The whites [translation note: this refers to marchers in favor of Micheletti wearing white, who are also much more likely to be whiter in racial terms than the side of the people] went on their marches today, as did we of course, but with big differences. The detail that most caught my eye was that the aerial views of the white were recycled this time. I'm not saying people didn't come, obviously they have they ability to summon crowds. Now that the document date June 26th has come to light, seeking the "collaboration" of all the companies and organizations within the industrial association to support the "search" for democratic "solutions" to the theme of the fourth ballot box. This letter was sent out two days before the coup.

The center of the city was filled with white dance groups and pop bands that sang about peace and democracy. Talking with various people who went to march last Friday, I realized that a lot of people decided not to go to this march, "because things have gotten complicated" and they are not ready to sacrifice their life for Mel or Micheletti. In the end that was the difference. They are not ready to sacrifice (at least not at the moment); we are. It was interesting to me how, as I went down Guanacaste to get a better angle to film the march, lots of care hurriedly fled the parking lot of the Más por Menos supermarket, fearing the arrival of the rebellion, since the press paints us as bloodthirsty ogres intent on destroying morality and respect. "Why can't they protest respectfully," asked Cardinal Rodriguez on the TVC news without mentioning that he himself had been the focus of condemnation after threatening bloodshed this past Sunday.

Today's march started in the same place as the previous five marches, the Universidad Pedagógica. This time we were joined for the first time by First Lady Xiomara Castro who told the press that they could not go on hiding when the people were risking their lives for democracy and announced that, from this day on, she would be marching with the people. I have to admit that I don't much like the way in which certain Liberal Party figures are trying to position themselves within the marches, trying to be seen and recorded to appear as leaders or organizers of the resistance; I can already see them in the future using this crisis to seek elected office or trying to cover up their corruption scandals with political amnesty. I can't stand them. But something is different about the wife of Zelaya, because even her actions have an air of charity, I believe she is acting sincerely. Anyway, the thing is that the producer of the videos I'm making gave me shit for refusing to videotape her press conference. I simply believe that all this belongs to the people, not to those who have maintained power all this time, doing precious little for the poor. The National Commissioner of Human Rights confirmed to the press that the bullets used by the army last Sunday were rubber bullets. The public human rights attorney, inspecting the scene, found 170 M-16 bullet shell casings. Micheletti announced in a press conference that he would go to Costa Rica to negotiate a possible amnesty for Mel Zelaya. Hillary Clinton said that aim of the meeting would be to return Zelaya to the presidency (with necessary limits). The people are tired, we all want this to end soon. But no one is changing their position. Next Thursday President Zelaya and Micheletti will meet in Costa Rica, with Oscar Arias mediating. I have never trusted Arias, his positions have always been very right-wing for my taste, but he seems to be the ideal mediator at this moment. The Honduran people are waiting to see what comes out of these meetings. From them we will know if Mel is with those who have given everything for his presidency, or if he is just another one who betrayed us.

Regardless:
They will not win!