Honduran Cardinal Tells Mel: Stay Away

Cardinal admonishes ousted petty tyrant, Mel Zelaya, to desist:

TEGUCIGALPA -- A top church leader called on ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya to reconsider his return, and to recall three of the Ten Commandments.

Local channels interrupted their regular programming to air a statement by Tegucigalpa's Archbishop Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Saturday morning, who addressed viewers in front of a Honduran flag and a painting of Jesus Christ.*

''On the day of your inauguration you cited three commandments of the rules of God -- not to lie, not to steal, not to kill,'' Rodríguez said. ``If you respect life, if you love life. . .please meditate because if not it could be too late.''

Rodríguez called on the Organization of American States (OAS) and other world leaders to reconsider their support of Zelaya.

Friday night, Honduras' new government withdrew from the InterAmerican diplomatic union following a visit from the organization's president José Miguel Insulza, who had attempted to broker a deal for Zelaya's return.

''To the Organization of American States, please pay attention to everything illegal that was happening before the 28th of June,'' Rodríguez said. ``This is a community that will define our own destiny without any unilateral pressures. We renounce any blockades, which will only hurt the poor.''

Dressed in the traditional black shirt, coat, and priestly white collar, Rodríguez said he spoke on behalf of 11 other Catholic bishops who signed a statement ``in support of peace. (Picture courtesy of El Heraldo)

Salvador Allende devotee and Chavez errand boy Insulza got no satisfaction in Tegucigapla:

Insulza, who was in Tegulcigalpa on Friday, met with the country's Supreme Court, attorney general and other political figures.

"We wanted to ask that this situation be reversed," Insulza told reporters after the meeting. "Unfortunately, one must say that there appears to be no willingness to do this."

Honduras' Supreme Court, which had authorized the coup, said it would not agree to reinstate the toppled leftist leader.

Micheletti's interim government — which has blamed Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for stoking the crisis — appeared ready to settle in for the long haul.

"If Honduras is out of the OAS, well, we will be isolated ... little by little we will regain the confidence of other nations, because we are a valiant people who have said 'enough' to Chavez," said Micheletti's assistant foreign minister, Martha Lorena Alvarado.

"We will not retreat," she said, "and Zelaya's return is not negotiable."

Micheletti led a raucous chant of "Democracy!" before a giant crowd Friday waving blue-and-white Honduran flags in front of the palace he has occupied since Zelaya was seized by soldiers on June 28 and flown into exile.

"I am the president of all Hondurans," he proclaimed, as police helicopters circled over the heavily guarded palace. (Read entire article)

Related Links:

Deputy Foreign Minister Marta Lorena Alvarado officially informs OAS that Honduras is leaving the organization

Zelaya threatens to return on Sunday via Tegucigalpa

Canada asks Mel to postpone his return

Video of Cardinal's speech

Insulza refused to meet with Pres. Micheletti who categorizes the OAS leader as "intransigent"

Honduras anuncia retiro de OEA
by noticias24

Hat Tip: Fausta's Blog

Hat Tip: Christopher Yochum

*For the record, Oscar Andres Rodriguez is a Cardinal and related to my niece

No Coup in Honduras

Hat Tip: Natalie Kafie

Yankees within 1 Game of Boston

In true Lou Gehrig fashion, the Yankees staged a comeback and beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-5, in 12 innings, on Jorge Posada's clutch single.

Photo gallery can be found here.

Complete wrapup here.

Great birthday present for George Steinbrenner!!! None of our recent championship glory would have possible without you...you are the best owner in professional sports!

"The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth"

Lou Gehrig, the Greatest First Baseball in the history of the game!

Full Text of Speech:

"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.

"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I'm lucky. Who wouldn't consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball's greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky.

"When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift - that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies - that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body - it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed - that's the finest I know.

"So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for."

God Bless America

Happy 4th of July from Italy & Slovakia

Erica Marcato

Zuzana Greganova


Claudia Romani

Pictures courtesy of Panorama Magazine

Burnett Keeps Yankees Hot

Red hatted Yankees top Blue Jays, 4-2. (NYPost photo)

AJ Burnett got a chance to beat his old team.

Gamewrap videos here.

Box score here.

More Palin Resignation Videos

Update 1: Reactions

The Anchoress has a plethora of links and predicted this

The next Ross Perot?

Amy Holmes says she is a quitter

Lowry believed she rambled on

Hayword sees the family angle

Bill Kristol takes the contrarian's view

Andrea Mitchell asserts that Palin is done with politics?

Take it at face value?

Palin bashing will continue

Not following Nixon's advice

Oh, by the way, Phil Jackson is going to coach the Lakers next year

AllahPundit's joy



Hat Tip: Atlas Shrugs



Hat Tip: Gateway Pundit

Palin Won't Seek Re-Election & Resigns

Office of the Governor Alaska statement:

GOVERNOR PALIN ANNOUNCES NO SECOND TERM NO LAME DUCK SESSION EITHER

July 3, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she will not seek a second term as Governor of the State of Alaska and will relegate the power of governor to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell in order to serve Alaska’s best interests. Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will move into Parnell’s current role.

“People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska,” said Governor Palin. “Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.” Standing outside her home in Wasilla, Alaska, Governor Palin reflected upon some of the administration’s accomplishments for Alaska as she approaches her final year in office.

