Euskal Herria (by Latuff)

ETA and their political wing, now known as "Democracy 3 millions", which are banned from the regional elections in March (presumably this is what the cartoon refers to), are nothing but a bunch of would-be state terrorists.

They want to carve out a little state where Euskara would be the principal language - a language, by the way, which is spoken fluently by only around a third of the area's 3 million population - which gives you some idea of the overblown self-importance of these bullies. This despite Euskara having been heavily promoted, even in areas where it was never spoken, by the ruling PNV-Basque National Party during the 30 years since the transition to democracy. Batasuna/EH/EHAK/ANV/D3M/whatever's actual electoral support is not more than 15% of the population at best. They have an enormous victim complex, which is no doubt fuelled by cartoons like Latuff's, and a long history of co-opting social struggles to fuel their own agenda.

E.g. they've jumped on the bandwagon of opposition to the high-speed train that's been "railroaded" through by the capitalist parties - years after ecological activists had been opposing it. But their methods are so nauseating - going after soft targets like a retired executive in his 70s - that they've probably turned more people off that cause than they've attracted.

Here in Bilbao, I think most people who don't actively support ETA (which, as I say, is a small minority) would be delighted for them to just fade away. I'm not sure whether this includes support for the illegalisation of their political wing. But to portray the Basque population as "in the stocks" thanks to this law, is a travesty.

By the way, did you know that the Basque flag was a 19th century invention based on PNV-founder Sabino Arana's admiration for the British empire- hence its similarity to the Union Jack?

Latuff should realise that the situation in the Basque country is nothing like in Palestine, where you have to support Hamas, even though they're a bunch of raving Islamists, as the elected government and the most effective resistance to the occupation.

Latuff should avoid commenting on situations of which he has no comprehension.

Although the nationalist content is a bit off, but there you go.

Latuff is right 100%, Euskal Herria (Basque Country) and Palestine are both under occupation.

The Spanish government is continuously named by Amnesty International as a state that infringes on the Human Rights of Basque people and imprisons them based on their political ideas, like being a member of a banned POLITICAL organisation, and not allowed to stand for election because they want the independence.

Palestine and the Basque country both will have their own state one day, until then the struggle goes on.

Jon,

If as you say, Batasuna/D3M were banned for belief in independence, then why is Aralar legal?
Because Aralar does not support ETA and D3M does. Otherwise they're identical.

The fact is that D3M are banned not for being pro-independence but for supporting terrorism.
You can argue the rights and wrongs of that all you like. I am not even sure that I agree with it. But if you support D3M, don't try and pretend that you are not supporting ETA. You are. So if you support would-be-state terrorism, don't whine about state terrorism on the other side. Yes, the Spanish state practices torture. All states do, whether Amnesty define it as such or not. You can't have a state without violence. The Basque-speaking state that D3M want to create would be as violent as any.

You seem to think that, while Spain is an illegitimate power of occupation, Euskal Herria sprang fully formed from the head of God. I've got news for you. The map of the "seven provinces" is just as much a political invention as the map of Spain. Yet for you and your comrades, it is the only map that you admit exists. Do you really think the people of Alava and southern Navarra want to join an independent Euskal Herria? If not, then for them, what you propose is merely changing hands from one power of occupation to another. Think about that.

If it were up to me, I would let each province - in fact, each municipality - no make that each street - decide whether they wanted to join Euskal Herria or stay in Spain/France. What would probably happen then is that you would end up with a Euskal Herria that stretched from approximately Gernika/Durango to just north of Pamplona and up to Baiona. Most people would be happy - except the politicians and party faithful, of course. That's why it'll never happen.

Open your mind, Jon. There's a real world out there that doesn't acknowledge your made-up maps.

I really just wanted to say goodbye since you are here, but I'm going to have to clothe that in argument.

Do you, as a poet, only write about what you understand or do you venture out? I know you have criticised me for things you can't understand and have taken little interest in before commenting.

As someone who admits to having been privileged you should cut Latuff some slack, the guy doesn't have your ability to travel. This isn't the first time you've criticised him unfairly, and the other time wasn't about a region you know well. If he posts a cartoon you don't agree with then post your own as a response, or if you can't draw post a poem since you can write.

I also wanted to tell you there is a song you want to hear, 'I built a house' by the Cinematic Orchestra. There is a live version online which almost made me cry because it made me think of you and your cherubic daughter. I regret I was unable to teach you why some nationalism is progressive but you are obviously living in a different book to me.

I used to be a nice guy by all accounts so I can say this to you, don't slag Latuff unfairly, he is decent and you can email him directly if you have a problem with his work.

You seem to have been dealt a better hand than most, financially and educationally, so try to enjoy that and not waste your time here.

Good luck and best wishes,