Germán Toro Ghio

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"Why don't you shut up?" Your marriage is a tool of pride and evil to infinity; how will you survive now?


The truth is always true, even when people question it. Facts are solid and clear, helping us understand things.




While we recognize the importance of platforms that support free speech, it's also crucial to improve the promotion of democratic ideals across all social media.


Reality is constant and resistant to manipulation or suppression, and facts persist in their original form, impervious to external influences. It highlights the unwavering certainty of immutable truths, which persist despite efforts to distort or conceal them. The statement emphasises the importance of facts and truth as the foundation of knowledge and understanding. Recognition and adherence to factual information and truth are essential for progress and ethical behaviour within society. That said:


Is there control over what's posted on social media?


Social media has become among the most essential tools for many of the world's citizens to express themselves, communicate freely, and share and receive information, opinions and news.  Even in countries where freedom of expression may be denied, the accessibility and the extensivity of social media have provided a platform for more freedom of expression than ever before.

Social media has allowed people to connect and come together for any cause, including political and social acts.  Social media platforms have over two billion users worldwide, depicting the amount of space for discussion available on a larger scale than any form of traditional media.  Before social media, opinion sharing and receiving information were mainly done through conventional mass media such as newspapers, radio and television.  However, in the last decade, social media platforms have created a worldwide forum for people to seek, gather, receive and share nearly anything possible.  

Unlike traditional mass media, the Internet (especially social media) lets people communicate without needing approval from media owners, whether public or private like newspaper editors or TV stations. The rise of social media has also made it more difficult for states that have long censored their media to restrict information sharing.  Information can be more easily developed and circulated on social media without being easily manipulated and edited by governments, in contrast to visual and print media.

On this side of the world, we boast of criticising the collective censorship imposed by the Chinese government on its citizens due to Chinese social media users who protest the curtailment of their right to freedom of expression. 

However, let us call a spade a spade – some social media bigwigs from so-called free nations are being hypocrites.  They preach about freedom of speech while, behind the scenes, they wield their economic might to silence voices and control the narrative.

In present-day Spain, a concerning pattern has emerged where many journalists or intellectuals are dismissed from their roles without valid reasons due to their dedication to spreading accurate information.  Moreover, a troubling trend emerges when ordinary individuals face scepticism and disapproval while attempting to communicate the truth.

This situation necessitates thorough reflection and proactive steps, especially considering the admirable initiatives led by notable historical figures like King Juan Carlos I, Adolfo Suarez, and Felipe Gonzalez in promoting democracy during tumultuous times in the Iberian Peninsula. 

When the priorities of individuals overshadow the principles of democracy, it becomes a matter of great concern for the public. This is especially true when prominent figures, such as Doña Letizia or Don Pedro, choose to spend their time in cosmetic surgery clinics rather than engaging in beneficial societal endeavours. The European Union has taken notice of this trend, particularly with regards to the law known as 'La Amnistía'. The conduct displayed by this public figure is unacceptable and raises important questions about their dedication to the well-being of the country.


"Why don't you shut up?"


During the Ibero-American Summit meeting on 10 November 2007 in Santiago, Chile, President Michele Bachelet received little attention as Hugo Chávez repeatedly interrupted José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Chávez even went as far as to label Zapatero's predecessor, José María Aznar, the former president of Spain, a 'fascist' and 'less human than a snake', while accusing Aznar of supporting a failed coup d'état aimed at removing Chávez from power. Zapatero's previous comments had already strained his relationship with Chávez, creating tension during the summit. This included his suggestion that Latin America needed to attract more foreign capital to address its chronic and deepening poverty, as well as his claim that Chávez's policies frightened investors away from the region.

In a frustrating response to Hugo Chavez's continuous political theatrics and disqualifications against former Spanish president José María Aznar, Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, asked '¿Porqué no te callas?' (Why don't you shut up?). The statement was a clear expression of his discontent with the ongoing situation. The consequences of this confrontation were significant, extending beyond politics and into the Ibero-American discussion on democratic principles and diplomatic conduct, sparking widespread debate and reflection. King's words were a turning point, initiating conversations across diverse communities on both sides of the Atlantic and leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape.

The Spanish king did not issue a reprimand.   Instead, he expressed significant displeasure regarding the actions of the Venezuelan president at that time.  It is noteworthy to mention that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a Spanish politician who served as the fifth president of the Government of Spain from 2004 to 2011, effectively navigated through the challenging situation with composure and maintained control by employing ethical communication strategies and impeccable rhetoric.  Interestingly, Rodríguez Zapatero later participated in facilitating relations with the Venezuelan government in external political matters.

It is crucial to highlight that Don Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María Alfonso de Borbón y Borbón, now referred to as King Emeritus, significantly aided the transition during a critical period in Spain's history.  This period is now recognized as the golden era of the country's new beginnings.

