One of the leaders of Spain ‘ s new political party Podemos was asked about the future of Catalonia.
“The people of Catalonia should be able to decide whether they want independence on their own,” the fellow announced brightly. And it’s such an accessible, easy concept that everybody gets warm and fuzzy feelings upon hearing it. To hell with what the constitution says, to hell with complexities and ramifications. People should decide, how can this possibly be wrong?
The same kind of crap goes across the ocean. Just cancel birthright citizenship, what can be easier than that? And to hell with the constitution because it isn’t like anybody has got the time to read that ancient thing.
Voters are desperate for somebody who will stop reminding them of the world’s inevitable complexity and will, instead, offer a simple fairy tale where everything is always good and nothing is ever bad.
Tax the evil banksters and give everybody a lot of free money! Build a big wall and make Mexicans pay for it! Whoever said that politics was hard? Just go by whatever feels right and try not to overthink it.
Clarissa's Blog 
He obviously said that in the hopes to gain votes from the center/center-left Catalans in the next election, and making alliances with the Catalan independent parties that represent these people.
Talking about Spain, you have heard about the death of Chirbes, right? It’s very sad. Especially since his most recent novels are so much better than the earlier books I read from him.
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What? ???? Chirbes died???? I had no idea. Oh God.
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Have you noticed that you always inform me of deaths? That’s eerie. 🙂
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Really? Do I? Brrr… I mentioned this only to read your reaction. I was pretty sure that you knew already. But yes… he died.
I read about it because I am glued to Spanish newspapers, preparing my syllabus for my (very) contemporary Spanish culture course. I will focus on music and graphic novels, and to a lesser extent television and movies.
So far from my field of expertise, but I enjoy the many readings tremendously.
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This sounds like a great course!
I’m away on vacation so I don’t follow the news as much. It’s so sad. He had to write one more novel to end his trilogy. 😦
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Oh yes… I mentioned the death of Jacques Parizeau a couple of months ago. Brrr…
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And Roberto Bolano. And Maria Rosa.
But it’s not your fault. I’m the one who’s always out of things.
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And Mario Rosa… Wow. Soy el mensajero de la muerte.
Have fun in Florida!
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