Re: Basque

RE: [spiers] Re: Basque

This is all very interesting as i am currently walking el camino por santiago
and have gone through some of the basque country. i wondered about all the
political grafiti, posters etc. my spanish is poor, so could not grasp it all,
and of course, could not understand.

linda


martin@mendiola.us wrote:
Luis,

With all due respect, specially since we are probably neighbors in Miami, I just
got back from Gernika and Bilbao last night and the Basque people want
independence. Not necessarily for the same reasons that John may think (I
disagree with a lot of what he says and believes, but always find his comments
interesting and thought provoking) but they still see themselves as being the
mouth of the cow that gets milked in Madrid. Along with what they feel has been
oppression from past governments there are many other non-political reasons the
Basque seek independence. In his book The Basque History of the World, Mark
Kurlansky indirectly points out many of these reasons. Lets not forget that the
concept of a Basque country crosses the Pyrennees into France.

The political situation in Spain is interesting to say the least. They have a
tremendous immigration problem. "A la" Jimmy Carter with the Mariel Boatlift
from Cuba, Zapatero has sort of opened its borders creating a major influx of
what are rapidly becoming "undesirables". There is an increase in reported
government and corporate corruption. During my visit, there was a major scandal
involving over 350,000 investors that got pulled into by a major scam. It is a
time of caution for Spaniards. Up to now they have been "recipients" of funds
from the European Union, as more (poor) countries come aboard and the roles
reverse to where they become "contributors", the economic boom will begin to
slow down or end. The European Union has already voted to withhold wine
subsidies which will impact Portugal much more than Spain, but this should be a
warning.

Towns like Gernika (known for the famous Picaso painting) were experiencing
tremendous construction and real estate price increases. As of 5 days ago, real
estate prices were not just leveling off, but actually coming down with a BIG
drop in sales. Those who used to be strong Socialist Party supporters are
beginning to wonder. They also realize there may be a small window of
opportunity for them to gain complete independence since an economic slow down
and mistakes made in Catalunya will cause reactionary shifts in government due
to public pressure. (This last statement may give some insight as to John's
comments regarding more communist countries becoming independent).


I find the current situation in Spain quite interesting, it may be provide a
"faster" indication as to where the US economy is headed since there are many
similarities. Tremendous expansion in construction and real estate prices where
the youth cannot afford housing and live off credit cards, lack of innovation
and "product" creation, globalization and an abundance of jobs that were once
considered desirable and respectable (ie: restaurant and hotel employees) filled
by immigrants, since natives do not want them.

My two cents worth turned to be more like a dime. Good luck and take care,


Martin Mendiola
305-445-2525
Martin@Mendiola.US


> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [spiers] Re: All Hail Montenegro!
> From: "spiersegroups"
> Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
>
> Luis,
>
> In principle, the moment a majority wants independece, ought they not be
afforded it,
> regardless of history? In practice, independence rarely is based on majority
rule,
> rather 40% for, 40% against, and 20% undecided. The undecided 20% is won over
by
> politics. Thus it was in USA independence movement.
>
> As to violence, I am with you, it is abhorrent. I think the mistake the
confederates
> made in the USA was to resort to violence. Better to be like Montenegro, or
Singapore
> or Norway... all gained independence non-violently. Certainly Canada gained
> independence from England nonviolently. It seems to me violence is introduced
by
> thugs who use the good of independence to put a halo on their crimes.
>
> John
> --- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
> >
> > Dear John
> >
> > Basques (Vascos) are a part of Spain since the origins of Iberia (Spain)
> > They are free since they have their autonomy, their local goverment, their
> > Parliament, their local police, etc, and most of the Basques like what they
have
> > since they feel Spaniards, .but few nationalists plus the ETA terrorists it
> > means something close but not exactly the same that a Federal State as
could be
> > Florida or New York States. If you need further information, please let me
> > know and with pleasure I will provide it.
> >
> > Sincerely
> >
> > Luis Cabo
> > Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> > Cell 786 4730868
> > email: Luis1467@...
> > email:luis.cabo001@...

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