Since I abandoned progressivism years ago – it’s not like I was young Lenin, really – I sleep soundly, write what I want and dream what I want. Hence my hope, an exciting hope, because one day Catalonia will host a Hard Rock a la Las Vegas of the Mediterranean, even if it is in miniature, and two daily shows by Lluís Llach with dinner, a glass of cava and a rally included.
When I hear that “They will not pass! No to Las Vegas of the Mediterranean!” I was left sulking. Very sullen. And I think of my grandparents and my father, who left this world without setting foot in Las Vegas (Nevada). For them – and for the Catalonia of the 21st century –, I want Hard Rock as long as it looks like Las Vegas – as if it were so easy! –, is lavish in neon lights, boxing nights and discounts for married Bilbao industrialists. And without compromise.
Far from those hotel complexes where they tie you to a bracelet, cherubs splash and entertainment programs are perpetrated with incredible evidence – I have seen Englishmen from Luton dancing the conga in a swimming pool – a Hard Rock within walking distance of Rodalies would reproduce the excitement that comes to you when you arrive in Las Vegas and feel like the king of mambo, a tacky soul willing to polish your pension, exchange your mother-in-law in a swinger club and get married in a chapel before a chichinabo and disco music judge.
The gambling addiction of the 21st century is not cultivated on the roulette tables, but on mobile phones, where many young people gamble so happily. There is nothing like a Las Vegas casino to disillusion yourself with gambling. And as a tip, we are talking about a social project whose benefits we would distribute between the territory and the Seminole Indians (not to be confused with Los Indios Tabajaras, brothers and guitarists).
I already understand that in this Calvinist Catalonia and supporter of no to everything, Las Vegas of the Mediterranean has been another happy red line. Lest people have a great time on a weekend or Tarragona is filled with gadgets! Because Las Vegas is fun, killing a fly, breaking a plate and eating with your fingers. It’s a sin and we like it.