French President urges calm after six nights of rioting [Canadian News Article]

The Globe and Mail ^ | 11/2/05 | CHRISTINE OLLIVIER

[doc30]

Even though the story has circulated widely via AP, it is interesting to note that the ROP mention is minor and at the end of the article.

What is more interesting are the moderated comments that readers of the Globe and Mail posted. They actually seem to be blaming France's poor record of social responsibilty for immigrants as the cause of the riots. Canadians seem to have a sense of socialst superiority over the French and blame the French for racism, rather than the actions of the rioters as a problem. Canadians, typically, have no sense of personal responsibility. I wonder if the Globe will publish my polite, non-PC, comments.

[johniegrad]

I think what's really interesting here is that what should be a local law enforcement issue has become a national concern and has to be addressed by the President. For Chirac to have to deal with common thugs politically really says something about how weak he is. It also says something about France's ability to police itself. The entire nation is in an uproar about criminals. France is coming unglued.

[cripplecreek]

"exposed the despair, anger and deep-rooted criminality in the poor suburbs, where police hesitate to venture"


Fallujah?

[Clemenza]

French government is highly centralized. They do not have a federal system like the US.

[beltfed308]

Has France surrendered yet?

[inquest]

But I thought the French were so much better than we at dealing with crime.

[varyouga]

The French President speaks: There are no rioters in Paris. We have crushed them all in a sea of fire. The sheeple, er...I mean people should remain calm. Woman may pick up their protective burka headgear at the nearest church, I mean temporary mosque. Men must report to the Eiffel minaret for conversion.

Do not be alarmed, for we are a Religion of Peace and we'll behead you to prove it!.

[MeanWestTexan]

No, they expect the Americans to save them.

[varyouga]

The French President speaks: There are no rioters in Paris. We have crushed them all in a sea of fire. The sheeple, er...I mean people should remain calm. Woman may pick up their protective burka headgear at the nearest church, I mean temporary mosque. Men must report to the eiffel minaret for conversion.

Do not be alarmed, for we are a Religion of Peace and we'll behead you to prove it!.

[doc30]

When I was in France last summer, I had my wallet stolen on the subway. When I went to give a police report, I was warned by my French colleagues that the police are VERY brutish and do not like dealing with anyone, especially foreigners. I found them to be very respectful and professional, but then I learned that was when they were trying to attect the 2012 Olympics and the police had to be on good behaviour.

[Brilliant]

what may become a “dangerous situation.”




Past that, I'd say.

[inquest]

How were the people toward you (I mean, beyond what you'd normally expect from them)? I know from people who were there when the Iraq war first broke out in '03, that being an American in France at that time was not a pleasant experience at all. I wonder if that's changed any.

[varyouga]

I was in Paris a few years back and 2 women in my tour group had their purses snatched within a few hours and one guy got his wallet stolen. All of the perps were friendly ROP looking types that run fast. I had to walk around with my hands in my pockets for the rest of the day. And this happened during the day on main streets. I only saw 2 cops in the entire city and they looked like they just chugged a few fifths of wine.

[mad puppy]

"Nicolas Sarkozy – a potential 2007 presidential candidate..."

I keep reading this guy's name and it is usually associated with some tough talk backed by tough action. Is he really French? Is is serious contender for President in France?

The time is certainly right for France to get tough and Sarkozy may be the guy to lead them. Of course, if the French don't get tough quick, it is going to be tough to recognize France in about 10 years. Francis-stan?

[bkepley]

They actually seem to be blaming France's poor record of social responsibilty for immigrants as the cause of the riots.

Maybe but I think there's also some hammering on the insufferable French belief that social problems don't happen in France. And I mean just ordinary French people believe this. If you talk to one of them they are astounded you could believe such a thing is possible in France. Social problems are an Anglo, or American thing.

[Dark Skies]

"exposed the despair, anger and deep-rooted criminality in the poor suburbs, where police hesitate to venture"

After the London bombings, the recurring theme in interviews with young serious muslims was that working for or cooperating with the infidel was an insult to Islam. The imams encourage young men to refuse opportunity and to take the free handout from the government...and wait (obviously wait for jihad).

I don't believe there is despair. And the anger and deep-rooted criminality is part and parcel of Islam. These young men know they are in the "land of war" (al-harb)...they will not be placated until they can drive out the infidel (as they are doing according to plan).

[wagglebee]

[RJL]

Mr. Chirac... “Zones without law cannot exist in the republic,” he said.

Rather ironic, it's widely acknowledged that without France's Presidential immunity from prosecution, Chiraq would be in jail. His partner in corruption has been found guilty in a French court.

[Vaquero]

[dynachrome]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/dynachrome/cheeseeatingmonkey.jpg