...and welcome back to the real world where capitalism, self-empowerment, and independence are wonderful assets to be admired and respected. France has elected a Conservative reformer, Nicolas Sarkozy, as President replacing one of the worst presidents in European history.
(Picture from the AP article published at Philly.com)
(Picture from the AP article published at Philly.com)For those of you who may have forgotten your US history, France was a great ally for the fledging United States during our fight for freedom. Now, after all these years, it seems our old friends may be back. Will they truly become a great ally to the United States once again? Who knows, really, but it will be very interesting to follow what happens there now.
I've often wondered why the French people seemed content to settle for a mediocre (at best) economy when there are so many wonderful things produced there, so much to see, so many great minds. It seemed such a waste. I suspect that socialistic economies like France's only breed laziness. How else can you explain an exorbitant tax and jobless rate without the people rioting in the streets to oust the root of the problem? Evidently, the French prefer to wait for their presidential elections to make their voices heard -- and heard they were, around the world!
A French colleague at work told me last week that his mother was already complaining to him about the looming 40-hour workweek. He said he laughed at that and told her 40 hours would be a breeze compared to all the hours we put in over here. I'm sure she was not comforted much by that remark!
I've often wondered why the French people seemed content to settle for a mediocre (at best) economy when there are so many wonderful things produced there, so much to see, so many great minds. It seemed such a waste. I suspect that socialistic economies like France's only breed laziness. How else can you explain an exorbitant tax and jobless rate without the people rioting in the streets to oust the root of the problem? Evidently, the French prefer to wait for their presidential elections to make their voices heard -- and heard they were, around the world!
A French colleague at work told me last week that his mother was already complaining to him about the looming 40-hour workweek. He said he laughed at that and told her 40 hours would be a breeze compared to all the hours we put in over here. I'm sure she was not comforted much by that remark!
Congratulations, Nicolas Sarkozy! Well done, France!
By the way, Chirac, President Bush asked me to be sure to post his best wishes to you on your departure from office...
By the way, Chirac, President Bush asked me to be sure to post his best wishes to you on your departure from office...
Comments