Aristide Had to Go

Odler · #1 03-05-04, 11:39 AM

by Edouard Saint Aude

http://www.jeanlouie.com/

Aristide should have been impeached. But, the Haitian Constitution discusses impeachment only in cases of high treason. Who would dare initiate impeachment proceedings against Aristide? On many occasions, he showed up at legislative sessions to remind lawmakers of the wrath of the Haitian masses if things do not go his way. Was that democratic or constitutional?

Haiti was already in chaos and lawlessness during the Aristide years. I, myself, had a near death experience in Haiti in 1996. I was saved in extemis, thanks in part to my double nationality

As per Ex-President Aristide?s interview, he was kidnapped by the white American soldiers who stormed the prestigious Haitian palace into exile. If Jesse Jackson and New York Rep. Charles Rangel were not Aristide?s advisors, I would think of Mark Garegos as his counsel.

Are Jackson and Rangel raising these suspicions to sway independent voters to the Democratic party? Do they really think that African-Americans and independent voters are stupid enough to swallow any ?mambo jambo? allegation?

Aristide?s allegations may be a way of discrediting the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration which is building a case against him. Was it legitimate business for a president of a free nation to extort money from drug dealers? This was the cry of Jacques Ketant and of other drug dealers apprehended by the DEA.

Now, was it good for Aristide to step down showcasing to the world that the first free Black nation can?t manage its internal affairs? I do not

think so.

Aristide was not responsible for the decline of Haiti?s GNP and infrastructure? Since his re-election, the country had been in a stale mate. A responsible president will have its allegiance for his country first before to its political party.

The Lavalas and the Duvalier regimes were similar in that they eliminated systematically any opponent. Aristide had to go.

Is there a chance for Haiti to move forward and eliminate the needs for violent coups d?etat? With the help of dedicated, educated, wise,

and concerned Haitian patriots, the wheel of the democracy will turn.

Please, visit: http://www.jeanlouie.com/

Edouard SaintAude

March 3, 2004

New Mexico