources. The Honduran law enforcement authorities’ ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. Honduran police generally do not speak English. The government has established a special tourist police in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number deployed is small and coverage is limited.
The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination. However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts. Official Americans are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group.
The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have also been armed robberies along the road to Copan. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public.
Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, but thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur. Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.
The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Travelers in those areas should use extra caution."
This is such an important article. The hysteria and hype about Honduras is only adding to a downward spiral and it is important to spread the word that although there are certainly risks in Honduras, the reasons to come and help, far outweigh the reasons to stay home and worry. I am a director for a small NGO working in the town of El Porvenir, just east of La Ceiba. We currently and regularly have 16 international volunteers in-country (from everywhere from Slovakia to Germany to the US and Canada). We are careful and do not take our safety for granted but we have had very few problems. Hondurans are some of the kindest and friendliest people I have ever met. Our volunteers benefit from spending time in our community equally as much as the children benefit from the programs that the volunteers are staffing.
I too almost didn't read this article for the same reason as you had, there have been so many with similar titles and all saying the same thing. But I did read it and have been so disturbed ever since. It was so sad about Senor Landaverde, how he almost knew he was going to die. The part about the the girl who was stoned to death, I know there must be a lot more to that story. She was one of the girls who came to pick up Pinot when he was released, witnessing his murder. She was probably a gangbanger, but still, what a barbaric way to die. No one knows what happened to the other girl. This story barely skims the surface. There is probably a whole book in there waiting to be told, but probably never will be. Somehow, my heart is just gasping at all this pain. I pray for Honduras that they will come thru all this darkness into the light someday. So many tears, so much evil. So sad for this beautiful country.
I remember how my dad always used to tell me that anyone can grab a guitar and play it; but to do it in front of a bunch of people is another matter altogether. To hold an audience in sway and be able to get everyone within earshot dancing to a concert, and to be able to make the silence between songs enjoyable by telling anecdotes... that is something only a showman can do. I will never forget the first time I saw Guillermo Anderson, about 20 years ago, in the stadium in Tegus under the sun. In those early days he mostly stuck to social commentary and protest themes--after all it was the Eighties; to this day he refuses to play "Rey de la Rebusca"-- while sitting around-- a catchy song about a fellow not unlike the Artful Dodger in Dickens' memorable "Oliver Twist." He is without a doubt one of my favorite showmen! And his tireless work in the ecological and conservancy fronts are a great example for us all. Thank you Guillermo, you are one of the best Hondurans I have ever met.
Honduras is not Guatemala and while that may be an experience for a PCV in Guatemala if you look at the comments on that article all of the former PCV volunteers in Honduras believe it is a prudent decision to withdraw.
There is no greater compensation than the thanks one can receive for helping another.
Thanks for sharing your experence.
Bob S Danville, California
Not long ago, the archbishop of Turin, Cardinal Severino Poletto, unequivocally urged the flock to “gaze upon the Shroud with your hearts rather than your minds.”
WHAT?
Jesus, the consummate radical who abhorred all forms of idolatry, would have a fit if he knew how his teachings degenerated into faith by symbolism, superstition and subterfuge.
No. Aside from its absurd character, idolatry poses a serious psychological threat to credulous individuals. If they can be made to believe that an inanimate object has magical powers, they can be made to believe anything. And I mean anything.
1. No people or society can be free without freedom of expression and of the press. The exercise of this freedom is not something authorities grant, it is an inalienable right of the people.
2. Every person has the right to seek and receive information, express opinions and disseminate them freely. No one may restrict or deny these rights.
3. The authorities must be compelled by law to make available in a timely and reasonable manner the information generated by the public sector. No journalist may be forced to reveal his or her sources of information.
4. Freedom of expression and of the press are severely limited by murder, terrorism, kidnapping, intimidation, the unjust imprisonment of journalists, the destruction of facilities, violence of any kind and impunity for perpetrators. Such acts must be investigated promptly and punished harshly.
5. Prior censorship, restrictions on the circulation of the media or dissemination of their reports, forced publication of information, the imposition of obstacles to the free flow of news, and restrictions on the activities and movements of journalists directly contradict freedom of the press.
