Spain Goin' Ham

On March 29th a general strike was called for by Spain's two main trade unions, UGT and CCOO, in response to a recent overhaul of labor laws that make it easier for employers to hire and fire employees. While hundreds of thousands of Spaniards showed up for demonstrations throughout the nation, support for the trade unions is dwindling due to their failure to prevent the surge in unemployment and controversy regarding the unions' reliance on government subsidies. As far as the actual impact of the protests, while heavy industry and large parts of the transportation network were disturbed by the massive protests, it seems as though the protests made a minimal political impact. Francisco Pérez, a former union representative, states that the strike was a "useless response to the problems that Spain is facing." Pérez additionally questioned, "What is the point of a strike before even knowing what kind of budget this new government has put together and when unions have presented no alternative proposal to create jobs? The union leaders are nowadays clueless because they prefer to sit on the board of a bank than work alongside those they should be representing."

Furthermore, the protests came on the eve of Rajoy's budget cut announcements. On March 30th Rajoy unveiled plans for the largest budget cuts since Spain's return to democracy in 1978. Rajoy's promised deficit reduction of 3.2% of the GDP would be the the largest since 1980. In order to avoid succumbing to Europe's current debt crisis, Rajoy is risking a deeper recession that would be catastrophic to a nation already in a financial quandary. The majority of the budget cuts are expected to come from tweaking of loopholes of tax exemptions for various corporations and households as well has a multitude of cuts in spending by the central government, primarily in healthcare and education.

Questions for the class:
1) Was there any purpose for the general strike on Thursday? Did it actually accomplish anything? How do you think American would reply to a 23% unemployment rate and an ineffective government?
2) How will Rajoy's budget cuts affect the economy? Is Rajoy jeopardizing the Spanish economy simply to appease the EU?

 


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/europe/spain-hobbled-by-general-strike.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-29/rajoy-to-unveil-deepest-spanish-budget-cuts-in-30-years.html

"Spain Requests Ministerial-Level U.S.-E.U. Climate Change Consultations"

For my WikiLeak article on Wednesday, March 28th, I read a letter received by the U.S. ambassador in Spain, Ambassador Solomont, from the Spanish Secretary of State and Vice Minister for Climate Change Teresa Ribera. This letter, on behalf of the EU, requests consultations with the U.S. government regarding climate change at the ministerial level. In particular, the letter written by Ribera portrays the shared sentiment in the EU for the need to continue international dialogue on climate change after the Copenhaguen Accord. The Copenhaguen Accod is a document ratified at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which endorses the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol (an initial protocol aimed at fighting global warming ratified by the UNFCCC). The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty that pursues the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to mitigate the current global warming crisis.

Questions to be discussed in class were:
1) Should a country be required to impose stricter regulations on their industries and factories if they are unintentionally destroying the atmosphere of a country "downwind" of them?
2) Who's responsibility is it to save the Earth's atmosphere? Can anything really be done if every single person in the entire world doesn't commit to this cause?

http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2010/02/10MADRID202.html#

Show and Tell

On March 26th, instead of reading an article for "Mass Media Monday," I brought collectibles to class that I had received from an old man (who was almost 100 years old) at a flea market in Barcelona. The collectors cards that I obtained were notarized by some collection organization in Barcelona, and ranged from cards about World War II and the Franco offensive against Spaniards to cards about Don Quijote de la Mancha and Don Juan de Serrallonga. Furthermore, I engaged in a conversation with the flea market vendor for an extended period of time. During our conversation we talked about the ethics of war, societal differences between contemporary Spain and Spain during the Franco regime, media and comics such as Don Quijote and American Western films, American culture, and Asian culture. Based on the conversations I had with the vendor, I asked the class the following questions:

1) Are wars ever truly justified? Is war a necessary means to achieve peace or a greater good (ex: WWII and Hitler)?
2) How does the history of the world impact our lives today? How has history shaped contemporary society using Spain as an example? 

