March 15, 2004

Spain again...

I'm in a bit of a surfing mood tonight - looking for other people's writings on the events in Spain. It used to be a great nation - full of fire, passion, spirit and pride. For good reason. It had lots to offer. Now, it showed the world that one attack from a nameless, faceless terrorist group and its population will roll over and vote an appeaser into office. I really feel sorry for the new Prime Minister because his life is going to get very complicated very quickly... The Politburo Diktat has a wonderful remembrance of Dolores Ibarruri -- the Pasionara and what Spain was once: bq. During the Spanish Civil War Ibárruri was the chief propagandist for the Republicans. On 18th July, 1936, she ended a radio speech with the words: bq. "The fascists shall not pass! No Pasaran". bq. This phrase eventually became the battle cry for the Republican Army. In another speech she declared at a meeting for women: bq. "It is better to be the widows of heroes than the wives of cowards!" bq. In September 1936 Ibárruri was sent to France and Belgium to rally support for the Republic. At one meeting she used the phrase: bq. "the Spanish people would rather die on its feet than live on its knees." bq. She became a member of the committee designated to administer funds sent to Spain by the Comintern. Ibárruri was also involved in the destruction of the Worker's Party (POUM) and the dismissal of Francisco Largo Caballero and Juan Peiro from the government and supported the appointment of Juan Negrin as prime minister. bq. Aged 93, Dolores Ibarruri died of pneumonia on 12th November, 1989. bq. She died again on Sunday. I could not have said this any better myself. My only hope is for a quick awakening and a wonderful renaissance. Posted by DaveH at March 15, 2004 9:35 PM