Three Days in Spain (Will Pitt)

[DemoTex]

The winds of change are blowing furiously through Spain today, as terrorism and war take center stage for the first time since September 11 as the determining factors in a democratic election.

It began in horror with the bombing of Spanish commuter trains and the deliberate slaughter of 200 people on Thursday. Thousands more were wounded in the blasts, and the entirety of the nation was hurled into the blackest mourning. The government of Jose Maria Aznar has attempted to connect the bombings to the Basque separatist group ETA, but evidence - including a videotaped claim of responsibility - is pointing towards al Qaeda as the perpetrators.

The reasons Aznar's government wanted to see the attacks connected to ETA instead of al Qaeda were found in the streets of Spain by the thousands on the Saturday after the bombs went off. Madrid was awash with protesters demanding answers from Aznar as to who was responsible. They thronged the streets holding signs reading 'Paz,' and carried a banner reading 'Your War, Our Corpses.' There were protests in Andalucia, Barcelona and other cities, as well. If the attacks could be connected to ETA, the resulting fury would be directed towards the Basque separatists. If the attack was perpetrated by al Qaeda, however, that fury would roar towards Aznar himself. (More)

http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/031504A.shtml

[revcarol]

1. The Spanish showed such courage,

going to the polls when they didn't know if another attack would take place there and not just hiding out refusing to vote.

I do not hesitate to say that if our election had been held 9/13, that most Americans would have stayed home.

Hi, DemoTex!!:hi: How are you?

[bemildred]

2. Reminds me a bit of Venezuela in April 2002. nt

[DemoTex]

3. Sadly, Rev, you are correct (IMHO)

I'm du-ing great, Carol. How about you? I am on pins-and-needles about what Rove will do to win the November election. However, I keep posting amazing anecdotes about people - all sorts of people here in the NC mountains - who are fed up with Bu$h.

[revcarol]

5. Unemployment high around your area? Do the people there depend on

tourists? The high gas prices might keep many home. Glad you're doing OK anyway. I'm still working for PROGRESSIVES.

[fishnfla]

4. "terrorism, slaughter, and fear owned the ballot boxes"

thats pretty strong stuff, "horrifying" is a perfect word to describe it.

[Zomby Woof]

6. Great piece!

I am acquainted with Laurin Suiter, who helped with some material for it. Nice guy I hear!

[DemoTex]

8. You are right ZW. That Laurin Suiter gets reseach done fast!

The writers' friend. Who do think that guy might be?
:evilgrin:

[cdeca]

7. Great Read

Great read as usual (I have been lurking for a long time). I really like the last line!