Be a priest - why not?

This article from The Telegraph discusses a recent recruitment drive by the Catholic Church in Spain. Whereas unemployment is in the 20-percents and rising, and young Spaniards have a significantly even higher rate of unemployment, the Catholic Church is seizing on current economic hardships to recruit young Spaniards into the priesthood. The line "I do not promise you a great salary. I promise you a permanent job" is telling of many Spaniards' desperation. That Catholic priesthood, which requires devout faith, ability to advise followers through their most intense crises, and even celibacy, is being sold as a reliable settlement rather than willful commitment also underscores the Church's desperation in Spain.

Questions

What does the Church's recruitment campaign mean for the Church's future in Spain?

Since Spain was declared a secular state in 1975, mass attendance has declined. Is this a trend that will continue or change with increased economic hardship? Could recruiting a new, young generation of Spanish priests change Spain's religious culture?

The Bane of Spain: a Not-So Inane Brain Drain

This article in the LA Times discusses the increasing trend of Europeans from around the Eurozone moving to Germany to find work. Spain's current unemployment rate is its highest in recent history - and the highest in Europe. The article briefly profiles an aeronautical engineer, who had previously worked for the CDTI in Madrid (Spain's equivalent to NASA), but has recently been forced to relocate to Germany in order to get steady work. Many European nations have criticized Germany's unabashed recruitment of the most highly educated and capable members of it's Eurozone partners' workforces.

Some questions:

1) The article mentions a possibility for long-term benefits of this migration for Spain and other currently "draining" countries when citizens repatriate in the future and bring their new wealth with them. Is that enough to counteract the compounding detrimental effects a bain-drain has on Spain given its current economy?

2) Will Berlin's decision to actively recruit highly educated citizens of other EU nations cause problems in the reform of EU institutions/stabilizing the Euro's credibility?

3) The US has been doing this for years - why are European nations angered at Germany, but not the United States?

"Demonstrations sweep Spain to protest labour reforms"

Today in Spain, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of various cities to protest work reforms introduced by the country's conservative government, such as reduced unemployment payments and a more flexible workforce. UGT and CCOO, two of Spain's largest unions, called for these rallies ahead of a planned general strike on March 29. According to these unions, these reforms will worsen the current economic situation in Spain because companies will find it easier to fire employees under the new economic legislations. One protestor was quoted saying "I came because I'm convinced neo-liberalism is driving us to disaster." While the government hopes their reforms will boost job creation while simultaneously reviving the economy, Spain's unemployment rate is the highest in the developed world at nearly 23%, with the rate at almost 49% for people under the age of 25. In addition to his labor reforms, the president of the Spanish government, Rajoy, has announced spending costs of 8.9 billion euros, which include a public sector wage freeze and tax increases on income, savings, and property.

Questions for Jaime: What combination of factors has lead to Spain's current economic dilemma? Are these issues due to the residual effects of Franco-ism and Spain being thrust into post-modernity Europe without having gone through an extensive period of modernity themselves?

Questions for Discussion: Do you believe this "trickle-down" economy/Reaganomics will stimulate Spain's economy? Why do you think such a capitalist economy works in the United States, but not in other countries? Is it due to the constant influx of immigrants with sufficient savings to start small businesses and whatnot that keep the economy dynamic? How exactly would such a rightist economy work in Spain, which possesses socialist principles in their taxation, health care, etc?

Additionally: How is it that a girl sitting to my left at the cyber cafe just got Rick Ross-ed? How did Rick Ross-ing spread to Spain?

