PeacefulLifestyles P.C.S.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), which ran parallel to the Holocaust, made Spain part of the Axis of Evil: Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco. The three are responsible for the deaths of at least 100 million people during World War II. The Spanish conflict is not well publicized or studied as one of the nests of fascism and despotism in the world, except for Ernest Hemingway, who immortalized it in his writings. Christianity and popular religiosity in these conflicts serve as the bedrock that connects neo-fascists, recruiters, political parties, and deadly tyrants who use religion as the veil to shade their mass crimes against humanity.

The Franco regime in Spain executed or murdered between 150,000 and 200,000 civilians during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). At least 50,000 people were subjected to extrajudicial executions and political murders. Today, Neo-Francoist militia wants to reject democracy and murder as many, according to estimates. While the total number of deaths resulting from the Franco era of terror is approximately 500,000, the deliberate targeting of non-combatants by Franco’s regime constitutes a significant proportion of the overall killings. The victims were unarmed civilians, including teachers, trade unionists, and political opponents, who were systematically targeted as part of the so-called "White Terror."- They are targeted again!

The impact of Francoist repression on children and families was particularly severe, though precise numbers are difficult to isolate within broader casualty figures since there are no social services keeping track. Thousands of children perished as a result of the bombardments of cities, such as the infamous Condor Legion attack on Guernica. Additionally, tens of thousands of children were forcibly separated from their families: many were placed in state-run institutions or illegally adopted, while numerous mothers were executed with their infants in prison. Today's old geezers, out of nostalgia for the murdering times, want to recruit youth and repeat the terror.

The most murderous regime's policies left a legacy of trauma and loss, with many cases of missing civilians documented in mass grave sites, as recorded by organizations such as the Innovation and Human Rights.  The database and the Spanish Association for the Recovery of Historical Memory have done a poor job of exposing the crimes.  These sources offer very little about the human cost of Nationalist repression during and after the Spanish Civil War, or even today, as youth join Fascists in rows. Christianity, as the supreme religion, canonizes the predatory killings of vulnerable groups and spreads more hatred towards vulnerable human groups, immigrants and minorities.

Calls for an authoritarian or even military government echo the belief that Spain desperately needs someone like Franco to rescue it from decline. For neo-Francoists, he represents justice and the promise of a better future where they can be killers again. Of course, religion makes these conflicts worse as popular religiosity is a morbid, sickness-filled with evil, hate  and filth. Within certain segments of Spanish society, Franco remains a figure synonymous with order, justice, and national salvation. Admirers praise his modesty and patriotism, seeing him as Spain’s true saviour, building sanctuaries for him and filling them with religious paraphernalia. They lament the perceived failures of democracy, wishing for a restoration of discipline and control, killing the LGBTQ, minorities, deported and non-whites rejected. Christianity goes along with this either by omission or by intentional support.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with Christianity; the problem is leaders and interpretations supporting evil, torture, hatred and killings as conflict management. The only power strong enough to divide the fascists in Spain and around the world is the new Pope, with an encyclical teaching how to govern in accordance with the Divine will to do Good for the common good, where the common good is the well-being of all, not just the fascists. Their rallying cries—“Long live Spain,” “For the salvation of Spain”—reflect an enduring conviction that only strong, centralized authority can redeem the nation. Christianity is at the center of this crusade, or sometimes they look to another side and never address the fact that the structures of sin, the idolatry of killers, is the fruit of many sins and a moral evil in the reigns of terror, the lust for absolute power by these groups to commit crimes and camouflaged them as courage. That’s why this movement is truly diabolical.

Fanatic killers desire to profit and feel pleasure when torturing innocent human beings, which is not only diabolical but pure evil and the hierarchies in organized Christianity, like in most mass crimes around the world, go along with it. Christianity plays a role, always seeking to help recruiters and to provide the fanatics with a way to look to the other side.  The time is coming when it would be deeply immoral to belong to any organized Christianity unless these groups take a stand against the socialization of youth into these evil forces.

The pain is compounded by systematic lies, and a national reluctance to confront the past is appalling in Spain. Advocates for historical memory strive to rescue the truth, insisting that Spain cannot move forward without acknowledging these atrocities. Each exhumed grave and recovered identity is a small step toward justice, but the threat persists: without truth and accountability, history may tragically repeat itself. For the families of Franco’s victims, every archived file is a stark reminder of lives destroyed and futures cut short. These were men and women silenced—shot without trial, executed unjustly, and buried without dignity. Christians and organized Christianity were part of these crimes, and they never confronted their crimes and repented; they are getting ready for another round of crimes against humanity.

