News headline (riots in Europe)

[jfreak921]

As I got up this morning and went through my morning routine, I couldn't help but laugh when I opened up FoxNews online (one of many news sources I look at each morning). It appears they've already changed the wording on the site, but not before I could copy and paste it into my AIM profile... and now here. Enjoy the headline.

"French Government Authorizes Curfews: Only 1,173 cars burned in 226 municipalities across country last night; police consider that a good sign"

[FordFasteRR]

this is really bad... the french are supposed to be so modern and liberal, but look at how they treat their black citizens ? Like 3rd class people. They live in poverty and they can't get jobs... what did they think ? that they can opress them forever ? LOL

This was bound to happen eventually !!!


Read this article to understand whats going on over there:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9962426/

France burns for its sins
Economic inequality didn't start the riots, but it guaranteed an inferno

Abdel Karim spent the afternoon of Nov. 7 as he spends most days — loitering on a street corner in this drab Paris suburb. Karim, 26, was born in France, but economically and socially, he lives in a different world from most French people. Apart from a temporary chaffeuring job he once held, he hasn't worked since graduating from high school. He lives on public assistance, which covers his basic living expenses, including his rent in a high-rise housing project.

Like Karim, most of his friends and relatives are children or grandchildren of North African immigrants, and most are unemployed, too.

Rampant unemployment
Good jobs "are reserved for certain people, and usually it's white French people," he says. Low-paying dead-end jobs are available, but Karim shuns them, figuring he's better off staying on welfare.

Listen to Karim, and it becomes easier to understand how Clichy-sous-Bois became the epicenter of a wave of rioting that has rocked France for the past 10 days. Years of misguided economic and social policies have created a deeply alienated underclass in the land of "liberté, égalité, and fraternité." Now, it is starting to explode.

While discrimination has fanned the flames, the underlying problem is the French economy. Growth has hovered at around 2 percent for several years, and this year it's only about 1.5 percent — far too low to create jobs for young people entering the labor market. Indeed, 23 percent of French people under 25 are unemployed, vs. 15 percent in Germany and 12 percent in Britain. In immigrant neighborhoods, the unemployment rate by some estimates tops 50 percent.

High taxes, low growth
True, France's generous welfare state cushions some of the pain. But it doesn't ease the bitterness of people like Karim, who laments that "the good life" is permanently beyond his reach. Moreover, the welfare state contributes to the slow-growth economy.

A bloated public sector consumes nearly 50 percent of France's economy, and businesses are saddled with heavy taxes to pay for welfare, unemployment, and other benefits. Strict antilayoff rules and other labor regulations make employers even more reluctant to hire.

France has compounded the economic problem with a curiously passive approach to integrating racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims and Africans who make up an estimated 10 percent of the population. Under French law, they are to be treated equally with other French people.

But France — ostensibly to promote equality and integration — also has made it illegal to collect data on peoples' racial and ethnic backgrounds. That makes it extremely difficult to document the discrimination and other problems that many French minorities complain about. Nor have there been major efforts to draw minorities into government or into high-level jobs in business and the news media.

Explosive spark
Abdel Karim hasn't taken part in the rioting — but he says he knows people who did, and he understands their anger. "It has been years since young people have found work," he says. "We don't have confidence."

At the same time, young people in the neighborhood are routinely stopped by police for questioning. Indeed, the rioting was touched off on Oct. 27 when two teenagers were electrocuted when they hid in an electrical substation in Clichy-sous-Bois to avoid a police sweep through the neighborhood. Now the police are back, and their work is anything but routine.
Copyright © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

[Estopatitiana]

doesnt france have a socialist govt?

[paki]

doesnt france have a socialist govt?

LMAO567

[CTele02]

Random acts of violence are not going to solve anything... how were the civil rights in America established? Through public demonstrations and non violent confrontations (at least on the part of the protestors of the government). If you have the time to go outside and burn a car then you should have the time to gather your thoughts and find a more effective way of petitioning for your rights. These people are already dragging down the economy by refusing to work AT ALL (whether its some minimum wage job) and just taking money from welfare. Not all jobs are dead ends... over time if you try harder and show your worth, you should be promoted or given raises. So if these people have all this time to sit around and NOT work they should be strategizing more peaceful and effective methods of having their voices heard. And ofcourse it should of never been to this point but there is still hope. However people can't demand instant satisfaction after violating someone else's property and breaking everyother law. I mean we all wish we were richer but that doesn't mean I should demand a millionaire to give me money by burning his house down... By causing aggressive civil revolts and violence they are showing their true worth in society.

[FordFasteRR]

This thread should be re-named to Riots in France...

lol

[jfreak921]

Well, I think after curfew doesn't work, the next move will probably be surrendering France.