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hkAmzU_ZVDyhw_q7bmkzeDY-Eo5Q?docId=CNG.084ad1a5035dbc689c847bd432bb002a.af1

"Insight - CIA Source on Iran"

Here is my WikiLeak article for Thursday, March 8th. This WikiLeak from the Global Intelligence Files is an email from a CIA source regarding whether he believes the USA or Israel would strike Iran in the near future. The CIA source goes on to talk about how Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, wouldn't attack Iran in the near future not because he doesn't want to, but because Obama wouldn't want him to. The CIA source talks of how Obama is very patient when it comes to international relations and only desires to take military action when his nation is directly threatened. Furthermore, the CIA source talks of how Netanyahu wouldn't want to challenge Obama, especially earlier on in their relationship. This specific leak was part of a package of leaks regarding the assasinations of an Iranian nuclear scientists. The information regarding these assassinations were very obscure though and difficult to follow.

Questions for discussion: What should be done about the current situation in the Middle East? Are the American lives being lost right now worth the protection of Israel? How did America's once amiable relationship with Iran sour?


http://wikileaks.org/gifiles/docs/5338303_fwd-insight-cia-source-on-iran-.html

This classified confidential cable was sent form the US consulate in Barcelona in early 2008, and discusses the Foreign Minister of Andorra's hesitation to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state. Andorra is a tiny independent nation sandwiched between Spain and France. Andorra said that although it welcomed an independent Kosovo, it needed a greater consensus to exist in Europe before it could formally recognize the nation.

Some Questions:

Why wouldn't a tiny independent state like Andorra be eager to recognize Kosovo?

Is the fact that Madrid has not recognized Kosovo a reasonable justification? Can Andorra's officials really expect Spain to recognize Kosovo - given the implications such a decision would have on its own autonomous regions?

How might a Catalunian official view the subject?

US asks Spain to limit credit guarentees to Iran

This Wikileak is from McClatchy´s wikileaks database. It was dated from April 2008 and is a message from the US embassy in Madrid. The US ambassador pressed Spain´s head of the Export Credit Insurance Company (CESCE). Spanish officials said that they will continue to implement US policies on Iran and say they want to be in the "Main Current" of US sanction policies on Iran. However, Spain would also take into account its own economic and commercial interests in Iran, especially in oil and gas and would expect "equitable treatment" on its companies.

CESCE´s insurance policies on Iran exports is the world´s third export credit guarentees at the end of 2006. The US ambassador said that the exports to Iran should be carefully scrutinized and credit guarentees should be given to Iran sparingly.

Why do you believe that the US is "picking" on Spain and its excess credit guarentees to Iran? Do you think that the use of credit guarentees is Iran´s way of taking advantage of Spain´s want for oil as the seller? Why do you think the US got involved in the first place?

Wikileak

"Special Coverage: Occupy Wall Street"

For Wednesday, February 29th, I read a WikiLeak from the Global Intelligence Files regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's response to the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movements. The OWS movement is a coalition of ongoing protests taking place in cities across the United States and the world. These public protests focus primarily on issues of economic justice, such as corruption in the financial system, the government's handling of the global economic crisis, wealth disparity, and the role of corporate money in the U.S. political system. The article goes on to describe the impact of these movements on the financial services, commercial facilities, transportation, and government facilities in various cities across the U.S. where these protests are occurring. Homeland Security's conclusions were that the continued expansion of the protests have placed a large burden on law enforcement as they attempt to maintain crowds in these public arenas. Furthermore, Homeland Security states that while the protests have been relatively peaceful thus far, the location of the protests in major metropolitan areas makes heightened and continuous situational awareness by security personnel of the utmost importance.

Questions to be discussed in class:
Are all the occupy movements justified? Should the "99%" be spending their time complaining or out looking for jobs? Do the occupy movements actually accomplish anything? Do the Occupy movements present a legitimate threat with regards to public safety?

http://wikileaks.org/gifiles/docs/1497330_-alpha-occupy-wall-street-dhs-analysis-.html

"A Roller Coaster Ride of an Empire"

For Monday, February 27th, I read an article discussing French plans to create a Napoleon based amusement park called Napoleonland (officially called Bivouac de Montereau) that will rival nearby EuroDisney. The plans for Napoleonland were announced earlier in February by Yves Jégo, the mayor of a small town southeast of Paris. The article discusses how in the face of a dispiriting presidential campaign, an anemic economy, a deepening social divide, and the 200th anniversary of Berezina (Napoleon's great loss in Russia that effectively ended his reign), it seemed like an odd time to announce plans for an amusement park such as Napoleonland; however, the French seem to be hoping that Napoleonland will spark the economy while simultaneously galvanizing a sense of national pride and purpose. The article additionally discusses Napoleonland's historical precedent, a theme park created at the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, which did stimulate the economy to a certain extent, but did so at the cost of heated debate due to the polarizing nature of the revolution. 

