The Honduras coup is a sign: the radical tide can be turned, (excerpt), by Seumas Milne, Manchester Guardian, Aug 13, 09

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/12/honduras-coup-democracy-barack-obama

If this were Burma or Iran the assault on democracy would be a global cause celebre. Instead, Obama is sitting on his hands



...the overthrow of democratic government in Honduras has a significance that goes far beyond its own borders. If the takeover is allowed to stand, not only will it embolden coup-minded military officers in neighbouring countries such as Guatemala, act as a warning to weaker progressive governments and strengthen oligarchies across the continent. It would also send an unmistakable signal that the radical social and political process that has been unleashed in Latin America – the most hopeful development in global politics in the past two decades – can be halted and reversed. Relying on Obama clearly isn't an option: only Latin Americans can defend their own democracy.