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AO Director L. Ralph Mecham called the achievement a " near miracle " and " perhaps the greatest legislative achievement " in his tenure at the AO . One is given by various extremists who see Aristide as the representative of a " remarkably advanced " array of grass-roots organizations ( Lavalas ) that gave the large majority of the population a " considerable voice in local affairs " and even in national politics ( Americas Watch ) ; and who were impressed by Aristide 's domestic policies as he " acted quickly to restore order to the government 's finances " after taking power when " the economy was in an unprecedented state of disintegration " Unquestionably there is an inherent tendency to revert to savagery and to cast aside the shackles of civilization which are irksome to their physical nature . " absurdity " of Medellin 's statements freeing Harding of responsibility for the letter , and attacks the letter itself as exhibiting on Harding 's part a " bullheaded approach to the District Director , who had no prior knowledge of the matter " ( Brief at 25 ) . Calling a political aide a " goon " after the aide restrained the reporter from contacting a county commissioner is not defamatory , a New Mexico appellate court ruled on March 12 .