As misinformation spreads, freedom of speech is weaponized to distort the past, making it ever harder to teach and remember the truth. The rise of Franco as a symbol in digital spaces signals a growing challenge for educators and parents alike. The youth of Spain are seen as especially vulnerable—idealistic, but easily influenced. Social media and contemporary trends make it “trendy to be a fascist,” while far-right groups exploit Franco’s image and attempt to whitewash his legacy. There is widespread concern about a lack of historical education, with many young people unaware of the true nature of Franco’s regime. Christianity could fill this gap and save the children. Jesus of Nazareth says in Matthew: “ if you scandalized a litte one, it would have better for you not to be born.” These Christians should be afraid of this and their negligence.

The neofascist movement seeks a “white Spain” and a “white Europe,” advocating mass deportations and the destruction of Western society as it currently exists. Christianity is moving along. Supporters claim Franco would be proud of their resistance to “social decay,” and the phenomenon is spreading rapidly. The appeal of dictatorship grows among disaffected youth, reflecting deep anxieties about Spain’s future and identity. Nationalist rhetoric is on the rise, fueled by calls for a “national revolution” and the glorification of Spain’s past. Young people are being indoctrinated, particularly in spaces where extremist ideologies thrive. No presence of Christianity in one of the most Christian countries in the world. Hitler’s Pope is still lurking in the background.

Many suffered under a system that borrowed from Nazi methods, with police officers and officials retaining power long after Franco’s death. Efforts to preserve Franco’s legacy continue, with some denying any crimes were committed, insisting instead on silence and conformity. Christianity has a duty to humanity and exposes these crimes to save its own soul and prevent it from being deeply morally wrong to be a Christian. The memories of Franco’s dictatorship remain vivid for those who lived through it: fear, surveillance, and violence were everyday realities. Critics now refer to a “dictatorship of groupthink,” suggesting that, in some ways, repression persists in new forms. The legacy of Francoism endures, shaping debates over memory, justice, and national identity in contemporary Spain.

Peace is the best and most sustainable way to live. Teaching to live in peace is at the core of the Nazarene’s message for humanity. Our hearts go out to all the Spaniards of goodwill and peace, working to protect youth from becoming killing monsters, racist and intolerant while surrounded by neofascist tyrants.

References:

Davis, M. (2005). Is Spain Recovering Its Memory? Breaking the “Pacto del Olvido.” Human Rights Quarterly, 27(3), 858–880. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20069813

GOLSAN, R. J. (2016). Spanish Memories and Francoist Nightmares: “Le bourreau”, Torture, and the Meaning of Resistance in Jorge Semprún and Michel del Castillo. Yale French Studies, (129), 85–102. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44512279

Hadzelek, A. (2012). Spain’s ‘pact of silence’ and the Removal of Franco’s Statues. In D. KIRKBY (Ed.), Past Law, Present Histories (pp. 153–176). ANU Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt24h3t8.12

Marco, J. (2017). Francoist Crimes: Denial and Invisibility, 1936–2016. Journal of Contemporary History, 52(1), 157–163. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26416520

MCCANNON, J. (1995). SOVIET INTERVENTION IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR, 1936–39: A REEXAMINATION. Russian History, 22(2), 154–180. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24657802

MOLESWORTH, C. (1987). Hemingway’s Code: The Spanish Civil War and World Power. Salmagundi, (76/77), 84–100. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40547964

National Guardian. (1959). National Guardian, 12(2). Private Donor. Behind the Scenes of the Civil Rights Movements. Reveal Digital. https://jstor.org/stable/community.39212320

Pinto, D. (2004). Indoctrinating the youth of post-war Spain: A discourse analysis of a fascist civics textbook. Discourse & Society, 15(5), 649-667.

Sanders, D. (1960). Ernest Hemingway’s Spanish Civil War Experience. American Quarterly, 12(2), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.2307/2710752

Tourism is becoming an ethical choice as the world becomes more globalized and connected, even as pockets of intolerance and destructive conflict persist.

Tourism and Events

Over 13 million visitors are estimated for the World Cup.

The tournament spans North America.

Millions of tourists will follow their favourite teams.

Average World Cup trips last 12 days.

The U.S. expects 5–7 million visitors.

Peak U.S. estimates reach 13.1 million travellers.

Mexico estimates 5.5 million tournament visitors.

The tournament lasts six weeks.

Canada expects a hospitality boom.

Visitor bookings rose sharply before the event.

Millions will travel across host regions.

Three countries will host the tournament.

Tourism surges during major sporting events.

Large events drive regional travel growth.

