France would be a great country if you could somehow change their genetics to make them less entitled, arrogant, supercilious and obnoxious. Also, instill a work ethic which is currently lacking.
Lou, I actually have a bit of French in my DNA. I've been very careful to not criticize my host country.But now that I am a French tax payer, as well as journalist, and have to deal with a ridiculous amount of bureaucracy, I don't hesitate to vent. I flee to CH every time I need to experience a country that still works! There's an excellent reason the Swiss didn't join the EU! CJC
I am not a big fan of Macron but one reason he is so unpopular in France is because he tried to enact very mild labor reforms to make French companies more competitive by reducing the power of trade unions to handcuff these companies with burdensome labor rules. The French people, however, like their month long vacations and their sinecure jobs and salaries.
Oui Lou, The French do have that reputation and I have certainly met that reputation. But the vast majority of French are decent people, admire Americans (although they won't admit it easily) and have a sense of humor. Even wish they had a Donald Trump given the present state of French politics and the mess decades of socialism has caused. CJC
Maybe as a Jew, I am sensitive to their long history of widespread antisemitsm, starting in medieval times and culminating in the mass slaughter of Jews in Vichy France, which required the cooperation of the French people. This stain of Jewish hatred has continued during modern times with attacks on synagogues, schools, stores and other Jewish institutions. Obviously, the large Muslim population in France has made the situation worse.
Yes, off to the slammer for Sarkozy, who is the first French president to go to prison! Hey, even Napoleon was exiled to a beautiful island. Oh well, the French seem to be struggling lately with austerity measures, out of control immigrant crime and loss of French identity, replaced with Muslim and North African street culture.
Even the Crown Jewels aren’t safe anymore? Sounds like the Thomas Crown affair. Gee, wonder if it was an (wink-wink) inside job? No doubt the priceless booty taken to the mid east or Asia by now.
I guess French gluttony, over estimating world relevance and insisting for the finer things in life finally did them in?
True, the jewelry heist from the Louvre cemented the reputation of the French as the incompetent keystone cops. They are the laughing stock of the world
The fact that Netanyahu would be arrested in France while guys like Maduro, Kim Jong Un, Khamenei, Erdogan and other tyrants would not be says all you need to know about France.
Back around 1980, I once was in Paris on a three-country business visit (also Frankfurt and London). While my boss stopped over in Spain, I was on my own in Paris and spent my time checking out places such as the Notre Dame, Opera House and the Louvre. I liked the Metro transportation system. I enjoyed my time there.
Merci Else for liking my gastronomic wandering. If it makes you feel any better about the disastrous Ca. Politics--former French President, Sarkozy, has just been sent to prison by a vengeful, left-wing judge and the Louvre has lost the Crown Jewels! CJC
France would be a great country if you could somehow change their genetics to make them less entitled, arrogant, supercilious and obnoxious. Also, instill a work ethic which is currently lacking.
Wow - thats a bit negative after Calla's beautiful article.
Calla isn't French so she gets a pass. :)
Lou, I actually have a bit of French in my DNA. I've been very careful to not criticize my host country.But now that I am a French tax payer, as well as journalist, and have to deal with a ridiculous amount of bureaucracy, I don't hesitate to vent. I flee to CH every time I need to experience a country that still works! There's an excellent reason the Swiss didn't join the EU! CJC
I am not a big fan of Macron but one reason he is so unpopular in France is because he tried to enact very mild labor reforms to make French companies more competitive by reducing the power of trade unions to handcuff these companies with burdensome labor rules. The French people, however, like their month long vacations and their sinecure jobs and salaries.
Oui Lou, The French do have that reputation and I have certainly met that reputation. But the vast majority of French are decent people, admire Americans (although they won't admit it easily) and have a sense of humor. Even wish they had a Donald Trump given the present state of French politics and the mess decades of socialism has caused. CJC
Maybe as a Jew, I am sensitive to their long history of widespread antisemitsm, starting in medieval times and culminating in the mass slaughter of Jews in Vichy France, which required the cooperation of the French people. This stain of Jewish hatred has continued during modern times with attacks on synagogues, schools, stores and other Jewish institutions. Obviously, the large Muslim population in France has made the situation worse.
Agree Lou. Anti-semitism is a huge stain on France. I've even written about it!CJC
Yes, off to the slammer for Sarkozy, who is the first French president to go to prison! Hey, even Napoleon was exiled to a beautiful island. Oh well, the French seem to be struggling lately with austerity measures, out of control immigrant crime and loss of French identity, replaced with Muslim and North African street culture.
Even the Crown Jewels aren’t safe anymore? Sounds like the Thomas Crown affair. Gee, wonder if it was an (wink-wink) inside job? No doubt the priceless booty taken to the mid east or Asia by now.
I guess French gluttony, over estimating world relevance and insisting for the finer things in life finally did them in?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgkm2j0xelo.amp
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg7nrlkg0zxo.amp
Lawfare is alive and well in France.
True, the jewelry heist from the Louvre cemented the reputation of the French as the incompetent keystone cops. They are the laughing stock of the world
Ya, NYC will become just like Paris after the Muslim-Socialist gets done.
True
Regarding your comment about the French “Keystone cops”, it looks like they arrested their suspects this morning.
Neat. I learned something new.
Merci Michael! CJC
Mums. The flower world’s golden retriever.
Oui Cate! CJC
The fact that Netanyahu would be arrested in France while guys like Maduro, Kim Jong Un, Khamenei, Erdogan and other tyrants would not be says all you need to know about France.
A nice item for the coming holidays and home made treats.
Thanks for the article.......!!!!!!!
Merci Scott. Happy holidays! CJC
Lovely article and so well written! Thanks
Merci Douglas. So happy you enjoyed. The ground mum leaves used to be available at Whole Foods, if you are a keen cook. CJC
Thank you, Calla, for the lovely change of pace article, and some fun interesting recipes.
Merci Monica! The pesto is really easy and Gooooooodl Calla
Back around 1980, I once was in Paris on a three-country business visit (also Frankfurt and London). While my boss stopped over in Spain, I was on my own in Paris and spent my time checking out places such as the Notre Dame, Opera House and the Louvre. I liked the Metro transportation system. I enjoyed my time there.
Merci Else for liking my gastronomic wandering. If it makes you feel any better about the disastrous Ca. Politics--former French President, Sarkozy, has just been sent to prison by a vengeful, left-wing judge and the Louvre has lost the Crown Jewels! CJC
Sorry about misspelling your name Elce. I get my name misspelled all the time so I use "Lilly" here.