Obiter dictum
Obiter dictum
Only
A thought
“The world would be a better place if all simply found their spot in the sun, ate their greens, and agreed to live and let live.” From The Wisdom of RC Cat. (Image ©, but feel free to spread the words.)
I remember. The terrifying rumble as the sidewalk shook under my feet as, just inches away, the tank bullied it’s way down the normally busy street in Madrid.
“Don’t look! Don’t make eye contact. Don’t.”
“The men in black – Guardia Civil – they have the right. To shoot anyone anyplace at will. And they do.”
Those that have the guns make the rules.
Silent, we huddled. Waiting for the trembling to stop. The street? Or our legs?
Across the street barbed wire strangled University.
Passed and past.
Yet now.
- “Catalonia civil war warning as independence declaration fears grow” (Historical Timeline from 1469)
- “Catalonian referendum violence plunges EU into crisis as 90% of voters back independence.”
- “Catalonia referendum: Spain apologizes to inured Catalans” (But it’s their own fault for holding an election…BBC news)
The young are fearless. The brave, determined. Gambling to save heritage, be liberated from an oppressive government, and be free to set their own course. (Sounds a bit familiar)
Be safe, my friends and colleagues in Barcelona. Take care.
The whole world is watching.
Or should be…
(But you know, there’s baseball playoffs, millionaire entertainers may kneel, quarterbacks insulting women, some celebrity’s bound to be having a baby or a divorce, and all sorts of people sticking their nose in other people’s business. Not to mention stupid Tweet wars…)
Rumblings
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
(As approved by RC Cat. She’s a cat. It’s Catalonia. Her interest should not need explanation.)
“If they would even do one of three…but We fear Our efforts are wasted.” (Image ©.)
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15 Comments
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Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
I remember being in Madrid in the mid-seventies when Franco was still alive and in power. There were a number of buildings that were guarded by men with automatic weapons who looked ready to use them. In many ways, we regress or at least don’t progress.
janet
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We could have passed on the streets.
And people wonder why much of Spanish art is dark and grim. There’s something about tanks on the street and dangerous men without any restraints holding guns.
Deja vu all over again.
Thanks for walking along
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Terrible what’s happened in Spain. Though we all hope for peace in this world, we seem to never get closer to it.
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Some are calling Spain’s actions a “medieval response.” Impact and implications are pretty big across the globe.
It does seem like an endless loop – knowing history or not. Until it is held universally that killing others is wrong, we may be in for a rough ride.
The cat’s got it right?
Thanks for peace-ing a comment together.
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Thank you for this Latin lesson. I have another phrase to add to my tiny Latin vocabulary. I know about the civil unrest in Catalonia, but I don’t know about the Tweet wars. Guess I’m not up-to-date about what really matters.
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Maybe tweets are like a tree falling in the forest: not making a sound exist if no one is there. We can only hope.
You make Eleanor Rosevelt and Socrates proud. RC Cat is thrilled you are responding to her classical tutoring, too. (She has hope yet for humans.)
Thanks for translating ideas into a comment to leave.
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It’s a shame when a cat has more common sense than people.
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“But predictable,” sniffs any cat you encounter. Hope we can claw our way to sanity someday.
Thanks for giving a memorable meow
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I first arrived in Madrid when Franco was alive but had turned over power to his son. I’ll never forget going through customs, and having a soldier pick up a piece of clothing from my suitcase with the end of his gun. When I learned later, at my hotel, that no good restaurants started serving until about 9 p.m., I asked if it would be safe to be on the streets at that hour. I was told there would be no problem, and later I saw why: soldiers every half block with their very large guns prominently displayed, and their eyes everywhere.
Those three photos that are linked at the bottom? The one on the left? Give it another casual glance, and see if you can figure out why I howled with laughter while I thought, “Oh, my!”
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The world is a much different place than what mot people here realize or experience. Travel – economy style without guide or group is certainly and education.
During Franco’s time and a bit later, it was boasted that a woman could walk anywhere alone after dark and not fear. That was true – but the reason was grim and unsettling.
(Oh, snort! Hilarious.WP computer program is a busy little one.)
Thanks for packing in a comment
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The opinions of RC Cat are always impressive, but this one is to be cherished and, if only we could, emulated.
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Seems you and I have the same view of overpaid, talentless, “sportsmen & women” “celebrities” et al’
I’m inclined to switch off and shut down at the first hint of one appearing in my hearing or vision.
Never been fond of the Spaniards, and it’s nothing to do with the Armada, Gloriana took care of that.
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I think you’re a very wise kitty, RC, live and let live, is our motto too ❤ Pawkisses for a Peaceful Day 🙂 ❤
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I’m with the cat….:)
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Snoops and Kommando Kitty are in total agreement with RC Cat. As am I
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