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Quote of the Day: Last Words to the Firing Squad
The Spanish Civil War gets short shrift in many history books and classes. Perhaps some of the best last words ever came out of the conflict:
“I am starting to believe you are not intending to count me among your friends!” — Pedro Muñoz Seca
These were the final words of Muñoz Seca as he faced a firing squad. He was a Spanish playwright. Perhaps it should be added that he was a comic playwright. Unfortunately, funny men who are critical of communist governments usually do not live very long. Communists do not appreciate ridicule. And when a war breaks out, it’s a great time to declare martial law and get rid of those who point at you and laugh.
Muñoz Seca was brought before a court-martial, and giving a second quote of the day from a man who could be funny when facing death, he is said to have said this before the court: “You can take my hacienda, my land, my wealth, even—as you are going to do—my life. But there is one thing that you cannot take from me—the fear that I have!”
Be assured that as the communists and socialists and other fools take over this country, that we will all be going up against the wall. Let us do so in good humor as Pedro Muñoz Seca did. Let us also know, that we will not be the last up against the wall. Communist revolutions are voracious. They will soon be eating their own. Give the firing squad something to remember, as they, too, will soon face a firing squad of their own.
Published in Group Writing
One of my favorites is from the Boer War. Harry “Breaker” Morant’s last words to the firing squad right as the order to “Aim!” was given:
I love how neutral the executioners are about it. “Meh, just another day.”
The revolutionaries never consider how the revolution eats its own.
Exception? The American Revolution . . .
Here’s a more recent example:
I like the hangman in the Mel Brooks movies. That guy loved his work.
That’s because that was a different sort of Revolution. That was to retain the old laws, rights, and privileges, not overturn them.
I looked for the clip with the horse, but couldn’t find it.
I think the big can opener to take His head off is hilarious.
Yes, it is.
There is the story of St Lawrence, tortured to death tied to a spit and slow roasted over a fire. Given a final chance to tell authorities what they wanted from him, he whispered to his interrogator: “Tell him I’m done on this side.”
That’s why he’s the patron saint of comedians.
And of cooks.
And that’s how you get a river named after you.
Starting April off with the wisdom of fools.
*****
This post is part of the Quote of the Day (QOTD) Series, which is one of the group writing projects here on Ricochet. The other is the monthly group writing theme organized by @cliffordbrown, currently featuring musings from members on “Folly.” The QOTD Signup Sheet for April is here.
Exactly! And that makes us unique . . .
Indeed. The American Revolution is ill-named from a modern point of view. It was a war of independence, but even in that it was unique. The “revolutionaries” didn’t seek so much to throw off a despised foreign system as to claim and re-establish their rights under that system.
We can all visualize it.
A good review of a book on the Spanish Clvil War:
https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/arming-the-people-against-revolution/
We can all visualize it.
That’s odd.
Blazing Saddles has been around since 1975. Who hasn’t seen it 25 times? We don’t need no stinking video clips. The sheriff is near.
No, @eherring, I meant it was odd that your comment showed up twice hours apart. Note that I did not quote the same comment twice.
I see that now that you mentioned it.
I haven’t seen it. I’ve seen a few clips from it, though, and I’ve heard people talk about it.
Who has time to watch all those movies?
Who knows? If England had granted us full rights as British subjects, we might be part of the United Kingdom today . . . but noooooooo!
I miss my royalty. That’s why I secretly so admire the Bush, Clinton, and 0bama dynasties. Michelle/ Hillary in 2024!
Excellent. It’s barely on the horizon but we can already assess the blame.
Hey. I’m a monarchist. I still have my 12-piece Charles and Diana china set with tureen, and I use it every day.
Like Hillary is going to let Michelle be on top.