Item one: "Message of war?" Oh, yeah. This is France. I guess they should be sending a "message of capitulation." You know, show any other would-be rioters that the way you get what you want from France is to commit acts of violence. Hooray, mob rule!
Item two: The opposition is saying this? I'm not entirely sure I want Chirac voted out now. Granted, the guy is a slacker when it comes to the defense of the law and good order of his own country, but apparently he's better than the alternative.
message of war? I hope so... I mean what does it take?