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FER TH' LAN' S SAKE
When Spain went that-a-way after terrorists bombed their railway terminal area in Madrid, they dishonored those who died in the cowardly attack.
They gave in right away and withdrew their, more or less, token troops from the conflict in Iraq. I don't think the move came as much of a surprise to anyone, including the bulk of the Spanish people and their rulers.
Few people thought of their move of three hundred armed men as being sufficient to influence the affairs of the world. It had served rulers well as a valued purpose when they had joined. It was good politics in Spain to sign up with the winner of the Gulf War and to associate with the major nations concerning potential rewards which may accrue to those gathered together firmly in the future. With the first opposition the same Spanish leaders saw it as time to use withdrawal to political advantage, as well. The civic cycle is complete and the only ones who were hurt were the Spanish people.
They were hurt far worst than they realized and that moment of troop withdrawal of troops from Iraq. For the first time in many decades it appeared from the people of Spain finally had rulers who had ideals and sincerely wanted to be active citizens with a hand in world affairs, however small. It proved to be more dangerous than anticipated, and when the enemy hit in Madrid it was to home-town political advantage to switch sides.
I am reminded of an old Appalachain hillbilly chief's words spoken within my hearing: “In you ain't fer me; you aire agin' me! Don't 'xpect no favors!”
In the Terrorist Wars of our time, there can be no neutrals.
The government of Spain has doomed its citizens to be outside and
undeserving of any of the larger work Mutual
advantages are now all suspect which thus places the nation under increased danger..
The Phillipines now think that same to be a valid one as well, and are in the process of withdrawing their handful of troops from Iraq as well. They are doing so because one of their number was kidnapped and beheaded by Iraqi criminals. On the positive side it appears that several other small nations who are supporting the coalition in Iraq by their steadfast, and firm resolve to stay for the duration of the need. We should be especially thankful for such support from smaller nations and stand ready to assist them in their needs for standing fast as friends in our time of need.
Bulgaria, Poland and others are with us in a sincere resolve to sustain the proudly held seeds of greatness in their own lands.
a.l.m. July 23, 2004 [c462wds]