Questions that were asked in class were:
Do you think the creation of such an amusement park is justified? Is it a good idea in your opinions? How do you think the French will choose to present Napoleon's history? Do you think the French will censor certain facts or manipulate anecdotes to paint Napoleon in a better light and promote a sense of nationalistic pride? 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/opinion/sunday/the-empire-returns-at-napoleonland.html

Guantanamo Detainees: Spanish Police Seek Access

For Wednesday, February 22nd, I read a WikiLeak regarding the Spanish National Police (SNP) requesting via the Embassy that the United States authorize Spanish police access to interview two Guantanamo detainees. The two detainees were Omar Amer Deghayes and Jamil Abdul Latif Elbanna, and the SNP seeked to develop information regarding the detainees' training, recruitment, and deployment into Afghanistan. SNP desired this information because they believed that the detainees possessed a connection to Eddin Barakat Yarkas (aka Abu Dahdah). Yarkas is a Syrian born Spaniard who was eventually sentenced to a 27 year prison term in Spain for his involvement in the 9/11 attacks and membership in Al-Qaeda; however, Yarkas's sentence was eventually reduced to 12 years because it was determined that his participation in the 9/11 conspiracies was unprovable.

Questions that I asked during class were:
What does this show about the solidarity in the fight against terrorism? What should have happened to Yarkas? Is this justice in action or corruption in the legal system? Why was Yarkas trailed and imprisoned in Spain as opposed to the United States? What determines where international criminals or terrorists get trailed?

http://wiki.vaggi.org/en/wikileaks/cablegate/2004/02/04madrid583_guantanamo_detainees_-_spanish_police_seek_access

"España, paraíso para abogados sin escrúpulos"

For Monday, February 20th, I read an interview from the Friday, February 17th, issue of 20 minutos - Alicante. The interviewee was actor Gabriel Macht, who plays Harvey Specter, a lawyer at the lawfirm Pearson & Hardman in the TV series "Suits." The interviewer asked Macht about corruption in the legal system, and Macht stated that "Es mentira que todos seamos iguales ante la ley" (It is a lie that everyone is equal in front of the law/that Lady Justice is blind). Another interesting quote from the interview was "Hay dos tipos de abogados; aquellos que conocen la ley y aquellos que conocen al juez" (There are two types of lawyers; those that know the law and those that know the judge). The interview went on to discuss corruption in today's Spanish legal system

Questions that I brought up during class were:
Is Lady Justice truly blind? What exactly is the legal system like in Spain (question for Jaime)? How does that compare to the judicial system in the United States? How does politics affect the judicial system in the United States? Are legal legislation often static because Supreme Court members possess life tenure once appointed?

Spain Unhappy with Iran's Uranium Enrichment

This leaked cable (classified) from February 19th of last year conveys a message passed along from Spanish officials to the United States that Iran "crossed a line" after the announcement that the country planned to begin enriching uranium up to 20%.

Some Questions:

Does Spain's status as a non-nuclear state legitimize its anti-proliferation stance?

Why did Spain feel the need to convey its mood to the US? Can they pursue nonproliferation in Iran without the United States? Might US involvement hinder Spain and the EU's ability to succeed in such efforts?

Doctors of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez disagree over his Health

In the McClatchy, Wikileaks was able to obtain a cache of emails stolen from the Austin-based Stratfor analytical firm. Among the communications was one from December 2011, describing how Russian doctors blamed Cuban medics for botching Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's first cancer surgery and how they had to "clean up the Cuban team's mistakes." According to the report, Cuban doctors thought Chávez had two years to live, while the Russian team gave him one year.


