Viva Francia
It used to be so much fun making fun of the French. I never really knew much about French culture and never met too many people from the country. However, it was great to make the “wave the white flag” jokes and make references to France whenever someone wanted to give up in a game of football, monopoly, or whatever competition. However, that will no longer be the case, and that’s fine with me. The world could be better for what is going on in France. While this happened in May, it’s just getting my attention now.
President Nicolas Sarkozy in many ways is a revolutionary in France. His domestic policy is very encouraging as he talks of tax cuts and slashing spending in an effort to bring the nation out of it economic slumber. For a nation where working more than 35 hours per week is prohibited and people are so accustomed to social programs and overspending that they’ve run a federal deficit every year since 1974, this is big news.
As an American, what’s more encouraging is his view toward us. Rather than the French disdain we’ve come to expect, he speaks positively in regards to the United States. Sarkozy does not apologize for his admiration for our country and has even chosen to vacation in the American Northeast. Perhaps most inspirational is his tough stance toward Iran. He stands up and speaks forcefully against Ahmadinejad and the insane fanaticism of his regime. Especially after the departure of Tony Blair in Great Britain, it’s nice to know our President has an ally who can recognize evil and call it what it is. There seems to be an ever present shortage of leaders with this type of spine.
Sarkozy even receives a lot of press down here in Buenos Aires. Keep an eye on him. I know my view of France could change dramatically.
