It was ominous yesterday with waves and waves of young people chanting down the big pedestrian street I live on in Lyon. But today... horrible. Screaming, breaking smashing, looting, broken glass everywhere, tear gas, shielded police... just a crying shame.
the original protest which has been going on for 10 some days is to stop the government from voting in a measure to raise the retirement age. But the young, poor, from immigrant origin have taken it to be their protest, skipping school and hitting the streets. It basically is a reflection of their anger being poorer minorities. There are armed police on every street corner right now. This minority needs a Martin Luther King to rise among them and lead the people to peaceful means of getting justice and eradicating racism. I'm praying for peace.
I understand that the French believe it is every French persons right to protest. I cannot understand how this needs to lead to violence and destruction.
Euronews video:
http://fr.euronews.net/2010/10/19/france-les-casseurs-entrent-en-scene/
Youtube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdeH8xeNL7U
Youtube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdeH8xeNL7U
Bon, gros bisous de paix (peace) et a demain.
Love, Charley
I hope for a peaceful settlement form this side of the ocean as well. I have relatives in France so I believe the outcome will effect them. In my opinion, the French system is one of the best for socialized health and employment. However perhaps they are now spoiled and except too much while the world and their country is changing around them. Frankly I do not know if there are alternatives to what the government plans that would not affect its citizens, that is their call. Violence never solves anything. It just creates bad feelings that last lifetimes.
ReplyDeletePatty, you have a good handle on the situation. It is shocking to me that the French work only 35 hours a week and retirement is at 60. Like America, there is a real problem of who will pay for retirement. THe government wants to raise the retirement age to 62, not a big difference in a world where 30 is the new 20, 40 is the new 30, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe truly sad thing is, the violence is NOT stemming form the protesters at all. It is teenagers, primarily of Algerian descent, who are attacking the city. It is so sad, disturbing, and crazy. So, there exists another big problem in France - that of racism, from both sides. It needs to be dealt with in an intelligent manner.
I did not know that. I wonder what that truly means, kids facing racism against them with anger in their hearts or something else?
ReplyDelete