At least that's what I think after reading the following:

A cursory review of French military history reveals the following:
1 - Gallic Wars - Lost. In a war whose ending foreshadows the next 2,000 years of French history, France is conquered by of all things, an Italian.
2 - Hundred Years War - Mostly lost, saved at last by a female schizophrenic who inadvertently creates The First Rule of French Warfare: "French armies are victorious only when not led by a Frenchman."
3 - Italian Wars - Lost. France becomes the first and only country to ever lose two wars when fighting Italians.
4 - Wars of Religion - France goes 0-5-4 against the Huguenots.
5 - Thirty Years War - France is technically not a participant but still manages to get invaded. Claims a tie on the basis that eventually the other participants started ignoring her.
6 - War of Devolution - Tied. Frenchmen take to wearing red flowerpots as chapeaux.
7 - The Dutch War - Tied. Dutch farmers and tulip growers are tougher than they look.
8 - War of the Augsburg League/King William's War/French and Indian War - Lost, but claimed as a tie. Three ties in a row induces deluded Francophiles the world over to label the period as the height of French military power.
9 - War of the Spanish Succession - Lost. The War also gave the French their first taste of a Marlborough, which they have loved ever since.
10 - American Revolution - In a move that will become quite familiar to future Americans, France claims a win even though the English colonists saw far more action. This is later known as "de Gaulle Syndrome", and leads to the Second Rule of French Warfare; " France only wins when America does most of the fighting."
11 - French Revolution - Won, primarily due the fact that the opponent was also French.
12 - The Napoleonic Wars - Lost. Temporary victories (remember the First Rule!) due to leadership of a Corsican, who ended up being no match for the Russian winter, Prussian grenadiers or a British footwear designer.
13 - The Franco-Prussian War - Lost. For the first, but certainly not the last time, Germany plays the role of drunk frat boy to France 's ugly girl home alone on a Saturday night.
14 - World War I - Invaded, humiliated and on the way to losing, France is saved by the United States. Winds up a tie for les francaise. Thousands of French women find out what it's like to not only sleep with a winner, but one who doesn't call her "Fraulein." Sadly, the American fascination with personal hygiene (a fascination totally foreign to French women) incites widespread use of condoms by American soldiers, thus precluding any improvement in the French bloodline.
15 - World War II - A decisive defeat even by French standards. Hitler and the German Youth spend Christmas time sleeping soundly through the winter, then arouse themselves to conquer France in six weeks. Hitler dances in front of the Eiffel Tower, while the French command staff retreats to Algeria to institute a crash language program to teach French privates how to say "I surrender" in German and French generals to say "We surrender" in German. Conquered French liberated by the United States and Britain just as they finish learning the Horst Wessel Song and some small portion of the German work ethic. De Gaulle of it all...
16 - First Vietnamese war (in Vietnamese circles, known as "the scrimmage", or "the exhibition game" where the varsity squad is kept on the sideline to see how the second string will play) - Lost. French soldiers, fresh off their four year occupation by the Germans, catch a terminal case of Dien Bien Flu.
17 - Algerian rebellion - Lost. First time an Arab army has beaten a Western army since the Crusades, and produces the first rule of modern Islamic warfare: "We can always beat the French." A nice phrase, but it lacks something in originality, since it is also the first rule of warfare for the Italians, Russians, Prussians, Germans, English, Dutch, Spanish, Vietnamese, Native Americans and capitalists.
18 - War on Terrorism - Lost. Incensed at not being included in the original "Axis of Evil," France refuses to participate. When it becomes clear that this is a "no-kidding war," Jacques Chirac looks at his cards and immediately surrenders to that old warhorse, Gerhard Schroeder. For good measure, he also surrenders to five million illegal immigrants from Algeria.

[ArunSenior04]

I never even knew that France was like this.

[wev567]

CTele02, if the economy is not growing, where are these "minimum wage" jobs coming from? Working hard is a great idea, if you can get yer foot in the door. The problem isn't necessarily lack of ambition, it's lack of opportunity from the lack of growth and discrimination against minorities, which can't be proven or disproven, since the government is too foolish to keep statistics so it can enforce it's own laws.

Rioting is wrong, but they are fustrated and angry. This started not because the rioters are political, but because they feel two black youths died running from the police. Right or wrong they feel persecuted. Their national government took 7 days to even address the riots, and they still haven't addressed the desparation that caused this.

[Nerraux]

Watch closely what happens, I wouldn't be surprised if our government drives us to something similar within a decade. You can only keep raising taxes so many times before people say "hey, you take 50%+, provide minimal service, and support the people that keep me from getting ahead...forget you." Racism is a thing of the past. It's going to come to a head here over money soon

[jfreak921]

Racism is a thing of the past.

What Utopia are you living in?

[Nerraux]

I'm not saying it doesn't exist, just that it's not the motivation for action that it was. Poor is the new black, and if you own a Hyundai, you a nigga jus' like me.

[jfreak921]

I'm not saying it doesn't exist, just that it's not the motivation for action that it was. Poor is the new black, and if you own a Hyundai, you a nigga jus' like me.

That kind of assertion assumes way too much. Its illogical, not to mention insulting to everyone on this board.

[Nerraux]

Really? Is the idea of a revolt in America based on the constant oppression of the less-privileged really so hard to digest? There's certainly precedent for it in world history as well as our own. Can you say Revolutionary War? We'll see how it all shakes out in the near future. The plain fact is that people can only pay so much tax. The government has raised taxes consistently and shows no signs of letting up. Combine that with costs of living rising disproportionately with wages, and you're brewing the perfect stew for dissatisfaction.

