11 Mar 2013 10:28 AM:

Sorry I did not mean that Madeline was in any way trivaial. Just that it was a distraction from the subject. I empathise  deeply with the parent , as a parent myself. Just writing too fast on the hoof. Its just a matter that is not relevant to what is being said.

Appologies. The matter of Madeline is of coursae not trivial in the least !!!!

Thread: SPAIN CRIME WORSENS AND IS LOSING MONEY AND RESPECT.

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11 Mar 2013 9:45 AM:

Firstly These incidents are facts. I could provide many, many more relating to corruption and higher matters. I see the topic has degenerated already into trivia ( spelling, I was in a rush and don't conside it relevant ) poor Madeline etc.

Perhaps those whose interest lies in distractions will like to read the complete story in the media at a future date. With corrected spelling. Like many other parts of the world it has come under the influence of poor economics enamating from the USA. Seems that cognitve dissonance is happy and at home in Spain as it is elswhere in the world.

As I said those were a few small and personal examples that have come to my notice because I knew those involved. There are  many more that I have been told about. so no it was not simply  a set of bad personal conincidences.

Almost every day there are large drug hauls along the coast. VAT (IVA ) is not collected in many areas as it such be. EU grants have been abused to massive levels and we all know about Spains Mayors and banking system. Copyright breaches are the norm and illegal copies are sold every day on the streets in full view of the police. Mains electrical wiring remains worse than a third world country in many areas and the energy companies are run like the mafia. the bad street wiring  remains after the EU grants to Endessa to improve it. The list goes on. This is not the way to put a wonderful country back on track. Spain had cleaned up its act many years ago. And now it is falling into disrepute. Shame on the leaders of such a wonderful country and culture.

World crime figures depend on many factors including the integrity of those supllying the information, the differences in  legal priorities and much more. Plus of course the political ramifications.

Yes Barcelona has long been a bad place for pickpockets. Why has it been allowed to increase ? This was a true robbery on the metro with physical attack, though no physical harm done. Having written 3 times that day to the powers that be, I am now told there are security people on the metro. Funny that. strange why I did not and have not had a reply from any area. But that is the bureaucratic  way. Not to accept any form of criticism and hopefully the problem will go away. It will not, its getting worse and Spains government in many ways is simply turning a blind eye and not paying its civil servants.

That is not the way to solve problems. Most countries are suffering from the economic crisis and immigration. Not paying the police is not a good social move when in bad econimic circumstances.

Thread: SPAIN CRIME WORSENS AND IS LOSING MONEY AND RESPECT.

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09 Mar 2013 7:57 PM:

Spain has relied heavily on tourism and people moving to live in the sun. However it seems to have fogotten that. The economy is failing and for longer as fewer and fewer people holiday and reside there.

Since Spain joined the EU it has been greed and corrupt mayors all the way. while the treatment of ' foriegners ' has plummeted to low levels. Spain should think again and hard about its future.

In La Linea 2 years ago A German friend of mine was taken away by the guardia civil and had his head smashed into a wall several times. He still has the scars. His crime ? Dancing too wildly at the La Linea Fair ( along with 500 others who were Spanish and ignored.

Another frind was stopped by the Gaudia Civile in his car returning from work in Gibraltar. He had done nothing wrong. He was hauked from the car at gunpoint. automatic weapons. asked very silly pointless questions after having been bent over his car. Not even the car was anything specail. They made him stand there for 10 minutes and then let him go.

He was terrified. I was very angry. I went immediately to the spot and approaoched the same police. Their attitide changed, but could offer no explanation. I complained to Angeciras and an appology was given, but no explanatuion. I am a journalist and have experience in these matters. The young man had not and has a young family. I called the police cowards. they did not respond.

 

I was  caught in a traffic scam by the police between Algiciras and San Roque a few months ago. It was an obviouse ' sting ' I had done nothing wrong. Though a polce car sped up behind me lights flashing. In front was another car parked at the side of the road. How convienient ! !00 euro fine ! for what Bad driving ! No way. I paid and have made serious complaint to Algiciras from UK.

When I and my friend began taking pictures of the polce and the situation they became angry I pointed out I was a photo-journalist. Theitr attirude changed and they tried to explain what the problem was. Too late they had fined me and I had paid. Now they are in trouble

My partner went to Barcelona this weekend to take her 10 year old grandson to see Messi play at a game in the stadium. They got on the metro and within an hour of arriving in Spain the boy had been terrorised by being dragged away at the metro station while his Grandmother was forced to hand over her ipad and iphone.

I contacted the City mayor, police and even the footnall stadium press office. three times.

No reply. Thats bad news for them and tourism and Spains economy. Such ignorance and ignoring the bad situation does not help. I could go on with many, many other stories of corruption and poor treatment of people. This is third world banana republic methods. Because they can not run things properly. They lived off the hard work of others taxes. And have abused it and their own people.

Spain I suggest you wake up very quickly and remember who paid your bills. the people you now treat like scum and mostly from the EU. They paid the taxes that allowed Spain to improve its intrafstructure and steal billions. Spain lived off others. Time to show some respect in return.

I will now publish these and other stories. I think its time everyone spoke out and the Spnish governemnt, aAnutamientos and police too a long hard look at what they have become.

I lived in spain during the 80's and  on several occasions since and watched the detrioation.

I am retiing soon, to live in Portugal. Shame I loved Spain and have many friends there. Spanish, German, British, Irish, Moroccon, Dutch etc.

I refuse to give spain any more money and to be treated so badly

Kevin Fitzmaurice-Brown

Thread: SPAIN CRIME WORSENS AND IS LOSING MONEY AND RESPECT.

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05 Feb 2012 9:45 PM:

 Be aware that Santander is voted the worst bank in the world ! In America, Europe and UK. With good reason. My experience was indescribable and many others I know will say the same.

BEWARE

Thread: Best banks in Spain

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14 Jan 2012 12:00 AM:

Hello, I am a British journalist of some 30 years experience and know Spain well. I am seeking people and companies who have had bad experiences with the energy company Endesa.

Also anyone who has information about the company .

Any replies will be in the strictest confidence and all information will be used responsibly.

I shall provide secure contact information in a following post

Your help is greatly appreciated

Thread: Journalist seeks information endesa etc.

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