Help! civil liberties in Ecuador

Any input is appreciated.

We are living a dangerous time here in Ecuador. Our current president, a charismatic, socialist, populist leader is taking on morr powers. Recently, he sued (and won!) Our main newspaper for libel, when an editorial columnist questioned his actions regarding a police uprise last year.

At the time of writing, many people have been jailed for voicing opinions against him or his administration

What to do?

What a difficult situation this must be for you and all Ecuadorians. I'm very sorry it has come to this! I think it would be important to stay out of jail for the time being. It would also be important for Ecuadorians to band together. Keep an eye for any civil liberty groups that have an interest in saving your country (preferably by non-violent means.) This story has played out again and again throughout history. Even our fabled Star War literature is centered around a grab for power by maligned forces. What does a Jedi do when dark forces are crowding out the light? I think the answer might be: do what you can to lay low while feeding the resistance. Always be a force for good but also realize you won't be able to do much to help your people being in jail. Be safe, amigo! My thoughts go out to you and your people !

It would appear that there is a great unrest within this world as a whole. Governments being overthrown left and right in the middle east, and now your own problems in Ecuador. I confess to knowing little about what's going on outside of what you have written here, but it does seem socialism and dictatorships don't seem to work. Democracy, such as it is in the U. S., seems to work so long as it isnt forced. Stay safe and out of your jails down there. The solution to your problem will come I'm sure of it. Hopefully rebellion isn't the answer, though sometimes it's the only course we have to us. Best of luck and may the force be with you always

Well you can be passive(do nothing and stay out of trouble) or agressive(grab a gun and shoot the bad guys). When freedom is at stake, no sacrifice is too great imo. It's all about knowing whether your action or inaction will bring agreater good, change nothing, or worsen the situation.

Seems clear to me that opening your mouth will not only change nothing, but land you in jail, so I'd avoid that.

Manu,

I will pray for an outcome which encompasses peace and a just outcome. More than anything, I hope for safety of you and your family. Be strong in the force...

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Now, an odd thing I did notice, is how there seems to naturally stem a naturally false dichotomy when talking about things such as this. Socialism vs. Democracy, good guys vs. bad guys, malignant forces...

I do not think my president is Evil. Nor do I think democracy is the ideal form of government (though it is better than other forms out there). In short, if something were perfect, it would be in place, working perfectly. Democracy is good because it respects our human nature to want to be free to choose. Even if we choose poorly, we prefer that to being told the right thing to do all the time.

Even in Christian religions, in original sin we "choose" knowledge of right and wrong, rather than simply bask in the perfect glory of God's dictatorship! :laugh:

Our president has done some awesome things. I was one of those who voted for him, and he's reformed Social Security, Labor Laws, and helped create a housing boom. Many people respect and even love him, but of course, that is the first step a dictator takes when he is to assume power - get the people's support.

I don't think I'll be jailed simply for speaking my mind, as I am not a part of any political movement nor head of any large corporation, so my opinion is not influential in the media. But I do think the President is making a huge mistake by stepping on the toes of the Press and politican opposition. I just hope he's not trying to take us the same path as Venezuela or Cuba.

So far the corporations and banking sector has been untouched.

I'll keep you posted.

I definitely don't think one is better than the other, because you can be democratic and still social. I think every system needs to have a social aspect in one way or another to help keep the most vulnerable citizens out of harms way. But like you said, dictators seem to be bad news all around! Anytime you have a leader seeking more power and suppressing difference of opinion.. ESPECIALLY in the media.. there is cause to be wary! Again, be safe!

I think none of us know enough to really comment.... I don't, that's for sure...

One of our past Presidents, thought, in light of the Terrorist attacks on us, that certain rights should be waived...

Now, I'm not going to debate every decision made by him, he was elected to do a job, and he can be removed in the next election....

If you, or me, or anyone, was under as much scrutiny as he is, we too would be second guessed...

I don't agree with somethings my government does, I don't agree with my wife, children, parents, bosses, co-workers, or even this Temple....

But, sometimes, ya gotta stir up the status quo... Make sure that just because, "we've always done it this way", doesn't mean it is still the right way....

I've made decisions, without consulting others and they've worked, other times, they failed... And oh boy did I have egg on my face... And have to revert back, humbling, and embarrassing ....

Just keep an eye on him, watch for ulterior motives... Possibly, (and there are, trust me), there are things of which you are unaware, and maybe it is not selfish motivations....

Time will tell.....

I said something in the "handgun" thread....

As long as the rights, and considerations of the people are taken into account... And they are working for the betterment of the people, it doesn't matter which form of government is being used....

Necro-posting, haha.

I've been gone from online groups for a while, but something has recently brought me back. I said I'd keep you posted, so I guess I will.

Ecuador is thriving under our current president. Yes, he has taken some freedom from the press. But, the press was heavily controlled by financial powers too, so...

So far, things seem better off. We have more jobs, more services, things are overall better. I'm definitely re-examining my ideas on government and the hidden powers of financial institutions.

Impressive necro.

I'm curious. What action (if any) did you end up taking?