Replies

I think that it is wrong to characterize Sarkozy as “right wing”... unless you are working for the NYSlimes or some European media organization. Sarkozy holds positions on most issues MUCH like GUILIANI.

He is much more concerned that France recover some respect in the world, whereas the previous governments were striving merely to serve as a “counterweight to the United States”... and thereby became predictable, and no longer relevant.

His economic policies are at least somewhat conservative, but France today is in much worse a position than America was in 1980. It took Reagan and the FED six HARD years to manage a recovery that was clear ... and we didn’t have the MUSLIM “immigrant” problem that Sarko has.

He’s going to need a lot of support, luck and prayer to reverse the damage that the last two decades have done to France. I’m not real optimistic he can do the trick, especially with the EU restrictions that France doesn’t have full say in changing.

Not even addressing how Kyoto and Kyoto-follow-up is going to destroy world wide economies, too... aargh... he’s got a tough roe to hoe.

I think that it is wrong to characterize Sarkozy as “right wing”...

By French standards, anything less than a full-blown socialist is rightwing.

He’s going to need a lot of support, luck and prayer to reverse the damage that the last two decades have done to France. I’m not real optimistic he can do the trick, especially with the EU restrictions that France doesn’t have full say in changing.

But if we or Israel have to go into Iran, France is now far less likely to lead Germany in opposing us at the U.N. or in regional diplomacy. We may no longer have Britain on the ground with us but to have friendly governments in London, Paris, and Berlin just has to be a plus. I do think it is no coincidence at all that the Queen chose this time to favor us with a state visit. Blair may be done but Britain may yet hang tough with us.

I'm not glad to trade Blair for his successor plus Sarkozy/Merkel. But the new Franco-German leaders are certainly better than the old ones, triangulating against us diplomatically and with our enemies. Bad enough that Pootie and China are largely united against us.

Clearly, a Sarkozy is better for us than a Royal.

You know, this Frenchman could surprise us. Especially if the socialist/Muzzie rabble make a major error by rioting and getting completely out of control. That will be his ticket to go as far as he wishes. He may also do something to rebuild their military, provided he can scare up the money. And some of his remarks as interior minister indicate he is, well, kind of radical by French standards. But still no Le Pen by any means. But there is some strength and guts in that Frenchman, I think. He's been willing to take action before, knowing he'll take it on the chin. He can take a few punches and come back swinging.

At any rate, bon chance, France, with M. Sarkozy.