My question is how can someone define the longevity of a person´s life? especially someone with such importance.


Wikileak

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/02/28/140199/wikileaks-doctors-of-venezuelas.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/02/28/140199/wikileaks-doctors-of-venezuelas.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/02/28/140199/wikileaks-doctors-of-venezuelas.html#storylink=cpy

Global Intelligence Files

Your wikileak wednesdays just got more interesting. I introduce you to the Global Intelligence files which have started to be released as of today through various media outlets. There is a dirct link on the important link window under Wikileaks: The Global Intelligence Files.  

GENERALITAT TO OPEN OFFICIAL "DELEGATION" IN NEW YORK CITY

In October 2009, Catalan regional government plans to open an official "delegation" in New York City. Roser Clavell, the Secretary General of Foreign Affairs said that the world sees Generalitat (the Catalonia regional government) is seen in from two different perspectives: "the diplomatic corps resident in Barcelona (good) and the national Spanish press (not so good). Clavell implied the Generalitat was not happy with its portrayal in the press and 

wanted to tell its own story. 

While it is not at all clear Catalans are happy seeing their taxes go to expensive offices in the most expensive cities around the world, especially since officials have recently claimed lack of resources to cover rising social and educational programs, the ERC is hoping regional pride will eventually win the day.

Link

Israel and the Western European and Others Group

This leaked cable from Madrid outline's Spain's 2004 opposition to granting Israel permanent status in the Western European and Others Group within the United Nations. The classified cable notes that while Spain is willing to support Israel's entry to the New York offices at the United States' request, the overarching European policy was set at a resounding "no." The main objection from European states stemmed from Israel's history of ignoring their recommendation, particularly on human rights. Originally, Israel was granted membership on a temporary basis only to compensate for the nation's inability to join the WSOG's Asian counterpart due to the opposition of Arab states.

Questions:

• Is Israel a western state? Does it deserve entry into the predominantly western WSOG voting group?
• Do Spain and the rest of Europe have a reasonable objection to Israel's inclusion in WSOG's non-New York offices (such as Geneva - which handles human rights issues)?

Spaniards Hold Mass Protests Against Labor Reforms

Hundreds of thousands of protesters were marching throughout Spain on Sunday in the first large-scale show of anger over new labor reforms that make it easier for companies to fire workers and pull out of collective bargaining agreements. Union organizers said around 1 million people had marched by mid-afternoon, but official figures were not released.


Ironically, this was the same day the Popular Party held their conference in Sevilla. "If we want Spain to grow and create employment, we had to do what we've done," Rajoy said at his Popular Party's annual congress in southwestern Seville on Sunday. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's government passed the package of reforms nine days ago in an effort to shake up a labor market seen as one of Europe's most rigid and to encourage hiring in a country battling the highest unemployment rate in the eurozone, at nearly 23 percent.


"Workers who've got jobs now are worried these reforms will make it easy to lose them, and in current conditions, those who don't have work are going to find it impossible to get a job," an office worker said.


^ Do you agree with the following statement or not? Will this package help unemployment?

`Dont Cut Our Rights¨

Political Imprisonment and Universal Values

This article from the Washington Post tells the story of a Chinese woman who has come to the United States to tell the story of her husband - an imprisoned Chinese civil rights lawyer. On the same day she sat in the tunnels of the Capitol complex, the story notes, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping was drinking champagne with Vice President Joe Biden at the State Department headquarters, and giving a vague speech about progressing civil rights in China.

Things to consider:

Is there such a thing as a universal value? Were VP Xi Jinping's comments an affirmation that liberalized civil rights are a universal value? Alternatively, do his country's actions demonstrate that liberalized civil rights are not a universal value - and his words simply represent a learned ability to say what is necessary in the global arena?