[CatoRenasci]

Indeed, the "right" in France bears no resemblence to the American right.

The right in France has always been statist, often ultramontane Catholic, and, even before Vichy and Petain, had close ties to the Action Francaise, the French fascist movement. This right has always been hostile to America and its classical liberal values, just as since the 19th century and the Bourbon restoration it has been hostile to the notions of liberty and equality before the law which came out of the Enlightenment. The French right is actually probably more despicable than the French left.

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

In terms of "mainstream" parties, you're probably right.

As much as I disagreed with Lionel Jospin on policy, I still had a modicum of respect for him as a statesmen, and even admired a few of his stances, e.g. his request-met by a rain of stones, of course-that Hezbollah cease terrorizing innocent Israeli citizens.

I can't say the same for Chirac, De Villepin, Aliot, or any of the other thoroughly contemptible leading members of the UMP, Nicholas Sarkozy being the sole exception.

[dervish]

As in the US there seems to be a trend of the far right and the far left joining causes. Politics of late seem more circular than linear. It's basically an alliance of hate forces.

[Feldkurat_Katz]

Le Pen isn't "right" He's merely a nationalist, but so were and are many on the Left (e.g. Castro, Chavez, Ho Chi Min, Mao.)

Liberals like to call anyone they dislike "right", facts notwithstanding. Basically, US liberals represent cosmopolitan Left, whereas Le Pen represents nationalistic Left. Many Le Pen associates are former Communists, e.g. that guy who distributed pork-based charity soup in heavily Muslim neighborhoods.

[royalcello]

The right in France has always been statist, often ultramontane Catholic, and, even before Vichy and Petain, had close ties to the Action Francaise, the French fascist movement. This right has always been hostile to America and its classical liberal values, just as since the 19th century and the Bourbon restoration it has been hostile to the notions of liberty and equality before the law which came out of the Enlightenment.

And this is bad...why, exactly? ;)

Count me in as one of those evil, real (i.e. monarchist) European-style right-wingers, who wants nothing to do with the American so-called "right." I wonder if Goetz, Kjvail and I are the only ones left on FR? (Time to summon the "Crown Crew"?)

I am terribly disappointed in Le Pen. But I shouldn't be surprised. What France needs is a King, not a President. The French Republic is an abomination built on the murder of Their Most Christian Majesties King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, always has been, and always will be.

Vive le roi! Down with Democracy and Republicanism! Out with the Muslims! And long live France--not the phony secular multiculturalist republican France which is hated by the neocons for all the wrong reasons, but the Catholic and Royal France of the ages!