Can France Be Saved....From itself?

[DawnCt1]

After the riots were quelled by Muslims rioting in the streets, burning cars, etc. new riots broke out over the "New Job Law". Prime Minister de Villepin authored a new law that would make it easier for companies to both hire and fire young workers. Apparently, once hired in France, it is impossible to be fired...unless one is dead. Frnace is losing both economically and politically in the world. They have been unable to reform their stagnant economy hobbled by inflexible labor laws, high taxes and a "corpulent welfare system". They have some of the most generous health, unemployment and welfare benefits in the Western world. Any move to limit these benefits is met with violence, rioting and burning. What will happen when businesses are taxed out of France, employment grows and there are fewer taxpayers to pay for those who can't or won't work?

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Good question. When we visited St. Maarten the Dutch locals were telling us how lazy the French side residents were and how they would work for a few months then quit at collect their 3 years worth of unemployment!

 

[Charade]

This should be a good debate. I'm gonna make a BIG bowl of popcorn!

 

[DawnCt1]

Good question. When we visited St. Maarten the Dutch locals were telling us how lazy the French side residents were and how they would work for a few months then quit at collect their 3 years worth of unemployment!

I can remember my stop on the French side of St. Maartin and Martinique. Martinique was truly abysmal. No one would move to take an order. I mean, why bother? One gets paid no matter what they DON'T do.

 

[DawnCt1]

This should be a good debate. I'm gonna make a BIG bowl of popcorn!

I guess its not debatable. The answer seems clear. France CAN'T save itself. It seems that Chirac, who has failed to read any writing on the wall, walked out of a meeting because someone (I forgot who) spoke ENGLISH!!! The reason? English is the language of business. For some bizarre reason, France and Chirac think that they are still significant players in the global economy. Chirac walked out. Perhaps he should keep on walking and get a "real job".

 

[Laurajean1014]

Only if they eat there own cake!

 

[Planogirl]

What's to debate? This doesn't seem like our business.

 

[Laurajean1014]

What's to debate? This doesn't seem like our business.

That's never stopped them!

 

[DawnCt1]

What's to debate? This doesn't seem like our business.

I think that there are "lessons" there when it comes to thinking about a bloated welfare system, entitlements, etc. We have to deal with them on the world stage, it might be a good idea to consider it.

 

[Bravosntha2g]

They can't stop themselves until their economy goes kaput. Those baffoons think they're entitled to jobs regardless of performance. What a brillaint economic model.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

They can't stop themselves until their economy goes kaput. Those baffoons think they're entitled to jobs regardless of performance. What a brillaint economic model.

The siren song of socialism strikes again.

Remember Chirac's handling of the EU by-laws?

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

I think that there are "lessons" there when it comes to thinking about a bloated welfare system, entitlements, etc. We have to deal with them on the world stage, it might be a good idea to consider it.

Another thing to remember when people here start clammering for the USA to follow another one of those "European" sytems of doing things -- how fair and wonderful and "providing" their system is.

Socialism only "works" if there are enough capitalists to pay the bill.

 

[shortbun]

I think that there are "lessons" there when it comes to thinking about a bloated welfare system, entitlements, etc. We have to deal with them on the world stage, it might be a good idea to consider it.

Since you and W are so tight, why don't you suggest an invasion. I'm sure he could find SOME reason for the attack.
I'd love to see you post about something you LOVE and is NOT politically motivated. Do you like to garden?

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I think that there are "lessons" there when it comes to thinking about a bloated welfare system, entitlements, etc. We have to deal with them on the world stage, it might be a good idea to consider it.

I agree, and there certainly are many lessons to be learned. I do think that although France's social welfare system is way out of control, there is somewhere in between what we have and what they have to provide certain benefits, such as healthcare and monitary assistance, a social safety net, if you will, for those Americans who are in need, such as children, the disabled, the poor (both working and not), military veterans, and such. Helping those in need is not a black/white, with us/against us type debate.

I look at it this way. Even if we were to totally do away with the entire social welfare system, America is not going to let people starve, or die in the streets without assistance. If they can't afford it, our taxes are going to pay for these Americans heathcare/social services in the end anyway so why not create a system that can provide an itelligent way of handling these kind of social problems. There are far too many Americans right now who are living without healthcare.

 

[olena]

Maybe they're heading for another new republic. They've gone through several governments since the Revolution.

I have a different perspective on this though. My husband works for a division of France Telecom that has operations here in the US. They have a government mandated 35 hour work week, a ton of Federal Holidays and mandatory vacaton time. Even if someone there wants to work long hours and do what it takes to get ahead, there's no use. The system doesn't reward such initiative, so many don't bother.

DH's company is global and has offices everywhere. In recent years, they have been shifting a LOT of jobs out of France to places like Asia, Africa and South America. Even the North American offices have seen some shrinkage, but not like in France.

It's sad to me though, since I speak the language and admire French art and culture and spent a wonderful summer there. I'm not a fan of other aspects of French culture.....government over-regulation of just about everything and an 'entitled' mentality among many in its population that expect to be 'taken care of'.

 

[DawnCt1]

Since you and W are so tight, why don't you suggest an invasion. I'm sure he could find SOME reason for the attack.
I'd love to see you post about something you LOVE and is NOT politically motivated. Do you like to garden?

Ah but, we don't need to "invade", they are imploding. If you don't care to participate in a political discussion, there are ways to avoid them.

 

[DawnCt1]

Maybe they're heading for another new republic. They've gone through several governments since the Revolution.

I have a different perspective on this though. My husband works for a division of France Telecom that has operations here in the US. They have a government mandated 35 hour work week, a ton of Federal Holidays and mandatory vacaton time. Even if someone there wants to work long hours and do what it takes to get ahead, there's no use. The system doesn't reward such initiative, so many don't bother.

DH's company is global and has offices everywhere. In recent years, they have been shifting a LOT of jobs out of France to places like Asia, Africa and South America. Even the North American offices have seen some shrinkage, but not like in France.

It's sad to me though, since I speak the language and admire French art and culture and spent a wonderful summer there. I'm not a fan of other aspects of French culture.....government over-regulation of just about everything and an 'entitled' mentality among many in its population that expect to be 'taken care of'.

Interesting observations. I know that Disney had some labor issues and problems when they first opened in France. The labor laws were used as an excuse to avoid the costumes, wear excess make up, jewelry, etc. i am not sure how Disney is dealing with those issues today.

 

[Charade]

What's to debate? This doesn't seem like our business.

I'm glad you said that. Then you must believe that whatever laws (or the way other countries are run) shouldn't influence decisions made by our Supreme Courts.

 

[Charade]

Since you and W are so tight, why don't you suggest an invasion. I'm sure he could find SOME reason for the attack.
I'd love to see you post about something you LOVE and is NOT politically motivated. Do you like to garden?

indeed.

 

[Charade]

Ah but, we don't need to "invade", they are imploding. If you don't care to participate in a political discussion, there are ways to avoid them.

She just can't resist the temptation to take pot shots.