tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779885531426200622.post2034166032523496241..comments2024-03-18T08:48:19.344+01:00Comments on Chez Sullivan: Strikes in FranceThe Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394886274870482570noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779885531426200622.post-4183298388356414402010-11-19T23:03:02.603+01:002010-11-19T23:03:02.603+01:00Mark,
I find this statement puzzling: "The di...Mark,<br />I find this statement puzzling: "The difference is that the French plan to use collective action to do something about it." Don't we, in the U.S. go to the polls on the same day, gather on the Washington Mall and the capitol lawn in Lansing to protest? Don't we join MoveOn, TrueMajority, the Tea Party, and so much more to collectively take action?<br />I think the one line in your post that has perplexed me in the last two years in the U.S. is the following: "The French prefer looking at life as “the tide raises all boats” and work to keep the tide rising." I cannot speak to the veracity of this in French life. Yet, it is just this that has seems to have been lost in the U.S. We seem to be tilting so far to the right as to suggest "every man, woman and child" is on their own. Perhaps this is different in France with everyone reaching out to bring others in the boat rather than yelling "I got mine. Good luck!" as they head in to the sunset.<br />Each day the news gives us plenty of reason to despair, but we know the news is no longer news. There are many good people working to help their fellow countrymen, women and children. We have to look closer at what those who are not politicians are doing to see that our fellow countrymen and women are working to help one another. Politicians and dollars are making a mockery of our democracy, but the people have lots of heart and much kindness to offer. It is sad to watch in the sensational media. Can you really say this is different in France, England, Britain? <br />Arleen and I had a wonderful opportunity to attend the PeaceJam Hero's Luncheon last Monday with Former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias. PeaceJam is an doing some great work worldwide with young people to raise all boats. Check them out:http://www.peacejam.org/.<br />Maybe the French are more collective than we minions in the U.S. but we are giving life our best every day.<br />Peace,<br />JohnJohn D. Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03473137875353586674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779885531426200622.post-41132540901972512142010-11-17T05:17:21.278+01:002010-11-17T05:17:21.278+01:00Bondzoe! (in local "saugeais" where ther...Bondzoe! (in local "saugeais" where there is A President!)<br />Thanks Mark for this reading and comment, a challenge early in the morning for me!<br /><br />I am rather flattered that you do compare France to the States but shouldn't France be compared to ONE state of the United States given its size which does not compare with that of the US? France is part and parcel of Europe and European history although it has -as all other European coutries, it own specificities.<br /><br />In Bolivia, I've heard that the retirement age has been altered to a younger age. I've always thought that South America was teaching us a few basic statements and this is one of them along with the fact that women ARE elected and are doing rather well as Heads of Governements.<br /><br />The strikes will go on: next one on November 23rd. Apart from some very unfortunate mishappenings (in Lyon for example)<br />as you said most of the strikes are peaceful demonstrations and walks for a better and more equal society, nothing more, nothing less but what a pursuit!<br /><br />Fear is not invited and should NOT be. What matters for people is the end of a "being fooled game".<br /> <br />I hope this makes sense and am looking forward to your next post.<br /><br />Take care!<br /><br />MarieMaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524412264769461731noreply@blogger.com