“I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the easiest path,” said Governor Palin after the announcement. “Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional ‘Lame Duck’ status in this particular climate would just be another dose of ‘politics as usual,’ something I campaigned against and will always oppose. It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success. I look forward to helping others – to fight for our state and our country, and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops, and energy independence.”

The transfer of power will occur following the Governor’s picnic in Fairbanks on July 26. At that point in time, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell will be sworn in and Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume his role as Lieutenant Governor. Governor Palin will spend July 4th in Juneau.

Selected Accomplishments of the Palin Administration

General

Transferred more control of public issues to the local level Natural Resources
Created the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office to oversee responsible development
Held the line for Alaskans on Point Thomson that encouraged drilling
Restructured the state’s oil taxes to create a clear and equitable valuation formula for our oil and gas
Initiated and implemented the largest energy project in the world through the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act
Removed government from the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands

Ethics

Ushered in ethics reform
Cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions affecting development

Fiscal Notes

Slowed the rate of government growth
Worked with the Legislature to place billions of dollars in savings
Vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars in capital budget line items
Reduced Alaska’s dependence on federal earmarks by nearly 85%
Eliminated state-funded personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, and junkets
Refused a pay raise, along with the Lieutenant Governor

Education

Provided unprecedented support for education initiatives Public Safety
Filled long-vacant public safety positions over the last year Corrections
Broke ground on the new state prison

Fish and Game

Maintained biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance Environment
Established first sub-Cabinet on climate change

Legal

State’s rights protected in two recent victories handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court

Top Picture courtesy of CNN

2nd Picture courtesy of ADN

CNN broke the story:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday that she will step down as Alaska's chief executive by the end of the month. She will not seek election to a second gubernatorial term in 2010.

"People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska," Palin said at an announcement from her home in Wasilla. "Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine."

Palin, a Republican, was elected governor in 2006. She was tapped as Arizona Sen. John McCain's vice presidential running mate last year.

Palin said she was transferring authority to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, who will be sworn in at the Governor's Picnic on July 25.

A Republican source close to her political team told CNN's John King that it was a "calculation" she made that "it was time to move on." The governor's "book deal and other issues" were "causing a lot of friction" in her home state, the source said, adding that he believes she is "mapping out a path to 2012."

As the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, Palin has been considered one of the front-runners for the GOP nomination in 2012. Her decision not to seek another term as governor is sure to stoke speculation that Palin is seriously eyeing a run for the White House.

In an interview last month with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Palin said she was unsure about her re-election bid because she needed to focus on her state and her family.

"So, no decision yet on either 2010 or let alone 2012?" Blitzer asked.

"No decision that I'd want to announce today," Palin responded.

Palin catapulted on the national stage last August when McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, chose her as his running mate.

Further reporting at the ADN and Politico's Jonathan Martin has analysis here.

Obama's Pro-Zelaya Agenda, UPDATED

Update 1:

Honduran Foreign Minister, Enrique Ortez Colindres, admonishes socialist OAS General Secretary, Jose Miguel Insulza, not to come to Honduras if his goal is to re-install Mel Zelaya.

Via La Tribuna:

TEGUCIGALPA.- El canciller de Honduras, Enrique Ortez Colindres, dijo hoy que si el secretario general de la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA), José Miguel Insulza, viene a exigir la restitución del presidente Manuel Zelaya, “mejor que no venga”.

Insulza llegará hoy a nuestro país para pedir a las autoridades “que cambien lo que han estado haciendo ahora y encuentren maneras de retomar a la normalidad”, según expresó ayer el secretario general de la OEA.

En declaraciones, Ortez dijo que hoy recibirá a Insulza en Tegucigalpa y le dirá que “el regreso de Manuel Zelaya como presidente de Honduras no es negociable”, y que “si el señor Insulza viene a eso, mejor que no venga”.

Agregó que “ningún organismo internacional puede intervenir en un país para quitar o poner un presidente, porque esa es una atribución de los pueblos”.

Ortez subrayó que si a Honduras se le separa de la OEA por no restituir a Zelaya como presidente, “no pasará nada, ya lo hicieron con Cuba y no pasó nada, Fidel Castro enfrentó esa situación”.

“Ahora vamos a jugar derecho internacional, tenemos las leyes, la Constitución, vamos a hacer que se nos respete, la soberanía no se negocia, se defiende”, añadió el diplomático hondureño, que ha sido embajador de su país en las Naciones Unidas y Francia, y presidente del Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE).

En su opinión, algunos países y organismos internacionales “están juzgando a Honduras a la carrera e injustamente”, pero “ahora el gobierno (que preside Micheletti) ha comenzado a explicar y a darle a la comunidad internacional todos los expedientes de defensa para evitar una soberanía de izquierda en el país”.

El canciller dijo además que el gobierno que preside Roberto Micheletti, luego de la sustitución de Manuel Zelaya, “tiene a su favor el pueblo y la ley”.

Sobre la advertencia que hizo ayer el presidente de Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, de que en Honduras se puede producir “un baño de sangre” por el golpe de Estado contra Zelaya, expresó que “eso no ocurrirá”.

Además, restó importancia al anuncio que Chávez hizo anoche en el sentido de que ha ordenado la suspensión del suministro de combustibles venezolanos a Honduras a través del programa de Petrocaribe.

