Million French March Over Reform (C'est dommage, massive strike cripples Chez Weasel!)

CNN ^ | May 13, 2003 | associated press

[mountaineer]

UPI reports:

... In Paris, between 50,000 and 250,000 protesters [That's a pretty wide range!] clogged streets. The boisterous but peaceful march began at Place de la Republic, on the Seine's Right Bank, and ended a few miles south.

Nurses, municipal workers, archaeologists [Zut! Not the archaeologists, too!] and teachers brandished banners denouncing the conservative [????] government of Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin.

[Whine alert ---] "Normally I should retire in four years, but if this government legislation passes, I'll have to work another two," said Paris nurse, Francoise Besserie, 51, who joined the demonstration with her 26-year-old daughter, Florence. "I've been a nurse for 18 years and I've had enough."

Nearby, therapist Jean-Victor Cahn, added his own criticism to the government pension plan.

"There's enough money to pay for retirement, but it's all going to support big business," said Cahn, 55. "I'm for the ordinary people getting a share."

But many economists -- not to mention the French government -- argue otherwise. Without drastic changes, they argue, France's pension system will go bankrupt bankrolling a growing number of longer-living retirees. full story

[Asclepius]

"I'm for the ordinary people getting a share."

A share of what, precisely?--does wealth simply fall from the sky like a gentle summer rain in France?

[OpusatFR]

The whole problem will be solved by Jacque's plan to implement Sharia Law in France within the next couple of years. All French women will be required to stay at home creating a host of job opportunities for converted Frenchmen. Of course, tourism, movies and fashion will suffer declines, but hey, they will bring LeSac back into fashion.

[mountaineer]

Meanwhile, warmongering French send troops into Congo, story here.

[Temple Owl]

If they think they have financial woes now, wait until the Iraqi oil money stops flowing in. Har har de har.

[mountaineer]

Meanwhile:

PARIS - An international conference on intolerance opened yesterday with a stern warning that acts of hatred against Jews, particularly in Europe, have reached their highest level since World War II. ...

Attacks in France and Britain on Jewish schools, synagogues and cemeteries have coincided with heightened tensions in the Middle East. Many attacks in France have been blamed on young Muslims. full story

[mountaineer]

Somehow, I doubt Saddam's going to repay Jacques for all that nuke technology and stuff.

[mallardx]

I'm afraid for France - even though I'm P.O.'ed at them. They are about to plunge into serious decay or anarchy at any time. This could very well lead to serious destruction of businesses, storefronts, and French society in general. And the people are pulling things the wrong way, yet do not realize it....

[Bonaparte]

"...does wealth simply fall from the sky...?"

Socialist math says it does.

[TheWillardHotel]

The Revolt of the Masses

[Bonaparte]

"This could very well lead to serious destruction of businesses, storefronts, and French society in general."

Really?? I think I'll drop the strikers a note of encouragement.

[JmyBryan]

Wait until they share in the bankruptcy of their country. Those IMF requirements are painful.

Stupid socialists.

[Radix]

The warmongering French. LoL!

How long do you think it will be before the French surrender?

[fourdeuce82d]

This could very well lead to serious destruction of businesses, storefronts, and French society in general.

This would be bad why?

[mountaineer]

I agree with you. Until recently, I loved to visit France, loved their food, wine, etc. It was bad enough that they were socialists (e.g., the workers wanting manna from heaven from the government), but I also fear they have surrendered to the invading Muslims just as they did to the Nazis in 1940. Unless they deal with the thugs and terrorists to whom they've given safe haven, the French people are in for a rough time ahead.

[cookcounty]

"...... brandished banners denouncing the conservative [????] government of Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin."

That would be ",,,,,denouncing the conservative islamic government of PM Jean Pierre Raffarin."

[katana]

Sliiiiiit! gurgle, gurgle, gurgle.

The sweet sound of European workers cutting their own throats. The European social democratic model of high taxation and economic stagnation is exactly what liberals want America to evolve toward. A guaranteed job requiring no real work, ten weeks of paid vacation for everybody, and somebody else to always pay the bill.

The longer they delude themselves the harder the price will be when it all comes crashing down. Then, you can look for a revival of real fascism and rule by the iron fist. It won't be pleasant.

[DeuceTraveler]

My ex-girlfriend who lives in Paris told me that the French had protested for 35 hour work weeks. They got that and then protested again for 30 hour work weeks. With that mentality I can tell you right away where France is headed...

[cpprfld]

Wait until they share in the bankruptcy of their country. Those IMF requirements are painful.

If the day comes that France has to declare bankruptcy, would the EU be responsible for its debts?

[JmyBryan]

Excellent question.