During the administration of Felipe González in the 1980s and 1990s, Spain underwent significant political and economic transformation, marked by social reforms and modernization efforts., the terrorist group ETA conducted a series of assaults in Spain, resulting in the deaths of 853 individuals, including 22 minors. Furthermore, ETA executed over 3,500 attacks, causing injuries to 6,389 individuals and carrying out 86 abductions. Notably, ETA perpetrated some of its most brutal attacks during this period, such as the Hipercor massacre in June 1987 and the assault on the Casa Cuartel in Zaragoza in November of the same year. The acts of violence and intimidation perpetrated by ETA had a profound impact on Spanish history. The government led by Felipe González encountered a significant challenge in addressing this terrorist menace while upholding the nation's security and stability.



Check out the article from Energy Central at www.energycentral.com for more helpful information about the changing energy industry.

In December 2023, Energy Central recognized outstanding contributors in the Energy & Sustainability Network at the 'Top Voices' event. Winners were celebrated in six articles, highlighting the community's appreciation for their valuable contributions. The platform offers industry professionals a space to display their work, engage with colleagues, and work with prominent figures. Congratulations to the 2023 Top Voices: David Hunt, Germán Toro Ghio, Schalk Cloete, and Dan Yurman, showcasing their expertise. - Matt Chester, Energy Central


Image by Germán & Co on Shutterstock shows interesting visuals that spark imagination and inspire creativity.

Les triangles d'amour interdits…


Tricorn hats worn by the Civil Guard bear substantial political and historical symbolism, embodying a longstanding tradition that has endured.  Within the domain of literature, Pedro Antonio de Alarcón's 1874 novel El Sombrero de Tres Picos depicts the tale of Lucas, a miller in a romantic entanglement with his wife Frasquita and the respected Corregidor of the village.  Alarcón's literary work from the 19th century is distinguished by its inclusion of humour, irony, and social criticism, providing a vibrant depiction of rural life in 18th-century Andalusia.  Subsequently, Pablo Picasso immortalized this masterpiece by designing the stage curtain for the two-act ballet The Three-Cornered Hat (Le Tricorne), adding dimension to this tapestry.

The Trio plays a crucial and irreplaceable role in capturing the essence of the Kingdom of Cervantes in Don Quixote of La Mancha.  These characters influence the narrative significantly, contributing profound depth to the story's depiction of life during that era and drawing parallels to contemporary society.  So, Don Quixote is no longer surprised by Sancho.

The narrative provides a reflective analysis of a momentous revelation within the monarchy.  The text delves into the formation of a tripartite alliance through a strategic marriage, seemingly aimed at safeguarding the prestigious lineage of the Spanish royal family.  This intricate narrative centres on prominent individuals: the aristocratic infant Felipe Borbón y Grecia, born in Madrid in 1964; the commoner Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, born in Asturias in 1970, with a captivating history of love and fortuitous encounters, embracing left-wing political ideologies and challenging the monarchy; and the esteemed lawyer and successful entrepreneur Jaime Del Burgo, originating from a notable political family, who supported the monarchy in Pamplona in 1970.   The historic Kingdom of Spain is the birthplace of all these individuals.

Considering the rigorous security measures typically linked to royal families and Letizia's personal history, having apprehensions regarding the authorization of their marriage is reasonable.  Felipe's steadfast dedication to this alliance, demonstrated by his courageous confrontation with his father, King Juan Carlos III, and his willingness to abdicate if his father did not endorse the marriage, introduces intricate layers of complexity and fascination to the situation.

An astonishing development unfolded in her personal life when, despite being in a committed relationship with Jaime Del Burgo, she surprisingly agreed to the Prince of Asturias' proposal for engagement.

This unforeseen decision signified a significant shift in her personal life and sparked a wave of curiosity and speculation in the public domain.  Despite her efforts to uphold a discreet image, the relentless examination and continual public focus ultimately revealed every aspect, subjecting her private life to profound public scrutiny.

Most notably, Letizia underwent a voluntary abortion three weeks before the announcement of the royal engagement.  Letizia's cousin, David Rocasolano, disclosed in his book Goodbye Princess that the subject might have faced challenges in conceiving and maintaining pregnancies due to past abortions.  This information is corroborated by the certificate issued by the Doter Clinic in Madrid on 27 October 2002 (pp. 186–187).

While it may appear simple to attribute responsibility to Letizia for the current chaotic situation, acknowledging that the Prince of Asturias was fully cognizant of all the events that unfolded is essential.  Hence, Letizia and Felipe are fully accountable for this significant event shift.

Before advancing with this research, it is essential to explore the historical background of the Spanish monarchy dating back to the era of King Alfonso XIII's grandparents and the Asturias Prince.  This exploration is necessary to acquire a thorough comprehension of the prevailing context. 