Besides, I might have been using a bit of literary license in the previous statements. Relax, Paco. I'm sure you'll be immune and free to go on living the perfect American dream.

[jfreak921]

Yeah, I've read Marx too. And my name isn't Paco. I'm done with this thread.

[Nerraux]

I love GI Joes and Republicans. You guys are so easy. Say it's possible and you're a communist/socialist/dentist. Unless you're talking about our founding fathers -- then it's PATRIOTIC! Think for yourself. It'll hurt at first, but once you start producing a little mental lubricant it can get downright pleasurable.

[CTele02]

You're going off topic... this is about the FRENCH revolts... not anything in America.

[Nerraux]

a) There's something terribly ironic about being warned about getting off-topic in the "Off Topic" forum.

2) You'll note that my original comment was just intended as a quick observation, hardly enough to be worthy of retort.

III) Who the hell cares what happens to the French? They're like drug dealers -- the best way to handle it is to let them take out as many of themselves as they can, then go in after and rename it East Virginia.

[CTele02]

Oh well im not getting into this... "arguing on the internet is like the special olympics..." im just saying theres an Off topic Forum to start "specific" off topic ideas... and this one happens to focus on Revolts in France.

[paki]

eh its probably time that a mod locked this..

[ArunSenior04]

Nerruex, I like how you can argue and still keep it intelligent and funny.

[hyunelan2]

I see no reason to lock this... although the topic became U.S. from France, it's the same basic topic of oppression leading to revolt. Beside's it's actually entertaining to me. No lock.

[Nerraux]

Paki, if you think this should be locked, you must have done time on some bad boards. The BEST topics are the ones that wander a bit. Viva la Resistance! Viva la Bam! Viva la Paper Towel!

[Estopatitiana]

viva la bam..lol, i love these types of debates..i like seeing people from all over dish it out without face to face confrontation wich means more ballsy comments

[TheKoreanSaab]

The world is chaotic. People that dont understand things get hostile. So many are against the war in Iraq and so many hate France for not joining us. What is going on in France is wrong. But as long as there is hate in the world there will always be prejudices. If you have ever thought of it we all hate something in our lives. This is racism in France and it is a part of life. It is not right by all means, but if you think about it. How many Americans where afraid and still are afraid of Middle Eastern people, because we think they are all terrorist. We will never see eye to eye with many countries (France). We have different cultures, religions, ideas, and standards. There will never be peace in the world so why get all twisted up about something going on in France. It is their country and it is their problem. If things get bad I will move to Canada. When is the last time you heard anyone say they hated Canada?

[Nerraux]

http://nothing-sacred.net/articles/3/340/

[TheKoreanSaab]

I cannot stop laughing that is hilarious. We could take it over and get rid of all the french things. French toast and french fries would change over to American Toast and Freedom Fries. Since there would not be a France there anymore. I declare this land as The Partially United States of Western Europe.

[jfreak921]

As long as we're turning this thread into French humor....




President Bush Sells Louisiana Back to the French

BATON ROUGE, LA. - The White House announced today that President Bush has
successfully sold the state of Louisiana back to the French at more than
double its original selling price of $11,250,000.

"This is a bold step forward for America," said Bush. "And America will be
stronger and better as a result. I stand here today in unity with French
Prime Minister Jack Sharaq, who was so kind to accept my offer ofLouisiana
in exchange for 25 million dollars cash."

The state, ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, will cost hundreds of billions of
dollars to rebuild.

"Jack understands full well that this one's a 'fixer upper,'" said Bush. "He
and the French people are quite prepared to pump out all that water, and
make Louisiana a decent place to live again. And they've got a lot of work
to do. But Jack's assured me, if it's not right, they're going to fix it."

The move has been met with incredulity from the beleaguered residents of
Louisiana.

"Shuba-pie!" said New Orleans resident Willis Babineaux. "Frafer-perly yum
kom drabby sham!"

However, President Bush's decision has been widely lauded by Republicans.

"This is an unexpected but brilliant move by the President," said Senate
Majority Leader Bill Frist. "Instead of spending billions and billions, and
billions of dollars rebuilding the state of Louisiana, we've just made 25
million dollars in pure profit."

"This is indeed a smart move," commented Fox News analyst Brit Hume. "Not
only have we stopped the flooding in our own budget, we've made money on the
deal. Plus, when the god-awful French are done fixing it up, we can easily
invade and take it back again."

[Nerraux]

This mean we can be friends again? Wanna canoodle?

[jfreak921]

We were never enemies. I just don't argue against assumptive/sarcastic arguments. Its pointless.

But since we can agree on France, its all good. :) The enemy of my enemy is my friend...

[Estopatitiana]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend...

Alien vs predator baby!!!

[Nerraux]

We were never enemies. I just don't argue against assumptive/sarcastic arguments. Its pointless.

But since we can agree on France, its all good. :) The enemy of my enemy is my friend...
Blah, blah, blah...what about the canoodling?