"Security is the responsibility of the State, I am against militias, I am against the private ownership of firearms, and I'm trying to make you think about that. If you are assaulted by an armed burglar, he ll use his weapon more effectively than you anyway so you re risking your life. If the criminal is not armed and you are and you shoot, your life will be ruined, because killing someone over a theft is not in line with the republican values that are mine. The private ownership of firearms is dangerous. I understand your exasperation for having been burglarized two times, I understand the fear that your wife and daughter may have but the answer is in the efficiency of the police and the efficiency of the judiciary process, the answer is not in having guns at home. "
-- "Conservative" Nicholas Sarkozy
SOURCE: http://www.theurbangrindblog.com/?cat=42
Probably the same American conservatives who cheered on Vicente Fox's "conservative" victory in Mexico will be popping the champaign corks when France's version of "conservative" wins.
I could care less which socialist the frog elect. Bill Clinton is probably a hard core right-wing loon by French standards. That country is SO screwed up the only way someone remotely "conservative" would win is if the Muslims overthrew the government.
This is France we're talking about - the nation that helped America gain her independence, a historical friend, and home to many great historical figures. For France, Sarkozy is very likely an improvement even over the so-called conservative Chirac. No, I would not want Sarkozy as my president for the same reason I don't want Giuliani. But for France, I wish them the best and hope he is at least a baby step in the right direction.
Great post, and a timely reminder that a French "conservative" is about as liberal as Chuck Schumer.