Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Rediscovering Photography


I consider myself a decent photographer. But even though I’ve had some pictures published and I spent a year doing weddings I’m not a professional photographer.

Four years ago this month I bought a very nice compact digital camera which I was very happy with. Instead of taking a couple hundred pictures that summer I took several thousand. However, after the novelty of the digital format wore off I began to miss the creative part of taking pictures that I had with my old SLR cameras.

Now, four years later and a little poorer, I’m about to go on vacation with my new professional digital camera that combines the best of both worlds. I’ve rediscovered photography and it’s even better than I remember!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Spanish Democracy

Yesterday I participated in a demonstration in Madrid in support of the victims of terrorism. They demand to know the whole story behind the March 11th terrorist attacks and they reject the government’s rendition to ETA.

Killing may be justified in a war or if you are living under a repressive dictatorship but it is my understanding that Spain is a democracy. In a democracy you elect your political representatives and you express your opinion at the voting booth.

The easiest way to resolve an important decision like going to war, getting out of a war or allowing a section of the country to become independent is to hold a referendum.

But if you kill someone in a democracy, for whatever reason, you will be captured, tried, convicted and sentenced to pay for your crime.