Mark Steyn: The Spanish dishonoured their dead

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

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Wonder why they didn't do that?

Maybe some legality in their parlimentary structure.

That is an idea, we should add some clause to our election laws for an automatic postponement for a fixed time period if some foreign force trys this kind of terror tactic to influence our elections!!

[Dog Gone]

I think it makes sense. Such a law might be subject to abuse if not written correctly because it could be manipulated for political advantage.

Spain is going to have buyers' remorse. I sense that. But without a mechanism to postpone a scheduled election, I don't think there's much choice. Such a law would have to be carefully written and until 9/11 it was totally unneeded.

[KriegerGeist]

'But I don't understand the reference to civil war."

Me either. I think that France and even England are going to become Islamic states just by them both finding themselves overwhelmed buy a majority Islamic population...then come the arms secretly shipped in and vo-wah-la...the Islamofascists take over and rule and enslave or murder those that will not convert to Islam.

[omniscient]

Exactly. When I look at the combination of demographics and non-existent immigration controls, I don't see how this isn't inevitable. We are living at the tail end of the golden age of civilization, before the return of the barbarian hordes.

[nutmeg]

bttt

[blanknoone]

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

That still doesn't explain it...it takes two sides to fight. I ain't seen no, and don't see no signs of, fight in the Euroweenies. There won't be a fight...just a surrender ceremony. Quite possibly after a vote like the one we just witnessed.

Ironically, Serbia will likely be the last bastion of Christianity in Europe. While I don't approve of the way they dealt with the Muslims, they're the only ones who recognize the threat and are willing to fight. The only possible addition is the Poles. Both nations have a long history of resistance to Islamic invaders.

[Right_in_Virginia]

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

BUMP!

[livius]

A very good analysis.

However, the PP was predicted to have a very handy win, and I'm sure they would have, because the Iraq war flap had basically died down, the economy was great, and for the first time since 1898 (when Spain lost Cuba to the US), Spain felt good about itself.

I think people actually had shifted their position and were agressive about confronting terrorism, and if the election had been held a week later (that is, postponed), most Spaniards would have come to their senses. But they were grabbed by the Socialists immediately and intimidated, particularly with the rent-a-mob scenario of Saturday night/Sunday morning, and they never had a chance.

I think they're regretting it even as we speak.

And I think this is something that we have to keep in mind for November here in the US.

[prairiebreeze]

I've been expecting to read Steyn's comments. He does NOT disappoint. Excellence, pure excellence.

Prairie

[irv]

I very much doubt whether March 11 will be a day that will live in infamy. Rather, March 14 seems likely to be the date bequeathed to posterity, in the way we remember those grim markers on the road to conflagration through the 1930s, the tactical surrenders that made disaster inevitable

Ah, yes. He's right. The Spanish terror attack could have been their 911, but instead the election was their Munich.

[livius]

Spain is already having buyer's remorse.

But unless the Socialists can't form a coalition to govern, they're stuck with Zap and friends. What a nightmare.

[irv]

That still doesn't explain it...it takes two sides to fight. I ain't seen no, and don't see no signs of, fight in the Euroweenies.

They won't fight the Islamists. They'll fight each other. The European Union grows stronger every day, and every day different factions (such as France and Germany) search for ways to ensure that it serves only their interests.

Look for the EU to collapse in Civil War inside 10 years. And don't expect them to be "civilized" about it. It will be interesting to see how many Islamic revolutions take place during the chaos.

[prairiebreeze]

This is about so much more than Iraq. It's mind-boggling to consider that folks don't understand that....

Prairie

[LibertarianLiz]

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

Great quote. Anybody but me a little worried about the end of October 2004? Just before our elections?

[lainde]

bump and thanks!

[prairiebreeze]

I think they're regretting it even as we speak.

I've been wondering if that might be setting in. Do you see this possibly translating into the new Socialist party taking a stronger stance against terrorism, Iraq, etc. instead of, well, being the wimps they've demonstrated so far?

Prairie

[Ramonan]

This is what John Kerry wants for America: Gutless wonders pleading for mercy from Islamic fascists who are not about to grant Mercy.

[wimpycat]

OUCH! Put some ice on it, Euromocos. This has to be a Mark Steyn top 10 column.

[Dog Gone]

Look for the EU to collapse in Civil War inside 10 years.

I'd wager against that. Seriously, the worst of the EU is too wimpy to even fight. The can't we all get along mentality of the Scandanavian nations is spectacular.

I think the EU might collapse, but it won't be for military reasons.

[Doc On The Bay]

OK; The Noble People of Spain have "Opted Out of" the WAR against the International Terrorists!

SO BE IT!!

IF Madrid is rendered "Radioactive Waste,"--it's THEIR Problem!!

"America" NOW OWES "Spain,"--PRECISELY NOTHING!!

IF--"God Help Us,--The "Terrorists" attempt to Destroy "Spain," They can ONLY HOPE that "America" will Care to Help Them.