How often do you snap a pic of a nation's president fleeing in a helicopter as 100,000 people wait below to lynch him? In South America, about once a month or so (thanks to Clarin for the pic!). Today, former President of Ecuador Gutierrez left his post abruptly, and via the skyway as seen above.
I'm more than happy that I'm not anywhere near Ecuador right now.
The scoop from Liz, my travel buddy máxima, is that this president is a crook who took power by a coup and bribed the poor to get elected. Well, the folks in Quito where specifically opposed to this guy, and it seems like the just "took the power back," as it where.
CNN leads with the story right now (though msnbc is not carrying it at all!), and says this of the current situation:
Thousands of demonstrators packed the Plaza of Independence in the capital city, Quito, waving flags in celebration shortly after the unicameral Congress held a special session and voted 62-0 to remove Gutierrez... Other demonstrators blocked the road to Quito's airport to try to prevent Gutierrez from leaving the country.
Looks like he's gonna pay up for fixing the supreme court after all. Should be an interesting situation in the next few hours, as military officials try to find their newly deposed and oft-slippery president.
¡destruya los papeles y huya el palacio presidencial!
I've been waiting to say that in an appropriate context since 8th grade spanish, when I thought that and "yo quiero los pantalones blancos." were both extremely hilarious phrases.
Sincerely,
Andy
Posted by: Andy S. | April 28, 2005 at 09:32 AM
You are so far removed from reality. If South America had one President removed from power each month, there would have been at least 22 Presidents last year. However that is not true.
Say the things are they are and do not exaggerate please. Contrary, to what you think I would love to be right now in Ecuador, because is a beautiful country and the people there are very friendly.
Posted by: Fernando Andres Perez | April 25, 2005 at 10:24 PM