A través de Petrocaribe Honduras puede recibir hasta 20.000 barriles diarios de combustibles. “Hemos tomado las medidas y tenemos quién nos suministre combustibles”, enfatizo Ortez. ACAN-EFE

Related Links:

US Senators DeMint, Cornyn, Hatch, Martinez, Sessions all back ouster

Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez suspends oil deliveries to Honduras

Zelaya spent $31 million dollars from state coffers to promote his sham referndum, from public and presidential operational funds

New government cancels Zelaya's official credit card, spent $80, 000 USD in 5 days

New government suspends mobile phones and bank accounts of Zelaya cronies

Zelaya splent last night in El Salvador under the auspices of his fellow comrade Pres. Funes

Zelaya exhorts his devotees to stage a violent rebellion against Micheletti

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen lays down the gauntlet:

The Honorable Barack H. Obama
President of the United States

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I would like to take this opportunity to raise growing concerns about the U.S. approach to human rights, democratic principles, rule of law, and constitutional institutions in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on your Administration’s response to the constitutional crisis in Honduras and the U.S. role at the Organization of American States and the United Nations with respect to this situation.

I expected the Administration to adopt a deliberative, responsible approach to developments in Honduras. However, the U.S. stance from the onset appears to have been focused on supporting one individual, President Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, irrespective of the Honduran constitution, rule of law, and democratic institutions. This myopic, Zelaya-centric approach has intensified in the last 72 hours since reports surfaced that the Honduran military had taken Mr. Zelaya into custody and that Mr. Zelaya had departed Honduras.

There are numerous conflicting reports about the events that have transpired in Honduras in the last few days. Facts are in dispute. Yet, there has been no apparent attempt by the U.S to discern the truth about the status of democratic and constitutional order in this Central American country, before making summary conclusions and issuing condemnations based on incomplete information.

However, Mr. President, the constitutional crisis in Honduras did not commence on Sunday, June 28th but, at least, three months earlier, when Mr. Zelaya issued his Executive Decree on March 23rd of this year calling for a referendum to extend his presidential term to be held before July.

Despite the clear limitations established in Article 5, Article 374, and other articles of the Honduran constitution concerning the presidential term and parameters for a referendum, the United States appeared to unconditionally embrace Mr. Zelaya’s plans. The Honduran Supreme Court, the Administrative courts, the Attorney General, the Commissioner for Human Rights, the Electoral Tribunal, and the National Congress all declared the referendum to be illegal.

Additional legislative action was taken by the Honduran National Congress on June 23rd to prevent Mr. Zelaya’s violations of Honduran rule of law and constitutional precepts. The U.S. failed to take effective steps, bilaterally or through the Organization of American States, to support these legitimate efforts by the other co-equal branches of Honduras’ democratic government to enforce Honduran law.

On Friday, June 26th, Mr. Zelaya issued another decree ordering government employees to participate in the “Public Opinion Poll to convene a National Constitutional Assembly,” which would have reportedly triggered Article 239 of the Honduran constitution requiring he be relieved of his duties and office. The U.S. failed to respond. This marked a serious failure in U.S. diplomacy and democracy advocacy. As such, many would argue, that the U.S. is complicit in the escalation of the constitutional crisis in Honduras.

At the OAS and the UN General Assembly this week, the U.S. accepted resolution texts drafted by Mr. Zelaya and his immediate advisors and agreed to proposals put forth by the leaders of Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia—all for the sake of consensus. Joining the “race to the bottom” or serving as an echo chamber is not helpful to our political, economic, or security interests in the region.

Looking forward, it is my hope, Mr. President, that your Administration will not have the U.S. response hinge on unconfirmed reports and accusations by sources with a vested interest in ensuring a particular outcome that may, or may not, be in the interest of the United States. Instead, we must work together to advance core U.S. principles and achieve the stated goal of consolidating and strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions in our Hemisphere.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

Coup? Don't believe the hype:

Tegucigalpa, Honduras - Sometimes, the whole world prefers a lie to the truth. The White House, the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and much of the media have condemned the ouster of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya this past weekend as a coup d'état.

That is nonsense.

In fact, what happened here is nothing short of the triumph of the rule of law.

These are the facts: On June 26, President Zelaya issued a decree ordering all government employees to take part in the "Public Opinion Poll to convene a National Constitutional Assembly." In doing so, Zelaya triggered a constitutional provision that automatically removed him from office.

Constitutional assemblies are convened to write new constitutions. When Zelaya published that decree to initiate an "opinion poll" about the possibility of convening a national assembly, he contravened the unchangeable articles of the Constitution that deal with the prohibition of reelecting a president and of extending his term. His actions showed intent.

Our Constitution takes such intent seriously. According to Article 239: "No citizen who has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President. Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform [emphasis added], as well as those that support such violation directly or indirectly, will immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years."

Notice that the article speaks about intent and that it also says "immediately" – as in "instant," as in "no trial required," as in "no impeachment needed."

The Supreme Court and the attorney general ordered Zelaya's arrest for disobeying several court orders compelling him to obey the Constitution. He was detained and taken to Costa Rica. Why? Congress needed time to convene and remove him from office. With him inside the country that would have been impossible. This decision was taken by the 123 (of the 128) members of Congress present that day.

