- On March 18, Reuters headlined, "Haiti's Aristide
heads home before runoff vote," saying:
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- He "headed back to his country on Friday after ignoring
US opposition to a homecoming some fear could disrupt Haiti's presidential
election runoff on Sunday."
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- For months, State Department officials obstructed him,
wanting him permanently excluded, especially during Sunday's illegitimate
elections, featuring two unpopular presidential candidates most Haitians
spurn. Most, in fact, won't participate, knowing either winner represents
Washington, not them.
-
- First round November 28 elections and Sunday's runoff
were rigged to defraud. Haitians want democracy, what's absent in Sunday's
vote.
-
- Earlier, Obama and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked
South African President Jacob Zuma to prevent his return. He delayed but
didn't stop him. In fact, Aristide's charismatic presence runs counter
to America's imperial plans - to solidify colonization, resource theft,
and exploitation of poor Haitians, what legitimate democrats oppose, including
Aristide.
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- He's wanted to return any time, "to contribute to
serving my Haitian sisters and brothers as a simple citizen in the field
of education." He has no further political interests. Believe him.
It's true. He wants only to aid Haiti's recovery, doing what he knows and
loves best.
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- On March 17, AP said "South African Foreign Minister
Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was on hand to see (him) off," accompanied
by his wife Mildred and daughters Michaela, aged 12 and Christine, aged
14.
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- In Zulu, Aristide said, "The great day has arrived!
The day to say goodbye before returning home. We are delighted to return
home after seven years. In Haiti also they are very happy," adding
that "their dream will be fulfilled," shared by millions of supporters
worldwide.
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- Anticipatory joy awaits him. Supporters prepared a warm
welcome, including Port-au-Prince banners displaying "Titide,"
as he's affectionately known.
-
- According to Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the Center
for Economic and Policy Research:
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- "Aristide's return marks an end to the era when
the United States gets to choose the political leaders of other countries.
It is a historic victory for democracy and self-determination."
-
- Weisbrot is a distinguished analyst. Perhaps his conclusion
is somewhat premature, but others agree that decades of destructive US
power left America weaker, not stronger. Its influence is ebbing. One day,
world leaders will reject it. Why not! It's counter to their own self-interest.
-
- On March 18, AP headlined, "En route to Haiti, Aristide
plane refuels in Dakar," saying:
-
- "The plane landed in (Dakar, Senegal) Friday, and
is expected to arrive in Haiti" Friday afternoon local time. For millions
of Haitians who love him, they've awaited this moment for over seven years.
A joyous welcome is planned.
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- Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at
lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com
and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the
Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays
at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs
are archived for easy listening.
-
- http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.
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