Words About Things

Following the practice being banned in the northern region of Catalonia Spanish politicians have tried to protect the future of bull fighting in Spain. Members of the Partido Popular (People’s Party) have put forward a bill which if successful would overturn the ban and prevent further legislation. They claim that the practice should be protected as it is an important part of Spain’s national Culture. If it were considered a cultural event bull fighting may escape the nationwide ban that many see on the horizon. Spain’s ruling Partido Socialista Obrero Español (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) opposes the bill being put forward by the People’s Party.

Bull fighting has been banned in the Canary Islands since 1991 but is still popular in many other regions and with visiting tourists. Many believe that bull fighting is of vital importance to Spain’s national identity and should be protected as such. Tanya Case, a 41-year-old Spanish teacher from Vermont said “you cannot have Spain without bullfighting”. Some members of Spain’s royal family would seem to agree, they are often spotted at such events. Bull breeder Eduardo Martin-Penato unsurprisingly supports the bill saying “”Under the Constitution the government is obliged to protect culture.”

Others see bull fighting as nothing more than ritual torture and welcomed the ban in Catalonia. They see the practice as outdated and unnecessary – a show for the many tourists Spain attracts and nothing more. The fact that bull fighting is a long standing tradition has little impact of the thoughts of many in the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party who believe that it should have been banned long ago. Attendance at events has fallen in recent years in part due to economic troubles but some suggest the Spanish are no longer interested in Bull fighting. Mimi Bekhechi of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called the attempt to pass the bill “just a desperate attempt by a small minority of people to cling to this former tradition that most Spaniards have no interest in whatsoever”.

It is unlikely that the bill will be passed as law as long as the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party remains in power. The bill is only likely to succeed if the People’s Party win the next election although this looks increasingly likely.

An 18 year old Sumatran boy has told how he became trapped in rubble after the earthquake in Indonesia and was forced to sever his own leg. The boy, called Ramlan, was working on a construction site in Padang City when the earthquake hit. His leg became trapped under a concrete girder and he was unable to move. Fearing that an aftershock would bring down more rubble on top of him Ramlan was forced to make a quick decision.

The boy used a nearby hoe to try and cut through his leg below the knee. When he found that the hoe was too blunt he called his workmate Eman on his mobile phone. Eman came running despite the danger posed by the remaining building on the site. Eventually with Eman’s help Ramlan managed to cut though his shin bone with a saw. Ramlan was rushed to Yos Sudarso Catholic hospital where he is recovering well.

Ramlan and his friend Eman

“Ramlan’s actions were extraordinary and the courage and determination he showed is typical of many survivors with whom we are working. After the earthquakes in Indonesia, and the typhoons in the Philippines and Vietnam, survivors would have been the first to help themselves and others. Now they urgently need international support, including that being provided by DEC members and partners who are bringing in urgently-needed aid and medical supplies.”

DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley