Mark Steyn: The Spanish dishonoured their dead

The Telegraph (U.K.) ^ | 03/16/04 | Mark Steyn

[MEG33]

I almost added that...for the sake of the world.

[My2Cents]

I think the reference to civil war in Europe is to the inevitable clash between a growing Muslim population and traditional Europeans.

[hosepipe]

So much for the Spanish machismo. The next running of the Bulls... the bulls just might interested in mateing not running.. Poor Spaniards.. they just became FRENCHMEN...

[My2Cents]

We're on the same wavelength, then.

[Paleo Conservative]

There are strong horses and weak horses, but right now western Europe is looking like a dead horse.

Steyn hits the nail on the head again.

[Jaded]

Most excellent.

[Dog Gone]

Steyn says what we all would want to say, if only we were talented enough to say it.

[Gritty]

BTTT

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

See this:

The New Spanish Peseta (Currency for the "Coalition of the Wilting")

[Wild Irish Rogue]

The entire country of Spain is now an OJ Jury.

[foreshadowed at waco]

I loved this article...great writing as usual...but I saw the elections a little differently...not sure of the final stats but prior to the election 80% or more of the population of Spain was against the War in Iraq whereas the election results were closer to 65%/35%...that might mean that many people shifted after the attack to taking a stronger position on terrorism.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Actually if an attack happens this year in the US, it will likely come sooner, rather than later. They know that after any attack their will be a reactionary bounce in support of Bush, but over time such bounces fade as the media and Dems find holes, excuses, and myths to pound.

Do they know that? Do the terrorists see any difference between Spaniards and Americans? Or do they think that, if terrorism just before the election could turn the Spanish government in their favor, the same will work in the U.S.?

[Scenic Sounds]

It seems to me that there is a danger of exaggerating the importance of this election result. So far as I can tell, Zapatero is planning to maybe withdraw Spain's 1,300 troops from in June from Iraq if the UN doesn't ask that they stay.

Sounds like Spain is going unilateralist on us.

So, why is everyone freaking out? ;-)

[FairOpinion]

"There are strong horses and weak horses, but right now western Europe is looking like a dead horse."

===

Priceless and very true statement.

Bin Laden used the strong horse weak horse analogy on a tape and now they see it proven, that Europe is a very weak horse indeed, soon to be a dead horse.

Surrender only encourages the terrorists.

[Dog Gone]

I'd like to think that this election was an aberration, much like the 2000 election here which was influenced by the well-timed DWI arrest.

In hindsight, it would have been better if the Spanish government postponed the election for a couple of weeks, at least. Sunday was no time for a reasoned voted. It was a reaction.

[omniscient]

"So, why is everyone freaking out? ;-)"

You were being sarcastic, right? If not, you would be right at home with Kerry's feeling that this whole terrorist thing is "exaggerated."

[JSloth]

"Poor Spaniards.. they just became FRENCHMEN..."

My thoughts exactly. Pathetic and disgusting.

[Scenic Sounds]

Well, no, I don't think either of us should think that the problems we face with terrorism can be exaggerated. But I don't believe that either the War on Terrorism or the War in Iraq will be won or lost depending on whether Spain withdraws 1,300 troops from Iraq in June.

Maybe I'm just more confident than you are about our ability to handle the Iraqi situation on our own. ;-)

[metesky]

Excellent Steyn.

Thanks, Pokey.

[Irene Adler]

Steyn's brain must just be really, really good at making play-on-words connections. It's a considerable talent. I think up a good one only once in a very blue moon.

Oh, how I hope Steyn stays safe and healthy. Would not like to lose him as we lost Michael Kelly.