6. The media and journalists should neither be discriminated against nor favored because of what they write or say.
7. Tariff and exchange policies, licenses for the importation of paper or news-gathering equipment, the assigning of radio and television frequencies and the granting or withdrawal of government advertising may not be used to reward or punish the media or individual journalists.
8. The membership of journalists in guilds, their affiliation to professional and trade associations and the affiliation of the media with business groups must be strictly voluntary.
9. The credibility of the press is linked to its commitment to truth, to the pursuit of accuracy, fairness and objectivity and to the clear distinction between news and advertising. The attainment of these goals and the respect for ethical and professional values may not be imposed. These are the exclusive responsibility of journalists and the media. In a free society, it is public opinion that rewards or punishes.
10. No news medium nor journalist may be punished for publishing the truth or criticizing or denouncing the government.
The struggle for freedom of expression and of the press is not a one-day task; it is an ongoing commitment. It is fundamental to the survival of democracy and civilization. Not only is this freedom a bulwark and an antidote against every abuse of authority, it is society's lifeblood. To Defend it is to honor history and truth.
At best, it would appear Mr. Lobo has neither understanding of nor appreciation for the Fourth Estate. At worst -- and more likely -- he may be trying to silence it.
Thank you so much for your praising of journalism. It is, in fact, "a true vocation," as you put it. But, although you're concern and respect for journalism is indeed commendable, your "help" is not necessary. Journalism is journalism, and lives and breathes on its own free and clear of government intervention. Otherwise, it's propaganda. A "true vocation" survives on the notion that it is pure, unencumbered and unbiased. Your proposed measures, would place constraints on journalists and the successful practice of a "true vocation."
Your "altruistic" motives, would they have anything to do with journalists in Honduras reporting exploding crime rates (which your embassy in Washington is debunking via Op-eds (read: propoganda/opinion, not journalism) pieces written in the Wall Street Journal?)?
Or, is it something to do with what one US embassy official said to me when I was in Honduras conducting research, (paraphrasing) "the number of journalists killed isn't all that high, some of them were bloggers."?
Your motives are transparent Pepe, any journalist can see that.
"Crime is endemic in Honduras and requires a high degree of caution by visitors and residents alike. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug cartel activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate. There were 6,236 homicides in Honduras in 2009, a rate of 77 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Since 1995, 98 U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras; however, only twenty-eight cases have been resolved. As of July 2011, four U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras in 2011; nine in 2010; 18 in 2009; seven in 2008; four in 2007; eight in 2006; and nine in 2005.
Kidnappings have also been on the rise in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers. Seven U.S. citizens were reported kidnapped in 2010; 12 in 2009; three in 2008; three in 2007; four in 2006; and three in 2005.
U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but nonetheless, foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. Weapons abound in Honduras and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras’ urban areas. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. There have also been reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets.
Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. For more information, please see the section below on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. Avoid driving at night. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not on economy buses. Choose taxis carefully, and note the driver’s name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.
Kidnappings for ransom have occurred in affluent areas where individuals may be targeted for their connections to the business community. Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted because of their citizenship, they may be at increased risk for targeting than the average local citizen because of their presumed wealth. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens in early 2009 took place while the victims were sitting in their cars outside their homes or schools. In some cases, investigators believe that the kidnappings were arranged by people who knew the victims. Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. Should a U.S. citizen be kidnapped, local authorities and the Embassy should be contacted immediately.
Do not resist a robbery attempt. Most criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. In 2004, an American citizen was murdered while attempting to flee an armed robbery in progress and another American was shot while resisting a carjacking. Several American citizens have been injured or killed while resisting armed robberies. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Use the same common sense while traveling in Honduras that you would in any high crime area in the United States: do not wear excessive jewelry; do not carry large sums of money, or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras and exercise strong caution during the day. Do not hike alone in backcountry areas, or walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails.
The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Problems with the judicial process include corruption and an acute shortage of trained personnel, equipment, staff, and financial resources. The Honduran law enforcement authorities’ ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. Honduran police generally do not speak English. The government has established a special tourist police in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number deployed is small and coverage is limited.
The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination. However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts. Official Americans are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group.
The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have also been armed robberies along the road to Copan. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public.
Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, but thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur. Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.
The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Travelers in those areas should use extra caution."
Eve Horowitz
Director / www.honduraschildren.org