[Army Air Corps]

Ping to the Holder of the Pinglist.

[Parley Baer]

“Arab and African residents of the banlieues, as the suburbs are known, have been in an angry, vengeful mood since Sarkozy described young delinquents as “scum” and “thugs” in 2005.”

They have shown themselves to be “scum” and “thugs” by their actions. I agree with Sarkozy. Let the rioting begin and put it down with the vigorous use of force.

[TheGeezer]

There may be hope for the banlieues, however. In these urban badlands of high unemployment, crime and hopelessness, the television satellite dishes

Who pays for the satellite subscriptions in a hopeless land of unemployment?

[Cincinna]

Excellent article highlighting exactly what is at stake in the Election.

Curbing the power of the Unions, limiting the right to strike and disrupt the total society are but a few.

I am sure the government is prepared for any and all contingencies.

The suburbs can be cut off and isolated by limiting the RATP trains in and out, and by heavy policing.

I have personally seen the French CRS at work in curbing a demonstrating.During the Mitterant regime ( Socialist) putting down a demonstration of those wanting support of Parochial (Catholic) schools.

The CRS in full body armor, hurling tear gas into the crowds, beating people woith their night sticks. Right on Boulevard Saint Germain.

[popdonnelly]

They tried that already.

[rjp2005]

Sounds like Sarko will be the Bush of Europe - hated and attacked mercilessly.

[driftdiver]

“He has announced that if he wins, he will go on a retreat”

A frenchman on retreat? Imagine that!

[sageb1]

What Sarkozy might go through is what the left has put Bush through - only much worse.

[Chode]

let the burnings commence... and the asskickings that follow.

[Laptop_Ron]

So, Royal is basically saying that the people that back her are thugs who will riot if she loses? Not very flattering to her supporters.

[KingKenrod]

The Islamists and Socialists will be working hand-in-hand to make sure Sarkozy’s presidency is a failure. There will be rioting, strikes, student revolts, and other leftist hijinx. The question is whether the mainstream French who see their country sliding into peril can muster the strength to fight against their own liberal, multi-cultural indoctrination and stand firm with Sarkozy, who will have a brief chance to be a sort of French Ronald Reagan, ready to lift his country out of their socialist malaise. It won’t be easy. France’s problems are obvious to outside observers, but the average French citizen has become accustomed to a certain way of life and will not give that up easily.

[tsowellfan]

I saw a photo of a man in some french person’s MySpace. The words under his face read “not my President”. I assume he must be the conservative. Only liberals hate democracy when it doesnt go their way.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

And the French think we’re uncivilized.

[tsowellfan]

When will we know exactly who won and who will be President? How sure is it that the conservative has a chance?

[humblegunner]

reign of Sarkozy

I'm thinking band name here.

[Cicero]

Still celebrating May Day in Paris? Good grief. Bunch of nostalgic Stalinists.

Now, one of our neighbors here in Vermont threw a barbecue this evening to commemorate Cinco de Mayo—the victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Excellent Margaritas were served.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

And the little terrorist punks ARE “scum and thugs.”

[nckerr]

[GladesGuru]

“Free market slavery” ? ? ? ? ?

Where is a language cop when one needs one?

[Intolerant in NJ]

It was also a warning to Nicolas Sarkozy, the reform-minded conservative candidate for the presidency, of the trouble that may lie in wait for him if he wins the presidential election today and embarks on ambitious plans for modernising a country badly in need of renewal and disillusioned with its ruling elite...The left is simply not capable of participating in democratic government - they see themselves as being so intellectually and morally superior to anyone who does not agree with their view of the world that they feel insulted and resentful when such people are actually given authority over them - and that they should not have to submit to such authority - it becomes their right and duty to resist by virtually any means, doncha know......