Don't believe the coup myth. The Honduran military acted entirely within the bounds of the Constitution. The military gained nothing but the respect of the nation by its actions.

I am extremely proud of my compatriots. Finally, we have decided to stand up and become a country of laws, not men.

From now on, here in Honduras, no one will be above the law. (Read entire commentary)

Related Links:

Mixed signals regarding Obama's foreign policy, stands with dictators

Excellent time line of events as they recently evolved in Honduras

Zelaya's friends are very telling

Pres. Micheletti offers to hold early elections, which by the way he is NOT and NEVER was a candidate for (Former VP Elvin Santos vs. Porfirio Pepe Lobo)

Hat Tip: Natalie Kafie
Hat Tip: Henry de la Noval
Hat Tip: Christopher Yochum

Photo courtesy of Daylife-AP

Ron Artest is a Laker

Update 1:

Artest becomes the new Rodman:

Now, Artest trades places with Ariza, and the Lakers get a dimension they haven’t had in a long, long time. Perhaps three or four years ago, Artest couldn’t have handled living and playing in L.A.

He gives the Lakers sheer nastiness, and as an executive with one of his past teams said Thursday night, “Ronnie will show everyone that he can win. I think he’s matured, and overall, he’ll be on his best behavior. Phil [Jackson] has been through this before with Rodman. He’ll handle this.”

Ultimately, it wasn’t Jackson who made it work for two titles with Rodman in Chicago, but Jordan. The locker room is policed by the superstar, never the coach. Artest is the right player, right time for Bryant. As Kobe hits his 30s, he can’t be chasing the best player on defense every night. Now, Artest gets the job. What’s more, Kobe gets a maniac who will want to please him, get his approval.

Kobe Bryant gets his Rodman now, and yes, this is how all hell breaks loose in Hollywood.

Artest statement regarding his new abode:

"I am very excited to finally be going to L.A. For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align. I'm finally a Laker and I can't wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau and the rest of the team, and play for Phil," said Artest.

"The Lakers really made me feel wanted. I had a great talk today with Phil. I'm a huge fan of his and I can't wait to show him what I can do. I also spoke with Magic Johnson last night. In addition, my agent (David) has been in constant contact with Mitch Kupchak.

I made my decision after I had lunch today with Dr. Buss, and I realized what a great organization I'm joining. I'm very, very excited to be a Laker. I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center."

Read the ESPN story here.

CBS Sports had the big scoop here, as well.

Apparently, this purportedly makes it easier to re-sign Lamar Odom, due a pre-existing friendship.

Conversely, Ariza will not be wearing a Lakers jersey next season.

I Support President Roberto Micheletti

And apparently, Italy, Israel, Taiwan and Egypt does as well!

These nations have recognized the new government of Honduras.

Actual number of charges leveled against the ex strongman Zelaya is 4, as conveyed to the Interpol, as opposed to the 18 cited beforehand. Nevertheless, he remains an international fugitive.


I found this graphic on Twitter from some new found friends, copy, enlarge and utilize it at your discretion.

Honduran Amb. to US Supports Micheletti

Honduran Foreign Minister, Enrique Ortez Colindres

La Tribuna reports:

TEGUCIGALPA, (AFP).- El depuesto mandatario de Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, no podrá retomar el cargo de presidente, aunque insista en volver a Tegucigalpa, advirtió a la prensa el canciller Enrique Ortez.

“No queremos intervenciones (internacionales) ni queremos que una persona que ha sido debidamente defenestrada regrese con el cargo de presidente”, dijo Ortez.

Ortez aseguró que si Zelaya, quien fue llevado el domingo por el Ejército hacia Costa Rica, insiste en volver a Tegucigalpa será detenido para que responda ante la justicia por los delitos que se le imputan, entre los cuales se encuentra el abuso de poder y corrupción.

“No vamos a dejar entrar a nadie (al país) que viole las leyes de Honduras”, manifestó.

Ortez aseguró que “más de 25.000 hondureños han dicho que están dispuestos a rodear el aeropuerto” para impedir el regreso de Zelaya.

El canciller afirmó que su país emprenderá una campaña con el envío de delegados ante gobiernos de la región para explicar que no existe un golpe de Estado en Honduras sino una sucesión constitucional.

Related Links (Spanish):

25,000 citizens of San Pedro Sula march against Zelaya, supporting new government

Obama is criticized for backing socialist, Chavez acolyte Zelaya

Pres. Micheletti will not negotiate away nation's sovereignty, Zelaya faces 18 criminal charges

Honduran Ambassador to the USA, Roberto Flores Bermúdez, recognizes new government as constitutional

New Treasury Secretary reveals irregularities within Zelaya's administration

Horrific double standard by the international community in Latin America

South Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen categorizes the events in Honduras as the "correct decision" by the correponding institutions

"Fuera Mel" is the chant du jour in San Pedro Sula

90% of new cabinet officers in place

Pro-government protestors bash CNN & Obama

Pictures courtesy of El Heraldo, La Tribuna and Diario La Prensa

Previous posts:

Viva Honduras Libre

Honduras' New Foreign Minister

OAS Gives Honduras Ultimatum

Honduran pro-Micheletti Ralllies

Honduran FM Warns Zelaya

Honduran FM Warns Zelaya

Enrique Ortez, interim foreign minister, said Zelaya would be arrested if he came home and that the interim authorities were sure Zelaya had been removed in a legal process.

