Tom Isern, NDSU

The Socialist Party of Spain and other smaller parties have united behind a proposed "Law of Historical Memory," which appears likely of passage. The law will authorize pensions for Republican veterans, require removal of fascist symbols from public places, and declare political trails conducted under the Franco regime illegitimate. Writes Lisa Abend in the Christian Science Monitor, "While other European countries began relatively soon after the end of World War II to prosecute citizens who had carried out atrocities and make amends to their victims, Spain has resisted investigations and reparations. Instead, when Franco died in 1975, parties across the political spectrum colluded in a 'pact of silence' designed to ensure a peaceful transition to representative government. . . . it took almost 30 years before citizens dared speak of the old regime's abuses." A History prof at the University of Zaragoza hopes that "the law balances historical memory." Evidence once again to refute anyone who thinks that History is merely academic.

Uh-oh, NDSU History MA candidate Danielle Stuckle, director of museums for the city of Dickinson, is blogging. The identification profiles say the blogger is "Museum," but sure enough, it's Danielle. Well written, informative, a good-looking blog treating local history and historic preservation. Well done! Here's Danielle's blog.