More Talks with My Students

This was during my recent Hispanic Civilization course.

Me: After World War II, Spain's fascist dictatorship was isolated. The trauma of fascism was still fresh in the people's memories, and nobody wanted to associate with Hitler's erstwhile buddy, General Francisco Franco. Eventually, however, one country decided to lend a helping hand to Spain's fascists. The support and aid of this country allowed Franco's dictatorsip to remain in power for several decades more. [Building up to a dramatic finish] So which country helped fascism survive in Spain until 1975?

Student (looking jaded): The US.

Me: Good! How did you know this??

Student: In this course, whenever something nasty happens, it's always because of the US!

Me: Well, don't blame me for that!