tranq tranquerNo, it was definitely Richard. He was rather praising the Franco era as he is somewhat inclined to do at times. But if you Google you will find the following: 4 months ago: Sara: @Richard Pearson Were you living in Spain (as an adult) when Franco was alive? I was and it’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to go back to those days. If you weren’t then you’ve no idea what you’re talking about. Richard Pearson: @Sara Yes Whether his reply was the truth or not, only he knows. P.S. It’s Sara not Sarah;-)

Oh excellent, this one is a real ding dong. Sarah, I suspect it may have been me you were referring to about living in Spain under Franco. My inlaws are Catalan ( wifes sisters husband) and my wife ( English) qualified as a massage therapist in Barcelona in the late 60's so as a family group we have history here. Regarding immigration you can all squabble all you like but there are two main types. The haves and the have-nots. We all know the haves and I am sure all reading this are in that category. Come with at least some money, some start a business,many are retired. Apply little or no pressure on local services, health,education,housing as they mainly self provide. Some integrate, some don't, but the dont's are generally tolerated for the income they bring and the factors I have just listed. The have-nots are a more recent phenomenon . Many from South America who I believe have special status from colonial days, and for whom integration is hardly a problem. Finally in the last 20 odd years increasing numbers from North Africa. Felanitx is a good example. Twenty years ago not a headscarf ( easy reference point) to be seen. Now some streets in the poorer areas of the town resemble Algiers or Marrakesh. You may think this a good thing or not, however I can promise you the local people here do not like it one bit. The same also applies to areas of Manacor, Porreres, Sa Pobla and probably more. Lack of integration is a huge problem, religion playing a big part in that. Any of you reading this who hail from the midland and northern industrial towns of the UK will be familiar with the situation. This is not a racist diatribe, it is the truth. We can all have views but facts are facts.

Morgan WilliamsYes

Ulla JacksonGood

Richard PearsonI've always sensed that your obsession with "illegal immigrants" was rather OTT. But perhaps that just the typical tabloid-educated English mentality. Or just some sort of OCD. Nonetheless, as you seem equally opposed to any controls on "immigration", it occurs to me that this obsession may not be entirely be rooted in xenophobia. So, let's look at that: Statistically, there's no more "illegal immigration" in Europe than say, the UK. In fact it's more difficult to "immigrate illegally" to Europe than it is in the UK. Just book a flight to the UK, get off the plane, and never leave. While living in the UK, there's far less need to identify yourself or prove legal status. You can get an address, work for cash, even get a job and a bank account, get healthcare... live a "normal" life without ever legally registering. The UK has very little understanding of how many "illegal immigrants" are actually living there. And that may explain why there's so many foreigners in the UK, and perhaps why there's so much xenophobia amongst the English. Now you claim both that you live in Mallorca and that you don't. So, it's hard to know which is the truth, but assuming you do live here, obviously, you're surrounded by "foreigners". Spanish, Frogs, Krauts, Roma, Dutch... They're everywhere. While you clearly exhibit signs of xenophobia, you don't seem stupid enough to assume they're all "illegal immigrants", but being rather xenophobic, you probably *wish* they were, and hence your assertion that that there's "uncontrolled illegal immigration". After all, the whole place is indeed full of "foreigners", just like the UK. But there's another angle here worth considering. Historically, when Britain was in the EU, it was not uncommon for Brits to just show up, rent a place, drive their LHD british-plated car, and live a "normal" life without even registering. Resident Brits could always just claim to be a "tourist". There's plenty of examples of that, but since the UK left the EU, it's much more difficult. In Spain and all over Europe, if you can't produce proof of legal EU residency, then it's very difficult or impossible to get a job, a bank account, a driving licence, healthcare... So, since by your own admission, you've been around for some time, it occurs to me that you might actually be one of those Brits who never bothered to become legal. You may very well be one of those "illegal immigrants" that you rant about endlessly (though that designation doesn't apply to you because you're "not a foreigner") . And that would explain your opposition to ETIAS and EES and any controls that would jeopardize your illegal status here. You're afraid of getting caught, aren't you?

Richard PearsonIf you don't live anywhere in Spain or even Europe, I don't really care but find it strange, that you have such a lot of comments about life in Mallorca.

SaraExceptions ? What or which exceptions did I mention ? “Australia’s harsh treatment of immigrants” I think you will find that I said “illegal immigrants”, meaning those who had not officially applied to enter the country to ultimately reside there. Don’t see anything wrong with that. Do you ? At least they are trying to prevent it becoming a free for all like Europe has descended into. And who are you to think that you are in a position to decide as to whether I am “qualified” to have an opinion about Spain or anywhere else for that matter, and on top of that accuse me of “quoting” things from obscure sources that you seem to be suggesting should not be available to the general public except to misfits like me. Talk about outrageous.

Richard PearsonI omitted to add that I currently live on Mallorca (“on” as on an island!).

Richard PearsonThen don’t say “of all types” if there are exceptions. You’re right you could be from anywhere and living anywhere and also using an alias. My assumptions were based on your endless comments but as you say one should never assume anything. As you frequently extol Australia’s harsh treatment of immigrants you may well have connections there. I really don’t care where you are from, I was simply attempting to ascertain whether you are qualified to make some of the somewhat outrageous comments you make, in particular about Spain, or whether you are just quoting things you read goodness knows where. Some time ago you were insinuating that (certain aspects of) life under Franco were better than today and I asked you if you had ever lived in Spain as an adult during Franco’s regime. You replied “Yes”. I already told you previously that I am Spanish by birth (Catalan to be exact). My status is none of your business, I haven’t asked you for yours. Elderly. I assume you don’t want my age as well! So I answered your questions, the ball is now in your court.

Ulla JacksonDo you ever have any original thoughts ? All you seem to be able to do is agree with Mr Williams and parrot what Sara says. And who said I live in Mallorca ? Or Spain, for that matter ? Or even Europe. Never jump to conclusions. It’s not good for your health and can lead to sleepless nights.