"We are not negotiating national sovereignty or the presidency," he told Reuters in an interview. "There is no chance at all" of Zelaya coming back to power.

Hat Tip: Tundra Tabloids

Related Links:

WSJ explains how Socialist thug Hugo Chavez is at the core of Honduras' problems

Zelaya linked to drug trafficking

From Panama Zelaya attempts to rally his rabble-rousers

EU withdraws some ambassadors

US suspends military cooperation, however, US ambassador to stay put

Massive display of support in Choluteca for Micheletti

Honduras acted in a sovereign and legal manner

New John Paul II Statue

Interesting picture from an attendee to the Vatican on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Daylife-Reuters

Bruce & Ziegler Defending Palin

Hat Tip: Conservatives 4 Palin

A-Rod and Yankees Roll Again

New York Yankees batter Alex Rodriguez heads home after he hit a two-run home run off Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn in the sixth inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, July 1, 2009. (Daylife-Reuters)

Related Links:

Slideshow regarding Yankees 4-2 victory

Andy Pettitte is now 8-3 with a 4.25 ERA

Winning streak at 7

Bombers have won 30 of their last 45 games

Hinkse arrives, Pena to minors, to play CF

Bruney-Hughes 8th Inning debate lingers

Full game wrap up and box score

Palin Challenges Obama to a Race

From falling down with the Secret Service in tow prior to the VP debate with Joe Biden, to her family history of running and to her predilection for Van Halen & AC/DC while running, the Governor of Alaska reveals all here.

Photos courtesy of Runner's World.

OAS Gives Honduras Ultimatum

Via Associated Press (or better yet Agitprop Propaganda):

WASHINGTON – Honduran coup leaders have three days to restore deposed President Manuel Zelaya to power, the Organization of American States said Wednesday, before Honduras risks being suspended from the group.

OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza delivered what he called "an ultimatum" as OAS talks regarding the crisis dragged into the early-morning hours. The talks began Tuesday afternoon.

In a sharply worded resolution, the OAS said it vehemently condemned the coup and "the arbitrary detention and expulsion" of Zelaya.

The coup, the resolution said, has produced an "unconstitutional alteration of the democratic order." The envoys demanded Zelaya's immediate and safe return to power.

Calling Zelaya's overthrow an "old-fashioned coup," Insulza said: "We need to show clearly that military coups will not be accepted. We thought we were in an era when military coups were no longer possible in this hemisphere."

Zelaya, who was ousted in a coup Sunday, planned to return to Honduras on Thursday, accompanied by Insulza, the presidents of Argentina and Ecuador and the head of the U.N. General Assembly, and seek restoration of his authority. Wednesday morning, however, he said that trip would be delayed until the weekend.

Roberto Micheletti, named by Honduras' Congress as the new president, said Tuesday that Zelaya could be met with an arrest warrant if he returned. (Read entire article)

President Micheletti warns, once again, that Zelaya will be arrested if he tries to return to Honduras:

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Honduras' interim leader warned that the only way his predecessor will return to office is through a foreign invasion — though a potential showdown with the ousted president was delayed due to action Wednesday by the Organization of American States.

A defiant Roberto Micheletti said in an interview with The Associated Press late Tuesday that "no one can make me resign," defying the United Nations, the OAS, the Obama administration and other leaders that have condemned the military coup that overthrew President Manuel Zelaya.

The U.N. General Assembly voted by acclamation Tuesday to demand Zelaya's immediate restoration, and the Organization of American States said Wednesday that coup leaders have three days to restore Zelaya to power before Honduras risks being suspended from the group.

That period for negotiation prompted Zelaya to announce he was putting off his plans to return home on Thursday until the weekend.

Micheletti vowed Zelaya would be arrested if he returns, even though the presidents of Argentina and Ecuador have signed on to accompany him along with the heads of the Organization of American States and the U.N. General Assembly.

Zelaya "has already committed crimes against the constitution and the law," said Micheletti, a member of Zelaya's Liberal Party who was named interim leader by Congress following the coup. "He can no longer return to the presidency of the republic unless a president from another Latin American country comes and imposes him using guns."

Micheletti said he would not resign no matter how intense the international pressure becomes. He insisted Honduras would be ready to defend itself against any invasion.

He did not name any specific countries, but Chavez has vowed to "overthrow" Micheletti and said earlier Tuesday that any aggression against Zelaya by Micheletti's government should prompt military intervention by the United Nations.

"No one can make me resign if I do not violate the laws of the country," Micheletti said. "If there is any invasion against our country, 7.5 million Hondurans will be ready to defend our territory and our laws and our homeland and our government." (Read entire article)

Selwyn Duke notes that Honduras new president is beyond legitimate:

It has been interesting watching the response to the Honduran military's recent ousting its nation's president, Manuel Zelaya. Barack Obama called the action "not legal" and Hillary Clinton said that the arrest of Zelaya should be condemned. Most interesting, perhaps, is that taking this position places them shoulder to shoulder with Fidel Castro, Daniel Ortega and Venezuelan's roaring mouse, Hugo Chavez, who is threatening military action against Honduras. Now, some would say this is an eclectic group - others would say, not so much - regardless, what has gotten them so upset?

