One year later

For anyone who's in the know are probably aware that today is the one year anniversary of the deadly March 11th Al Qaeda bombing of a Spanish commuter train, which killed some 191 people. For some time, I've had an special affinity for the people of Spain and their culture. I guess it has to with my admiration of their determination in the face of a challenge, whether it was Spain's emergence as a shining democracy out of the Franco dictatorship or their battle with the horrors of terrorists like ETA and Al Qaeda. Yes, it's true that the Socialist opposition blamed the bombing on Spain's participation in Iraq thus forcing the withdrawal of Spain's troops from Iraq but I'd blame that on the Socialist party and the adamant opposition to the war rather than cowardice or anti-American sentiment. Remember, there's a large majority of Spaniards who approved of the Popular Party and the participation of Spain in Iraq and felt it a disservice to the Spanish soldiers for the immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

Anyway, enough of Spanish politics. Let's just signify this tragedy with this stirring display. Rest in Peace you brave souls.