U.S. says Panama’s choice of top lawmaker a problem – Reuters (9/13/07)

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Thursday the election to Panama’s top legislative post of a man wanted by the United States in the killing of a U.S. soldier was a “problem” for the two countries as they seek to finalize a trade deal.

Asked whether Pedro Miguel Gonzalez should step down after being elected as head of the National Assembly earlier this month, Gutierrez said the issue was a “problem (that) needs to be addressed by the government of Panama.”

Now Gonzalez was acquitted after a trial in Panama. The U.S. still wants him. While I take no position on his guilt or innocence, I will note that we’re simultaneously rejecting the choice of Panamanians in a free and fair election and ignoring the results of a trial.

Lesson learned? Democracy and justice are only eligible to be delivered at the point of automatic weapons and in the shadows of smart bombs. Silly Panamanians, we’ll free you when we’re good and ready. Now go wait behind the Palestinians and be patient.