Let's start with what they say. They are calling the ouster a "coup" and claim that Zelaya is still Honduras' rightful president. Some of them say we must support democracy. But they have said little, if anything, about the rule of law. And most of what they have said is wrong.

First, it doesn't appear that Sunday's ouster was a military coup but a law enforcement action. It is not a military strongman who sought extra-legal control, but Zelaya himself. Here is the story.

Zelaya is a leftist, a less precocious version of Chavez, sort of like the Venezuelan's Mini-me. And, like Chavez, it's seems that Zelaya was bent on perpetuating his rule and increasing his power in defiance of the rule of law. That is to say, the Honduran Constitution limits presidents to one four-year term, and this wasn't quite enough to satisfy Zelaya's ambitions.

Also note that the military confined itself to its prescribed police action and is not running the country. The new president is 63-year-old Roberto Micheletti, a member of Zelaya's own Liberal Party. Moreover, elections are still planned for this November.

Micheletti also enjoys wide support, from the rank-and-file to the those breathing rarified air in elite institutions. As for Zelaya, while you may not be able to please all of the people all of the time, he certainly seems to have been able to displease them. He not only alienated the Congress, Supreme Court, the people and the attorney general -- who also declared the referendum illegal and vowed to prosecute anyone facilitating it -- he is also opposed by the Catholic Church and many evangelicals. Really, no one seems to like him.

No one, that is, but Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega.

Oh, and let's not forget Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are, anyone? (Read entire article)

Micheletti is not scared of Chavez and his thugs:

Roberto Micheletti, designado presidente del país por el Parlamento tras el golpe, dijo este lunes que el Ejército fue "benévolo" con el depuesto Manuel Zelaya, al permitirle salir del país. Zelaya por su parte, afirmó que el jueves vuelve a Honduras a terminar su mandato. En su primer día como presidente, Micheletti pidió a los hondureños que no se preocupen por las amenazas de Chávez, Correa y Ortega. En Tegucigalpa se sucedieron enfrentamientos entre partidarios de Zelaya y la policía, mientras continua el toque de queda. Los miembros del ALBA (Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua y Bolivia) retiraron ayer los embajadores de Honduras en protesta por el golpe.

"Aquí hubo un momento que parecía que no había presidente sino un rey o un dictador, quien ordenaba qué cosas se debían hacer, sin respetar a nadie", matizó Micheletti, quien agregó que Zelaya llevó al país a tener enfrentamientos con los diferentes poderes, pues quiso reformar la Constitución para hacerse reelegir.

"El Ejército más bien creo, fue benevolente al permitir que el ex presidente (Manuel Zelaya), saliera del país, cuando en realidad tenía que haber entrado a las cárceles nacionales por los delitos cometidos en diferentes circunstancias", apostilló Micheletti.
Así lo aseguró en una entrevista con Radio Caracol de Colombia, en la que además indicó que "solo Dios sabe que puede hacer un ciudadano con la conducta del señor (Hugo) Chávez", quien amenazó con derrocarlo para restituir en el poder a su aliado Zelaya.

Sobre el presidente venezolano, agregó que se resistía a creer que el mundo aceptara injerencias en "situaciones que son internas de Honduras" y reclamó la "autodeterminación de los pueblos", la que, enfatizó, "hay que respetar". Insistió en que quería comunicarle "al mundo que aquí, en este país, no ha habido un golpe de Estado", sino "una sucesión constitucional" provocada por las debilidades del depuesto Zelaya.

Al ser interrogado sobre el rechazo de presidentes de diferentes tendencias y de organismos internacionales que no lo reconocen como nuevo mandatario, indicó que no ha hecho nada ilegal. "Reitero, no hemos hecho nada ilegal y en la medida en que los pueblos del mundo se vayan dando cuenta que en este país no ha habido un golpe de Estado, sino una sucesión constitucional, se darán cuenta de lo que realmente ha pasado en el país", puntualizó Micheletti.

De otro lado, indicó que seguirá en el poder porque fue la decisión expresada por el pueblo a través del Congreso Nacional, del cual era presidente y que lo nombró tras la salida de Zelaya. Explicó, por ejemplo, que los ministros del anterior Gobierno están en el país e "incluso algunos están ejerciendo sus labores, contentos". Puntualizó que la única funcionaria que salió del país, "por voluntad propia", fue la canciller Patricia Rodas, quien está en México.

En Tegucigalpa se sucedieron enfrentamientos entre partidarios de Zelaya y la policía. El toque de queda continúa hasta segunda orden.

Related Links:

President Micheletti will be traveling to the US with Foreign Minister Ortez Colindres

Ex-President Zelaya has postponed his Thursday comeback trip to Honduras

Zelaya will be in Panama today at the inaugaration of President Ricardo Martinelli

Honduran Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Romeo Vásquez Velásquez re-affirms that the military upheld constitutional order

Gross OAS double standard under the tutelage of the Salvador Allende loving Jose Miguel Insulza

Obama's administration's horrible foreign policy

Socialist Honduran neighbors cease commerce & trade for 48 hrs

US Military expert lauds historic nature of Honduran armed forces

Video Tribute to the people of Honduras, 85% of which back Zelaya's ouster

Erick Erickson at Red State urges calls to your fellow congressional representatives, in order to support the Micheletti government

Great links from Babalu Blog




Video H/T: Gateway Pundit

Hat Tip: Christopher Yochum
Hat Tip: Henry de la Noval

Help & Support SarahPac

Memorandum

From: Meghan Stapleton, SarahPAC

To: SarahPAC Supporters

Greetings from Alaska where the fish are running and the sun is shining late!
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with Governor Palin as we visited Central New York, Manhattan, Long Island, Washington, D.C. and Texas.

