This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Although "Nobody expects the Spanish Revolution" is an irresistible headline, I want it known for the record that I'm still not expecting it, despite the news of large protests in Spain. Fact is, since Franco died, Spain has pretty much been a democracy--and it's headed for an election. It's apt to be quite free and fair. If there's a change of government, it will not be owed to a "revolution," but to a vote. According to the polls, it's the socialists who will lose.
The BBC is breathlessly describing these as "echoe[s] of the pro-democracy rallies that revolutionized Egypt." Well, in as much as they're rallies, yes, and there were rallies in Egypt recently, yes, I guess they're the same. Kind of the way tapas are an echo of felafel. I suppose the difference is that the protesters in Egypt faced a very high likelihood of being shot, and had no recourse to the ballot box. Apart from that--yes, same thing.
Oh, and the pro-democracy rallies don't seem to have revolutionized Egypt, or at least, the revolutionary rallies don't seem to have democratized it. But apart from that, the BBC's insight is impeccable.
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Jul '10
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Oh yes, as I expected when Zapatero came to power, they have ruined the Spanish economy. And it normally would not have been that easy to do.
Jul '10
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Yeap...
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Wow. Someone just sent me a message on Twitter telling me--indignantly--that Franco is still alive.
Okan, are we the only ones left in the world who are old enough to get that joke?
Oct '10
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Okan Altiparmak
Oh yes, as I expected when Zapatero came to power, they have ruined the Spanish economy. And it normally would not have been that easy to do. · May 18 at 5:36am
That's okay with them. Socialist failure validates the need for more and better socialism. Lest we forget, we have the BBC.
I lost track of the BBC while I was in partying in college. Before there was an internet, it wasn't so easy to follow their evolution from afar. Claire, when did the BBC derail? I recall a vastly competent organization in the 70s and early 80s.
Edited on May 18, 2011 at 6:42amDec '10
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Claire Berlinski, Ed.: Wow. Someone just sent me a message on Twitter telling me--indignantly--that Franco is still alive.
Okan, are we the only ones left in the world who are old enough to get that joke? · May 18 at 6:14am
Which Franco would still be considered alive? The retired Mets relief pitcher?
Mar '11
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Claire Berlinski, Ed.: Wow. Someone just sent me a message on Twitter telling me--indignantly--that Franco is still alive.
Okan, are we the only ones left in the world who are old enough to get that joke? · May 18 at 6:14am
Nope, I remember watching as a college student the original SNL "weekend news" with Chevy Chase where the phrase "Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead" originated.
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Jan '11
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Well, you and Chevy Chase, at least.
May '10
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Claire Berlinski, Ed.
But apart from that, the BBC's insight is impeccable. ·
Hey, at least we finally found some common ground with the BBC.
Apr '11
Re: This Just In: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is Still Dead
Claire Berlinski, Ed.: Wow. Someone just sent me a message on Twitter telling me--indignantly--that Franco is still alive.
Okan, are we the only ones left in the world who are old enough to get that joke? · May 18 at 6:14am
Maybe ACORN registered him to vote.