The Spanish speaking world gave the English speaking world a simple phrase to remember & as many millions did put on their mobile as a ringtone at the 17th Iberian Americas summit in 2007. Hugo Chavez speaking out of turn heckled the Spanish PM Zapatero gurgling away in fine form over how Aznar was a fascist. To which Zapatero (ZP) replied in exasperation that Aznar had been democratically elected (presumedly by the fascist half of Spain's voters). Hugo "the man" Chavez didn't stop his harrangue. Finally the King of Spain, Mr Bourbon shouted "porque no te calles" complete with upside down question and exclamation marks in the familiar form meaing "Why don't you shut up?!"
neither of them do shut up. therein lies the twain lie of global class war
Oh well, for months afterwards we heard of little else as Hugo's popularity in Spain and Europe went down a lot of % points whilst back home Chavez reassured all that Mr King was no King of Venezuela anymore. Sweet little Mrs Bachelet of Chile whose job it had been to chairperson the summit and thus I suppose silence both motormouth Hugo and regal Bourbon whilst allowing ZP to sound characteristically liberal and nice, managed to get away without blame.
Then finally the "diplomatic spat" ended, Hugo today after much preparation met with Mr Bourbon the King of Spain in his holiday palace on the island of Mallorca. They hugged,.
Then they talked Oil, arms, Betancourt, Telly, Sun-tan lotion, yachts, Youtube & lobster.
& then Mr King gave him a T-shirt with "porque no te calles" written on it.
He did that as much as a way of making a meaningful gesture as for your consumption as public people who nobody really gives a toss about. Be impressed.
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It all either ends or begins with a T-shirt being my point.
You can't publish anaylsis without a point.
Youtube links to the original debacle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw6JL_oTjU4&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAmz8MNZdlk BBC coverage of same :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7089131.stm
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