Support Democracy in Paraguay

From 1954 to 1989, Paraguay suffered one of the longest dictatorships in the history of the Americas. Even after the dictatorship, Paraguayans continued to vote in presidents of the same political party -- the Colorado party -- many out of fear of vengeance if they did not. Finally in 2008, the Paraguayan population, in free, democratic elections, voted in a president from a different party for the first time. On June 22, 2012 this president was forced out of his government by Congress and replaced by the vice-president from an opposing party in what many governments have recognized as a non-violent coup. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, and Mexico have suspended diplomatic ties with the coup leaders, but, up until now, the United States government has remained neutral. The possibility that the U.S. recognize the coup is very dangerous, as it would legitimize illegally removing democratically elected officials from the government and would weaken the possibility of continued democracy in Paraguay. Please urge the U.S. Congress and State Department to not recognize the coup's leadership and to make a public statement supporting legitimate democracy in Paraguay!