Heck, I'm of Spaniard descent (though born an American citizen, no dual loyalty, believe me) and I'm quite ashamed of what the Spaniards did in that election.
But thank you for your post. Remember, they made that decision in the trauma of a very recent terrorist attack, all polls indicate they WERE going to reelect Aznar (sp?), and it seems clear to me from this article that more than a few of them are beginning to regret that choice. I hope Freepers will have enough forgiveness and class in their hearts to welcome Spain as allies again without too much resentment, SHOULD Spain earn it by kicking Zapatero out in the next election.
Yeah, they screwed up, but they -did- hang with us for the first phase of it, their support was considered the 4th most important in the world at the time, and one bad election after a terrorist attack (and who knows that kind of voter fraud the commies over there are capable of, too) shouldn't render them the moral equivalents of the French. They don't deserve that. NO ONE deserves that.
Qwinn
Hmm...how can the French not be the moral equivalent of the French?
Yeah, the Spaniard are close to 50% conservative, much like the US. Don't write those folk off.
our tent is large and we always welcome like-minded souls, even if there is a little bit of disagreement.
Spain punked out.
When they elected to choose Zapatero as their representative they encouraged terrorists worldwide in the belief they could successfully alter a Government's foreign policy through threat or practice of violence. I put that on par with France's actions throughout the last few years.
However, we're a forgiving people. If they toss him out in the next election, they'll be accepted back on a conditional basis. The condition being they must prove they won't run at the next display of intimidation.
I do note about a third did not vote for Zapatero. I also note the bravery of the troops that did serve, and whatever their views, hold them with respect for that service. And, I remain fond of Aznar.
But I am immensely enjoying G.W.'s treatment of Zapatero. LOL
Qwinn - Also, the Spainish MEDIA was spinning AGAINST USA/Iraq at the time (pre-election/train bombing)!
Spain is irrelevant!
Podia haber sido, no cera ahora es nada!!!
Aznar himself wasn't in the running, IIRC. His party's candidate was defeated by the socialists after the Madrid bombings.
Prairie
Sorry, Zapatero dug his own grave. Receiving forgiveness from President Bush would only help Zapatero politically. The rift should remain for as long as Zapatero is in office. President Bush and his supporters have no falling out with the Spanish people.
Quinn:
what percentage of the population is MOOOOslim, and what impact do they presently have on politics?
THIS FReeper will welcome Spain back with open arms; ONCE they kick that communist POS out of office. Until then, Spain will get what it deserves.
Sheesh people... AZNAR WAS NOT RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION!