It is considered a faux pas to laugh at people who fight for their well-being. People who hear you laughing may brand you as a rightist wingnut or altogether politically incorrect. And I don't even know which of the two is worse nowadays...
Anyway, the strikes in France are caused this time by the government's intention to raise the pension threshold age from 60 to 62. This measure is contemplated by many other EU countries and, thanks to our current PM (then minister of finance) was already implemented here - without too much disruption or destruction, I have to add.
In French case, the age of 60 is one of the lowest in the world. And the French working week is one of the shortest in the world. I am not a great economist, but some basic knowledge of arithmetic points to the multiple of the two parameters mentioned contributing to the problem of lacking pension funds. What say?
In any case, re the unrest in France: have you noticed that when burning the cars, which seems to be the favorite pastime of all disgruntled Frenchmen lately, they almost invariably choose Citroens? I was driving one for three years and I have to say I feel for the folks who firebomb that vehicle...
Another interesting point - as heard today on the radio: it appears that the demos, general debauchery and all that unrest slacken considerably toward weekends and resume on Monday. Which shows that French folks know when it's time for a good demo. Meaning on company time, of course...
At least Depardieu had the guts to say:
What's happening in France is ridiculous. It's a manipulation on the part of the unions.And this is the way it goes...
And now - to something serious. Indeed.
10 comments:
In South Louisiana (I used to live in central Louisiana) they speak French, but oddly enough they don't burn cars--unless the home repair job on the '73 Plymouth Duster goes horribly wrong . . . Laissez les bon temps roulez!
"And I don't even know which of the two is worse nowadays... "
A jewish rightist wingnut?
Not just cars, but also sheep. Or at least when the French farmers are feeling especially grumpy.
I'd say that your grasp of basic economics is quite sufficient, in the circumstances. Which is perhaps more than can be said for that of Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, who urges Brits and Americans to go on the street and declare "Something's wrong here!".
I think it is all sour grapes....
Or is it "sour gripes"?
If you mean grapes, is it like in "Bordeaux" or like in "Cognac" (sp?)?
Sheep? Burning live sheep? Come on, Francis.
I hope you don't mean me, Pisa. I can already see a mob coming to lynch me...
It's easy to explain: they don't drive no French cars in Louisiana.
Considering the high rate of heart diseases in France one would think they aren't drinking enough red wine, however it is in fact the high rate of sleep disorders they have over there - that emanating from, well... not doing enough during the day. They really need A.D. Gordon and the "Religion of Labor". 62? I say 65!
Sleep disorders are no good. So is not drinking enough wine. Both issues should be eradicated.
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