It never ceases to amaze me that every time we travel together, virtually every moment of her time is spent talking to and caring for others, while listening to and learning from them as well - like brave, young Robert whose life we celebrated at the Autism Speaks Walk or the historical voices of the strong men and women upon whose shoulders we stand, including Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and former Secretary William H. Seward.

Below, I attached a quick note from the Governor which she penned before leaving the country last week. I am attaching it to this memo because I am asking you to help Governor Palin and SarahPAC today!

You have been so incredibly supportive and generous, and now we ask you again for your help - and we ask that you please also encourage your friends and family to give.

SarahPAC needs to be in the position to help fund candidates who are going to fight for what we all believe - smaller government, less spending, and fewer taxes. With your help, we can take the Governor's message and encourage others who also have hope and are firmly rooted in the conservative belief that you know how best to spend your money and not government.

SarahPAC can't do that without your help. Please visit this link and give to SarahPAC today - and encourage others to do so as well.

Sincerely,

Meghan Stapleton
SarahPAC

P.S. Your help is critical. Visit this link to give!

Governor's letter:

Dear SarahPAC Supporter:

I wanted to drop you a quick note about my trip earlier this month - a whirlwind tour and an opportunity to share a bit more about Alaska. (I am writing this before heading overseas to visit our Troops; I know that will be a most inspiring journey!)

It is such a treat to talk to everyone about Alaska and hear stories of fishing, hunting, and camping. And it thrills me to hear from those who wish to visit our beautiful state! Alaska has much to offer - from her magnificent glaciers to her abundant natural resources to fuel our homes and businesses.

When we travel outside Alaska, the hospitality is always overwhelming, and Todd and I so enjoyed meeting many new people on our recent trip to the Lower 48 - all emblematic of so many across this country who are willing to give of time, energy and effort to help one another.

It was thrilling to see the look on both young and old faces as I traveled to New York, Washington, D.C. and Texas. Words can never express the incredible spirit of all those who dedicate their lives to making even one life more comfortable.

Todd and I always recognize how grateful and proud we are to be citizens of the United States. We are so very blessed.

With an Alaska Heart,

Sarah Palin

Anti-Catholic Violence in Latin America

July Prayer Intentions

NY Blows Lead, Rally to Beat Seattle

New York Yankees batter Alex Rodriguez is congratulated at home plate by runner Johnny Damon (L) after he hit a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York June 30, 2009. (Daylife-Reuters)

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St. Peter and St. Paul

Catholic Culture:

Veneration of the two great Apostles, Peter and Paul, has its roots in the very foundations of the Church. They are the solid rock on which the Church is built. They are at the origin of her faith and will forever remain her protectors and her guides. To them Rome owes her true greatness, for it was under God's providential guidance that they were led to make the capital of the Empire, sanctified by their martyrdom, the center of the Christian world whence should radiate the preaching of the Gospel.

St. Peter suffered martyrdom under Nero, in A.D. 66 or 67. He was buried on the hill of the Vatican where recent excavations have revealed his tomb on the very site of the basilica of St. Peter's. St. Paul was beheaded in the via Ostia on the spot where now stands the basilica bearing his name. Down the centuries Christian people in their thousands have gone on pilgrimage to the tombs of these Apostles. In the second and third centuries the Roman Church already stood pre-eminent by reason of her apostolicity, the infallible truth of her teaching and her two great figures, Sts. Peter and Paul.

A plenary indulgence may be gained today by anyone who makes devout use of a religious article blessed by a bishop and who also recites any approved profession of faith (e.g. the Apostles Creed), as long as the usual conditions are satisfied.

Peter's original name was Simon. Christ Himself gave him the name Cephas or Peter when they first met and later confirmed it. This name change was meant to show both Peter's rank as leader of the apostles and the outstanding trait of his character — Peter (in Hebrew Kephas) the Rock. Peter was born in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. Like his younger brother Andrew, he was a fisherman and dwelt at Capernaum. Peter's house often became the scene of miracles, since the Master would stay there whenever He was teaching in that locality. Together with his brothers John and Andrew, Peter belonged to the first of Jesus' disciples (John 1:40-50).

After the miraculous draught of fish on the Sea of Galilee, Peter received his definitive call and left wife, family, and occupation to take his place as leader of the Twelve. Thereafter we find him continually at Jesus' side, whether it be as spokesman of the apostolic college (John 6:68; Matt. 16:16), or as one specially favored (e.g., at the restoration to life of Jairus' daughter, at the transfiguration, during the agony in the garden). His sanguine temperament often led him into hasty, unpremeditated words and actions; his denial of Jesus during the passion was a salutary lesson. It accentuated a weakness in his character and made him humble.

