the revolution.
Thirty-one years ago Portugal threw off the yolk of dictatorship and took its first steps toward democracy. No one died, in fact the revolution was celebrated by soldiers wearing carnations in the muzzles of their firearms.
Thirty-one years ago the land was plowed by oxen, few families had cars, anyone with an once of brain fled the country to work in Europe or America. Fish were caught by net cast off the beach, and hauled ashore by teams of oxen or columns of men. Driving was hazardous, roads potholed, narrow, built of granite sets fit to shake you teeth. And the pilgrims walked the highways to Fatima or Lamego, Braga or Santiago in Spain, faith everything where little other exists to sustain.
Different now, we're not allowed to fish (EU rules). The vast plains of the Alentejo stand largely barren, too little investment in irrigation, there are cars and highways everywhere, and the roads are too dangerous for pilgrims. Yet we receive the highest subsidies per head of population in Europe.
Where has the money gone? On the fireworks celebrating tonights anniversary? There had better be a bloody band marching in the morning or I really will begin the think we've lost direction.
Just ranting.
Thirty-one years ago Portugal threw off the yolk of dictatorship and took its first steps toward democracy. No one died, in fact the revolution was celebrated by soldiers wearing carnations in the muzzles of their firearms.
Thirty-one years ago the land was plowed by oxen, few families had cars, anyone with an once of brain fled the country to work in Europe or America. Fish were caught by net cast off the beach, and hauled ashore by teams of oxen or columns of men. Driving was hazardous, roads potholed, narrow, built of granite sets fit to shake you teeth. And the pilgrims walked the highways to Fatima or Lamego, Braga or Santiago in Spain, faith everything where little other exists to sustain.
Different now, we're not allowed to fish (EU rules). The vast plains of the Alentejo stand largely barren, too little investment in irrigation, there are cars and highways everywhere, and the roads are too dangerous for pilgrims. Yet we receive the highest subsidies per head of population in Europe.
Where has the money gone? On the fireworks celebrating tonights anniversary? There had better be a bloody band marching in the morning or I really will begin the think we've lost direction.
Just ranting.
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