North American Tourism

Canada receives 20–30 million international tourists yearly.

Most visitors to Canada come from the U.S.

Nature attracts millions to Canada.

Festivals boost Canadian tourism.

Family visits are a major reason for travel.

Business travel remains significant.

Millions make same-day border trips.

Mexico welcomed 47.8 million overnight tourists.

Mexico recorded over 98.2 million total visitors.

Beach vacations attract millions to Mexico.

Cruise passengers arrive by the millions.

The U.S. welcomes 68–72 million international visitors.

Canadians account for over 20 million U.S. visits.

New York and Florida rank among the top destinations.

European Tourism

Europe welcomes 750–800 million tourists annually.

Europe is the world's most visited region.

France attracts over 100 million visitors.

Spain welcomes 60–94 million visitors yearly.

Turkey ranks among Europe's tourism leaders.

Italy remains a major tourist hotspot.

Greece attracts millions each year.

The United Kingdom welcomes millions of visitors.

Austria is a popular tourist destination.

July and August are Europe's busiest travel months.

Beach holidays drive millions of visitors.

City breaks remain highly popular.

Business travel supports European tourism.

Winter sports attract millions to the Alps.

Category 4: Asia Tourism Statistics (14)

China records over 150 million inbound visits annually.

Many trips to China are short-border visits.

Historical sites attract millions to China.

Business travel is a key reason for visiting China.

Family reunions drive international travel.

Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million visitors.

Leisure is Japan's main driver of tourism.

Cherry blossom season attracts global visitors.

Autumn foliage boosts tourism.

Shopping remains a major attraction.

Winter snow draws seasonal travellers.

Modern cities attract international tourists.

Cultural experiences encourage repeat visits.

Sightseeing remains a top travel purpose.

Global Tourism

Millions travel for leisure every year.

Visiting family is a leading travel motive.

Business travel supports global tourism.

Sightseeing drives international travel.

Natural attractions draw millions of visitors.

Cultural heritage boosts tourism.

Beaches remain top vacation destinations.

Cities attract millions of international tourists.

Festivals increase visitor numbers.

Shopping motivates many travellers.

Cruises contribute millions of arrivals.

Sporting events stimulate tourism.

Seasonal attractions influence travel demand.

Tourism statistics reveal global travel trends.

References

Dan Flying Solo. (n.d.). Best places to visit in Asia. https://www.danflyingsolo.com/best-places-to-visit-in-asia/

National Geographic. (n.d.). North America travel guide. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/north-america

GLOBAL CONFLICTS AND PEACE FRAMEWORKS FOR TODAY'S WORLD.

Humans with a bit of soft talk will gladly give time and their wealth to war: They sacrifice limbs and lives in war, and the most odd and grotesque is the best! https://youtu.be/pyUQP-R48yg

They meet the demands of war and the immense human cost, mostly in desperation. https://youtu.be/D9N7QaIOkG8

They assume their sacrifice for war is expected, and democracy does not work: https://youtu.be/7kxj9HsVatM

They pair the improvement of their lives with the requirements to support the war.  https://youtu.be/GNDcfzNDtjg

They ignore the fact that militarism prevents human progress. War is truly evil and the greatest human failure as a thinking species. https://youtu.be/Vg9Aiz2piew

Today, take time to rethink your stance on war, on conflict negotiations, and your attachment to all that is peaceful. Resist radical views or any attempt to demonize other human beings, except for acknowledging their human character, which spans from (0) zero, being a peacemaker, to seven (7) being a ‘war monger’. Most humans are in between!  

TALKING PEACE!

"Peace is the absence of war". N.

The Austrian Farmer Sentenced to Death for Refusing Loyalty to Hitler — Blessed Franz Jägerstätter -

The opposition war among some Catholics comes from the teachings of the Church, and they are forced to make a choice: to support Crimes against humanity and God or to opt out.

The soldiers who participate in crimes against humanity are also guilty of sin, since they have to overrule their conscience. Most humans detest evil.

WAR ECONOMIES!

How do human beings support wars they never start?

How do they get ready for them? How do they live with them?

- Warring parties have war mongers on all sides!

INTER-STELLAR CONFLICTS: THE WAR OF THE GALAXIES?

In the last few weeks, the talk of aliens has moved to the forefront:

I’ve never thought we were alone!

I have always found the genre very entertaining.

If there are extraterrestrial beings, maybe they can help us get along, end wars, and live in peace!

PEACEBUILDING AND THE BIBLE

"If you can imagine peace, you can design it!" NMR

" In the face of suffering, one has no right to turn away, not to see."

PEACE IS THE BEST WAY TO LIVE!