Spain approves reparations bill

[Brian]

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- The Spanish government has approved a divisive bill allowing reparations for victims of the Spanish Civil War and the ensuing dictatorship of Gen. Francisco Franco, one of the darkest chapters of Spain's modern history.

The bill also bans symbols and references to the 1939-1975 Franco regime in public buildings and asks local governments to rename streets or plazas that are named after the former dictator or allude to his regime.

Link to full story (http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/07/29/spain.reparations.ap/index.html)

[ValenciaSon]

Does that mean I'm rich?

[Brian]

Does that mean I'm rich?

Lol.

Well, I've never been on the side of reparations, because no matter how much you repay the descendants of victims, you cannot put a value on human life.

[Edith]

Lol.

Well, I've never been on the side of reparations, because no matter how much you repay the descendants of victims, you cannot put a value on human life.

But some people's lives have been destroyed economically, e.g. because they were in prison for ten years or more. IMO, they deserve reparation.

[greytop]

Does that mean I'm rich?
It has not yet been passed, merely drafted.
If you do win mega millions we could come to Madrid to celebrate when you collect the cheque! However (....el Gobierno pretende reparar el sufrimiento padecido por quienes fueron perseguidos y asesinados durante la Guerra Civil. Los familiares de los afectados y también las instituciones podrán dirigirse al Estado para exigir un reconocimiento simbólico.) So it may just be a letter of regret.

In the Spanish version (http://servicios.lasprovincias.es/valencia/pg060729/prensa/noticias/Espana/200607/29/VAL-ESP-146.html) I read they are saying they will not re-open trials etc.(...No se anularán, en cambio, los juicios sumarísimos.) but are trying to give everyone the same rights (El Ejecutivo se ha esforzado por dejar claro que no le mueve ningún ánimo de revancha, sino que lo que pretende es equiparar a las víctimas para que la Historia sea igual para todos).
When the Franco regime finished there was an agreement not to go over the past but to concentrate on building a new Spain. I dont think the government intend to start some huge public self analysis, rather give those unjustly treated a form of redress that they have been denied, and to finally close this episode of Spain´s past in an honourable way.

[Brian]

But some people's lives have been destroyed economically, e.g. because they were in prison for ten years or more. IMO, they deserve reparation.

I'm curious how you think that people should be allowed to put a monetary value on human suffering? Do you say, "You went without ample food and water for 3 months." Here's 50.000 Euros, now go away. It's insulting, in my opinion. Also, we're almost 70 years after the fact. How do you prove such suffering with physical evidence?

I hate to say it, but bad things happen to good people. This is not a callous, unfeeling statement, but a fact of the world that we live in. Where there is corruption, there is suffering.

If some of the African dictatorships ever recover and become a democracy, do we bankrupt a fledgling democracy with reparations long after the bad guys are given justice?

[ValenciaSon]

Insult me! Give me 50,000 euros! Insult me further if you wish!:rolleyes:

[Edith]

I'm curious how you think that people should be allowed to put a monetary value on human suffering?

Who says it's about putting a monetary value on human suffering? :o

It's about justice, not revenge. Simon Wiesenthal has written extensively about this topic.

[Brian]

Who says it's about putting a monetary value on human suffering? :o

It's about justice, not revenge. Simon Wiesenthal has written extensively about this topic.

I'm in agreement that justice is important. I'm just not certain that we can mete out justice 70 years after the fact.

Valenciason, your payment is in the mail. I'll credit it on your Discubre card. ;)

[ValenciaSon]

Valenciason, your payment is in the mail. I'll credit it on your Discubre card. ;)[/quote]


Why that is sooo insulting!

Thanks;)

[ValenciaSon]

My grandfather's butcher business was consumed by Franco's minions. There's gotta be some corrective action for that loss. They may not be able to recoup the intangible losses but I can't think of a better gesture than attempt to do so, beyond words of regret.

[Brian]

My grandfather's butcher business was consumed by Franco's minions. There's gotta be some corrective action for that loss. They may not be able to recoup the intangible losses but I can't think of a better gesture than attempt to do so, beyond words of regret.

I cannot imagine the feeling of loss that they must have gone through. How would one go to the length of proving such losses?

[ValenciaSon]

There's got to be some government documentation from that era such as taxes, census, etc...

[Brian]

There's got to be some government documentation from that era such as taxes, census, etc...

Probably, those docs still exist. How many generations is the "statute of limitations" for reparations?

There are still activist groups in the States who are trying to get reparations (back pay) for years of slavery in the years before the American Civil War.

[ValenciaSon]

Is debt to the IRS limited by a statute of limitations?

[Brian]

Is debt to the IRS limited by a statute of limitations?

Only if they find out. :rolleyes: