Francisco Franco, grandfather, painter

What, in your view, should we remember about Franco?

That he saved his country twice, from international communism and from the meat grinder of the Second World War. I wish he had also saved Spain from the EU, but he died too soon. Future leaders should learn from him and imitate him if our civilization is to survive.

Thank you.

Your response led me to this Wikipedia entry. During the War, Franco walked a tightrope on behalf of the Spanish people. Treatment of the Jews should be understood in the context of the Reconquista.

I wanted to add: the treatment of the Jews in 1941 did not have the same litmus-test quality it has today, because back then no one expected that an entire ethnic cleansing program was going to be implemented by the Nazis. The Germans equated the Jews with Communist International and considered them potential enemy, just like we, for example, considered the American Japanese potential enemy and interred them. When the extermination camps were discovered in 1944-45 by the Allies, it was a shock to them also.

I want to comment on this painting in particular and make you, the Gentle Freeper, love it.

First, notice the excellent treatment of still life here. The woodwork, especially, seems true to the touch, with the silvery shine of the wood aged by the hot winds. It is an old house or maybe a barn; glass isn't necessary in this warm climate and the air from the outside freely comes in.

Yet, here are the bars. The air we like; the intruder, we don't. It is against him, the burglar, one who comes in order to steal, that we guard our small possession. Communists, keep out. We got guns.

The nail on which the hare hangs is placed strategically. Perhaps, spiced meats would hang out in its place to dry and cure in the hot sun. Or maybe, garlands of garlic and peppers. This farmer has a peaceful, well organized, happy, self-sufficient, modest and proud life.

This is also a meeting of two animals, one -- once free and now dead and inside, as it is, of a cage, the other --obedient, faithful, intelligent and free to roam outside. A silent conversation is seen in the dog's quizzically twitching nose and the rigor mortis taking hold of the hare's body. Freedom and duty, loyalty and furtive curiosity, death and life are here. Observe. It is a great painting indeed.

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