The end may be near

There are reports – even a phone call from a priest friend – that an agreement has been reached that will result in the restitution of Zelaya to the presidency under very strict conditions. I pray and hope that this is not just another report that proves to be mere speculation.

There is great desire for a resolution among people here. The real work for justice must get firmly back on track. I do think that the coup had at least one good result here – many Hondurans have mobilized to do something for their country.

Since Wednesday noon, I’ve been at the meeting of people from three municipalities where Caritas Santa Rosa has projects. It has been exciting to hear them speak of their successes in organizing, in confronting local corruption, in learning new agricultural methods. But there are problems: the usual ones of people not taking responsibility in some programs, intransigence of some political leaders. But the political situation has cast a shadow on some efforts and a drought in October has made it difficult for the farmers. There are concerns about losses in the bean harvest and there may be delays in the planting of the second crop of corn because of the dry soil.

A highlight of the meeting was the cultural night on Thursday. A little girl sang her song to the mountains – an ecological plea. There was a ridiculous and – for me – a gut-splittingly funny game as well as a too long skit about drunkenness. But there were two acts that were outstanding.

The first was a skit called the Guaimuras dialogue – about the OAS dialogue that fell apart about a week ago.

It began with a mimicking of the crazy and spooky music that has preceded all the government press conferences during the past four months. Then all the actors walked onto the “stage” and sat at a table. Oscar Arias was there to negotiate, but Zelaya and Micheletti were seated at opposite sides of the small table.

I wish that I could understand colloquial Spanish better and that I was acquainted with more of the eccentricities of public figures, but I joined all present laughing hysterically as “Micheletti” began his discourse addressing all of us as “¡Hijos mios! My children.” He talked about waiting for Santos and repeated the mantra “The elections are coming, are coming.” He ended proclaiming “¡Viva Honduras! Long live Honduras!”

“Zelaya” was more long-winded but, complete with cowboy hat, he regaled the crowd and provoked laughter (from people who are very sympathetic to his restitution). He began, “Micheletti, my friend,” and, to fits of laughter, spoke of the “Calvary” he was going through.

“Arias” asked the two parties for their solution: “Micheletti” said, “The elections go forward,” and “Zelaya” called for his immediate restitution.

“Father Tamayo” was then introduced to applause and loud cheers. He proceeded to thank Radio Globo, Radio Progreso, and Radio Santa Rosa (our diocesan radio station), especially its Saturday program “Dando el Clavo” – getting to the point, or hitting the nail on the head – which has been a major source of critical discussion here for many years. We broke into laughter again when he said “We have not slept well,” presumably because of the military’s noise-making outside the Brazilian embassy.

“Zelaya” proceeded to ask "Micheletti" to "lay aside his weapons,” and to get us out of the Hotel Maya where there is not even any water. (This was a direct reference to the hotel the participants had been put up into the first night which was without water but with plenty of cockroaches; they got a better hotel the second night. The other references was to the Brazilian embassy where ZElaya has been holed up since Septemebr 28. Maybe Mel will be able to get a new place to sleep too.)

Then, with a quite good double entendre, “Zelaya” said, “I will continue with Alba because I can’t divorce myself from her, even if I commit adultery.” (ALBA is the name of the alliance of Latin American nations including Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador, that Honduras joined last year – with the support of both Zelaya and Micheletti; but Alba is also a woman’s name.) The crowd broke up – but I had to ask someone later to explain what was so funny!

Then, “Arias” asked the two parties to embrace and they hugged across the table. The crowd broke up in laughter and, perhaps, in hope – and then we woke up to the news that a solution is at hand.

As they say here – Primero Dios – God first – or, less literally, “God willing.”

The dialogue with Zelaya (in white cowboy hat), Padre Tamayo, a woman, Micheletti (in red cap), and Arias.
Seated at the far right, behind them is Mario de Mezapa, the Honduran singer.

The night ended with a short concert by a famous Honduran singer, Mario de Mezape, who is one of the singers of the resistance. His songs and remarks were laced with references to the political crisis – very critical of Micheletti as well as of Bush and Obama. He ended with a stirring ten minute song about the 1954 Banana strike. You can download it from a resistance site. It was an inspiration, even though I only got half the lyrics.

It’s been a good interchange – but both a sign and challenge that the struggle for justice and real participation is long and won’t be solved by the restitution of Zelaya nor with elections. They are only temporary palliatives as the people of Honduras face the greater challenge to organize and work together for a country where there is greater justice and less economic disparity.

revised 2:30 pm