A political debate

Last night I watched on TV5 about half the debate between the two presidential candidates for the French presidential election.

What I found interesting with regard to Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy's positions is his stand in favor of respect and discipline at school and he is proposing some tough measures to punish juvenile crime. Well, he'd better do, taking into account the recent events in the Parisian suburbs. (If that works, the U.S. may need a hand there).
I was also pleased with what he said about Turkey not joining the E.U., although it may still enjoy a privileged commercial relationship. He said that France's and Europe's borders cannot be extended to Iran and Uzbekistan. And that's true. I understand the commercial point, but since there are already differences leading to upheaval among the different religious and racial groups in countries such as France, Denmark and the U.K., how could Europe possibly integrate some hundred million Asiatic Muslim people? It will be the end of western civilisation as we know it.

On the other hand, Mme. Segolene Royal's points on social issues are by far more sound and humanitarian and I am all for what she said about pensions and integration of special needs children. I think this was the best appearance she has made so far. She was calm and strong at the same time, well read, and I liked the way she confronted Mr. Sarkozy about the huge difference in rhetoric and action of his government.
She has also made some very good points and she has put forward some great ideas about alternative sources of energy, and about the importance she intends to put on study and education. After all, these are Europe's strengths, and these strengths have always fertilized the world. With regards to Europe, I think her victory would mean yet another standstill and going backwards and forwards for Europe. So, no, I think we wouldn't agree there.
More on the debate and a summary of the issues covered by each candidate, this is an interesting article by B.B.C. news.
Although I was all for her during the debate, I do think that it may be too late for her to reverse the climate in favor of her opponent.

Ideally I'd love to see Sarkozy leading France's European and foreign policy and Mme Royal taking charge of the social issues.

Why can't people vote on issues (instead of take it or leave it politics), and make up governments truly Democratic?

Friends like these...

My two French friends, T and C have sent me their New Year's wishes. I did well not removing my New Year graphics yet!


This one is from T. I first met him and his now wife S on a trip to the South of Greece, some twenty years ago. (Gosh! Was it really that long ago?). Together they have showered me with their friendship and loyalty more than once in a difficult time of my life and C's. I am glad every time I hear from them! Happy New Year, to you and to P and A, and a big Thank You for your friendship.


And this one is from C.
She is more like a sister to me. She was my confidente in adolescence, a rock of faith that has supported me with her wisdom and compassion. I believe I brought a good dose of madness and several handfuls of the unexpected into her life. Mais elle ne m'en veut pas! I love you, C. You'll always be my best friend! Happy New Year to you and yours.

Marrons Glaces

Paris Breakfasts is a blog so sensitive to beauty! This is one of my favorite posts, though. Please go and have a look!

Ils sont adorables les Francais!

I was looking at some web sites about the upcoming French Presidential elections, and look what I found.

I love seeing women establishing themselves as leaders, so I am very happy for Ms. Royal. When people attack a women in a public position just because she is a woman and in ways they would not if she were a man, as is the case with Ms. Royal right now, I feel like standing up for her.
So here she is as "Marianne". Suits her fine!


This is so clever! Ms. Royal as Snow White with the other candidates as Dwarfs!


Allez les femmes! Women elected heads of state!

These two are my favorites from an artistic point of view. The New Yorker kind of illustration that I love.



N.B. I have to say, though that, being European and Greek, my vote would go to Mr. Sarkozy, because he is against the full admission of Turkey, a country remote from the European culture in every aspect. Of course industrialists would do anything for cheep labour, but, although Turkey has a very priviledged status in its trade relations with the Union already, I wouldn't like Greece and Europe to be flooded with Turks once more.
Perhaps Ms. Royal should have a look at this post, regarding the slaughter today of prominent Turkish-Armenian writer Hrant Dink. He was accused of insulting "Turkishenss" because he spoke up about the genocide of the Armenians.
This is the same people who attack ever so often the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Christians of Turkey. Is this the kind of people European people want to see in Europe? Allez Segolene, pensez!