Oh, Greggy, we could talk about the International Brigades, the subject of this thread. Do you have an opinion on the subject, Greggy? We're all waiting with bated breath to hear what you have to say. I beg for enlightenment.

Yes, I know that Wikipedia says this: "The International Brigades (Spanish: Brigadas Internacionales) were paramilitary units set up by the Communist International to assist the Popular Front government of the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. The organisation existed for two years, from 1936 until 1938. It is estimated that during the entire war, between 32,000 and 35,000 members served in the International Brigades, including 15,000 who died in combat; however there were never more than 20,000 brigade members present on the front line at one time."

I can read quite well. I learned how in Catholic school, although Steve Shaw probably thinks that could not possibly be satisfactory.

But note that fact: "the International Brigades were paramilitary units set up by the Communist International."

That gets me nervous on two fronts:

• "Paramilitary" troops make me even more nervous than "military" troops do.
• They were set up by COMINTERN, which I learned from youth was an entity set up for the purpose of World Domination. What I heard as a youth may or may not be completely true, but I haven't really seen many good examples of Communism striving toward self-determination and individual rights - and that also makes me nervous.

So, Greggy, what do you know about the International Brigades, and what do you think of them? I'm still working really hard to encourage you to disprove this peabrain thing....

I really, honestly, can't figure out why you are so averse to expressing an actual opinion on the issues discussed in our threads.

-Joe Offer-