"Confusing the Terms"

Today I read an Associated Press story about 93 year old John Hovan who is being given Spanish citizenship because he fought on the "Nationalist" side in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The fact that the current Spanish government is giving him citizenship is not a problem with me. The fact that the AP misrepresents who fought what and what each side represented in the war is what disturbs me. Most Americans have no clue that Spain even had a Civil War leading up to World War II, or that it was a practice run for the Nazis and Communists in their fight to exterminate each other.

The AP story says that Mr. Hovan fought on "the side of democracy against Gen. Francisco Franco's fascist forces in the Spanish Civil War." The truth is that there was no side in that war that respresented "democracy"--if by "democracy" you mean a free constitutional government that recognizes life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. On one side you had the Nationalists. They were also known as the "Republicans." Not to be confused with the Republican Party in the U.S. This group was predominantly communist. They were supported by the communists in the Soviet Union. In fact, later in the article the writer describes Mr. Hovan as "a self-described communist." So do communists believe in democracy? The AP would lead you to believe that. Later in the article, Mr. Hovan says that the Great Depression "pushed him toward progressive politics." So communism is "progressive politics?" History teaches us that communism is anything but "progressive"--in fact, the communists were the greatest butchers of the 20th century! Almost 100 million innocent humans were slaughtered by the communists in Mr. Hovan's lifetime!

The other side was the Fascists led by Franco and supported by the other socialists--Hitler, and Mussolini. They were every bit as tyrannical as the communists--whatever difference existed between the groups was that the fascists and nazis wanted to exterminate Jews and others they considered racially inferior. All three groups used established religions to their benefit and all of them operated concentration camps. All three were/are leftist in their politics--they believe in the all powerful state led by dictators who tolerate no dissent.

Today it is fashionable to attach the terms "democracy" and "progressive" to political movements that want nothing to do with personal freedom and the ability to enjoy life and the fruit of one's labor without big government interference. Tyrants hide behind words that sound innocent and harmless. Like the communists and nazis they promise you everything but deliver nothing but total control over your life. Check out their track record and their policies.

Mr. Hovan is welcome to any awards bestowed upon him by the Spanish government. But let's get our terms straight, learn some real history, and tell the truth. When we forget our past and confuse the terms, we will create a nightmare.