Marriages by convention…


Arranged marriages are often associated with cultural traditions, economic constraints, and political alliances.  This practice is particularly prevalent in royal families, where it ensures the continuity of lineages.  Marriage arrangements have evolved from early betrothals to postponed unions, motivated by disputed inheritances, social tensions, and the pursuit of stability.  Although arranged marriages face numerous challenges, they continue to persist.  Sometimes, individuals are forced into these unions to maintain the appearance of royal lineages, mainly when physical or psychological barriers exist, meaning sexual orientations are considered.

Historically, tradition, necessity, and social norms have shaped arranged marriages, resulting in a complex and dynamic landscape of human relationships. However, significant challenges arise when the decision goes awry or when, in the context of a real marriage, the non-real spouse realizes she has made a mistake.  For instance, the moment she slips Cinderella's delicate glass slipper onto her foot, a sudden realization dawns upon her, and she becomes acutely aware of the immense power and significance it holds.  This newfound awareness can lead to unforeseen complications that test the strength of the relationship.  This realization can transform her into the most unwanted and undesirable being, leading to a multifaceted and disturbing scenario.


Terrorist strikes at a Spanish royal wedding in 1906 led to disruptions in the monarchy…


In 1905, the state visit of King Alfonso XIII of Spain to London proved life-changing when he met Princess Victoria Eugenie Julia Ena, King Edward VII's niece. The 18-year-old princess, with her fair complexion and blonde hair, captivated the king during dinner.  Despite the language barrier, Alfonso and Ena started a courtship by exchanging letters, gifts, and postcards despite their limited skills in English and Spanish, respectively.  Alfonso's mother had reservations about welcoming a Protestant princess into the family, creating obstacles to their engagement.  Ena's conversion to Catholicism and Edward VII's elevation of her status helped address these concerns.  Despite uncertainties about Ena carrying the haemophilia gene, the couple's engagement was officially announced in Biarritz in late January 1906.  The news was publicly revealed in Spain after Ena completed her conversion to Catholicism on March 7, 1906. 

On the Royal Wedding Day, cheers of jubilation echoed as the couple approached the grand Royal Monastery of San Jeronimo.  Ena walked gracefully down the aisle at 11:15.  Cardinal Sancha, the esteemed Toledo Bishop, officiated the sacred union and nuptial mass.

At noon, the newlyweds exited the monastery and were welcomed by the melodious ringing of the bells at England's St. George's Chapel in Windsor.  The bustling streets of Madrid were filled with enthusiastic well-wishers cheering for their beloved Queen Ena.  Alfonso and Ena boarded their grand eight-horse-drawn carriage on their way to the royal palace.  However, during the procession on Calle Mayor, a Catalan anarchist, Mateu Morral Roca, shocked everyone by throwing a loud bouquet from a high balcony.

The seemingly harmless bouquet hid a dangerous bomb that exploded, shocking everyone present as it went off near the last pair of horses and their carriage.

Screams filled the air as over twenty people tragically died, and about a hundred others were injured.  In the chaos, two horses died, and the carriage was severely damaged.  Amidst turmoil, the king and his new wife ensured each other's safety.  Alfonso vividly remembered Ena's spontaneous wave to the cheering crowds, which may have protected her from serious harm despite the surrounding horrors.  The guardsman on Ena's right was killed in the horrific explosion, his blood staining her wedding gown.  Fortunately, other royal family members, including the future King George V and Queen Mary, had safely arrived at the palace before the tragic events occurred.  Unfortunately, some guests, such as the Marchioness of Colosa and her teenage daughter, were not as lucky and became casualties of that tragic day.

The Carriage of Respect, symbolizing the couple's dignity in the face of terrorism, provided solace amid the chaos.  With the British Embassy staff forming a protective shield, the carriage went to the palace for a quiet wedding breakfast.  Alfonso and Ena visited the hospital the next day.  Ena briefly flinched in fear during the carriage ride but quickly reassured everyone of their safety.  Their choice to skip a security team and interact directly with the public earned admiration and boosted their popularity.

On June 2, 1906, Roca, a wanted man accused of shooting a police officer, met a tragic end when villagers apprehended him in a rural area after he tried to escape justice.  Initially protected by a journalist in Madrid, Roca's cover was exposed when he moved.  Official records indicated he shot a policeman and then himself, but doubts remain about the circumstances of his death.

Further examination of his gunshot wound raised suspicions about the firearm's proximity to his body at the time of the incident.  Unfortunately, the Royal Couple did not live happily ever after…


The big mistake was why Felipe married Letizia despite all odds. Their history would soon unravel, revealing the reasons behind their decision…



Cooperate with objective and ethical thinking…

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