After the ascension, Peter always took the leading role, exercising the office of chief shepherd that Christ had entrusted to him. He delivered the first sermon on Pentecost and received the first Gentiles into the Church (Cornelius; Acts 10:1). Paul went to Jerusalem "to see Peter." After his miraculous deliverance from prison (Easter, 42 A.D.), Peter "went to a different place," most probably to Rome. Details now become scanty; we hear of his presence at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1), and of his journey to Antioch (Gal. 2:11).

It is certain that Peter labored in Rome as an apostle, that he was the city's first bishop, and that he died there as a martyr, bound to a cross (67 A.D.). According to tradition he also was the first bishop of Antioch. He is the author of two letters, the first Christian encyclicals. His burial place is Christendom's most famous shrine, an edifice around whose dome are inscribed the words: Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam.

Patron: Against frenzy; bakers; bridge builders; butchers; clock makers; cobblers; Exeter College Oxford; feet problems; fever; fishermen; harvesters; locksmiths; longevity; masons; net makers; papacy; Popes; ship builders; shipwrights; shoemakers; stone masons; Universal Church; watch makers; Poznan, Poland; Rome; Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi; Diocese of Las Vegas, Nevada; Diocese of Marquette, Michigan; Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island; Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Symbols: Two keys saltire; pastoral staff and two large keys; inverted cross; inverted cross and two keys saltire; crowing cock; fish; two swords; patriarchal cross and two keys saltire; two keys and a scroll; sword.

Often portrayed as: Bald man, often with a fringe of hair on the sides and a tuft on top; book; keys; man crucified head downwards; man holding a key or keys; man robed as a pope and bearing keys and a double-barred cross.

Paul, known as Saul (his Roman name) before his conversion, was born at Tarsus in the Roman province of Silicia about two or three years after the advent of the Redeemer. He was the son of Jewish parents who belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, was reared according to the strict religious-nationalistic party of the Pharisees, and enjoyed the high distinction of Roman citizenship.

As a youth he went to Jerusalem to become immersed in the Law and had as a teacher the celebrated Gamaliel. He acquired skill as a tent-maker, a work he continued even as an apostle. At the time of Jesus' ministry he no longer was at Jerusalem; neither did he see the Lord during His earthly-life. Upon returning to the Holy City, Paul discovered a flourishing Christian community and at once became its bitter opponent.

When Stephen impugned Law and temple, Paul was one of the first at his stoning; thereafter his fiery personality would lead the persecution. Breathing threats of slaughter against the disciples of Jesus, he was hurrying to Damascus when the grace of God effected his conversion (about the year 34 A.D.; see January 25, Conversion of St. Paul).

After receiving baptism and making some initial attempts at preaching, Paul withdrew into the Arabian desert (c. 34-37 A.D.), where he prepared himself for his future mission. During this retreat he was favored with special revelations, Christ appearing to him personally. Upon his return to Damascus he began to preach but was forced to leave when the Jews sought to kill him. Then he went to Jerusalem "to see Peter."

Barnabas introduced him to the Christian community, but the hatred of the Jews again obliged him to take secret flight. The following years (38-42 A.D.) he spent at Tarsus until Barnabas brought him to the newly founded Christian community at Antioch, where both worked a year for the cause of Christ; in the year 44 he made another journey to Jerusalem with the money collected for that famine stricken community.

The first major missionary journey (45-48) began upon his return as he and Barnabas brought the Gospel to Cyprus and Asia Minor (Acts 13-14). The Council of Jerusalem occasioned Paul's reappearance in Jerusalem (50). Spurred on by the decisions of the Council, he began the second missionary journey (51-53), traveling through Asia Minor and then crossing over to Europe and founding churches at Philippi, Thessalonia (his favorite), Berea, Athens, Corinth. He remained almost two years at Corinth, establishing a very flourishing and important community. In 54 he returned to Jerusalem for the fourth time.

Paul's third missionary journey (54-58) took him to Ephesus, where he labored three years with good success; after visiting his European communities, he returned to Jerusalem for a fifth time (Pentecost, 58). There he was seized by the Jews and accused of condemning the Law. After being held as a prisoner for two years at Caesarea, he appealed to Caesar and was sent by sea to Rome (60 A.D.).

Shipwrecked and delayed on the island of Malta, he arrived at Rome in the spring of 61 and passed the next two years in easy confinement before being released. The last years of the saint's life were devoted to missionary excursions, probably including Spain, and to revisiting his first foundations. In 66 he returned to Rome, was taken prisoner, and beheaded a year later. His fourteen letters are a precious legacy; they afford a deep insight into a great soul.

Patron: Against snakes; authors; Cursillo movement; evangelists; hailstorms; hospital public relations; journalists; lay people; missionary bishops; musicians; poisonous snakes; public relations personnel; public relations work; publishers; reporters; rope braiders; rope makers; saddlemakers; saddlers; snake bites; tent makers; writers; Malta; Rome; Poznan, Poland; newspaper editorial staff, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Diocese of Covington, Kentucky; Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama; Diocese of Las Vegas, Nevada; Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island; Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Symbols: Book and sword, three fountains; two swords; scourge; serpent and a fire; armour of God; twelve scrolls with names of his Epistles; Phoenix; palm tree; shield of faith; sword; book.

Often portrayed as: Thin-faced elderly man with a high forehead, receding hairline and long pointed beard; man holding a sword and a book; man with 3 springs of water nearby;