When trying to understand the geopolitical reality of Spain, one must never forget the two military bases the United States actively maintains in the country. One of which currently serves as the main transit point between the United States, Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2004, following a large-scale terrorist attack in the country’s capital, attributed to Islamic terrorists, Spanish voters swept the ballot boxes and demanded a new foreign policy. For a brief moment during the after shock of destruction at home, the Spanish population rose to a leading role in the resistance against illegal wars and occupations. Soon after, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero became Prime Minister and Spain’s troops were removed from Iraq, silencing angry Spaniards.

Four years later, this transitioned and fully-fledged western democracy, which is yet to declare Franco’s regime as illegal, presented itself in front of the ballot box. Mr. Zapatero fell seven seats short in the 350-member lower house of parliament from winning the absolute majority. He now has to build a governing coalition either with the Catalan nationalist

A Tale of Three Men: Pete, Norman, and Bill
More from the Take Back America Conference

I've already written about the energy and passion of the presenters and honorees at the Take Back America (TBA) conference. Some even made their appearance on celluloid, rather than in person. Although Pete Seeger was not actually at the conference, we were well aware of his influence and his example. "Pete Seeger - the Power of Song" is a movie I had been eager to see ever since I first heard about it. I didn't realize that the conference's honoree, Norman Lear, was the co-producer. Because I was late to the session, I also missed Lear's opening remarks and the very beginning of the film. So I got to see it without any editorial commentary. It didn't take long to realize that Pete Seeger was and is the embodiment of that very same energy, passion and love of country that characterized the conference. In fact, it was quite easy to see what drove Norman Lear to make this documentary. The two men have a lot in common.

Dear Editor:

Despite the fierce opposition that was raised by consumers and the dairy industry at a March 12 public hearing, I was disappointed to learn that the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Governor Strickland still plan to limit the use of ‘rBGH- free’ milk labels. 

I have friends and children of friends fighting in the middle east today.  

I also have business associates of middle eastern descent that has family members in Iraq.

I have seen with my own eyes and been told of the gratitude most people in Iraq has for our troops and the freedom they are bringing.

So I would ask Bob this question.  What dollar amount would you put on the freedoms of these people?

One last thing.  When people using the term "illegal war" reminds me of a small child's tantrum.  If it was illegal, we wouldn't be there.  But hey ... that's just my opinion.

Keith Shamblin
www.EasyFirstStep.com

Attached is a letter and flyer sent by student leaders at Ohio State University to 156 Ohio political leaders, including state legislators, Gov. Ted Strickland and members of Congress. The letter is asking political leaders to support their efforts to have the university end its business relationship with The Coca-Cola Co. and to remove all Coke machines and products from the OSU campus.

OSU is believed to have the largest single university contract in the nation. That contract expires in June. It has been reported that in an exclusive contract arrangement, OSU has received $30 million over the past 10 years. It was also reported in 1999 that Coke received $29 million in revenues in just the first year of the contract. In addition, Coke benefits from free advertising and promotion of its brand name throughout the campus and at sports and other events.