Excellent piece Nina, I love France and have often thought about the peerless in vacuous political idiocy in this country, it may become the place to hang my chapeau!
Nina, my wife and I are US expats living in France, as of 2018. We celebrate along with you France’s enshrining of this fundamental HUMAN right to personal bodily autonomy. When people wonder what the heck is going on in France, I point out two key features that most Americans have no clue about, whether through lack of historical knowledge or, just as often, the lame acceptance of France as a “socialist hell-hole” because right-wing talking heads say it is.
1) Unlike the US, which despite its constitutional democratic principles, wasn’t founded by populists. Far from it: They were wealthy, white male land owners, in case that’s not clear to everyone. After all, they were the only ones allowed to vote! Today’s GOP would likely assail them as “coastal elites,” as that’s exactly what they were. Contrast that with France, which actually WAS a populist uprising against the nobility and, to a lesser extent, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). That fundamental difference has had a lasting impact on how France approaches issues of representative democracy and human rights. On the RCC issue, that was enshrined in French law in 1905 with the principle of laïcité—the separation of church and state. It remains a strong part of the government and culture of the country today. There’s no comparison between present-day France and the US’ downward spiral into Christian Nationalism.
2) Say what you like about Marine LePen and her National Rally party (I’m not a fan, by the way), but the Republican Party in the US is further to the right than the National Rally Party, according to political scientists—easy enough to look up. And a parliamentary-style government ensures that they’re not a binary choice in elections, unlike the two-party system in the US.
In spite of all its issues, it’s a really good time to be in France…especially if you’re a woman.
It’s astonishing that a man facing multiple indictments, who tried to overthrow the legitimately elected government, who channels Hitler, characterizing Democrats as “vermin” who deserve extermination, has a real chance to win. (And we thought a Hitler would never happen here, huh?)
Some 40-50% of eligible voters sit home on Election Day. So small minority of voters like Trump supporters can win in November.
I will do everything within ethical & legal limits to make certain that the melon felon doesn’t win.
Brilliant once again! Sharing…and since we have this wonderful example of France’s wisdom and fairness, perhaps it is time we vengefully go after men and their viagra need. Have you heard the ads for erection help that laud the online doctors that can prescribe for you while maintaining your privacy? Have they lost touch entirely with fairness…oh wait, of course they have.
Hear hear!
I find it so embarrassing how the US is compared to the rest of the modern world. I don’t know how it will ever change.
If only we could allow and respect those whose opinions and beliefs differ from our own on subjects which materially affect only ourselves.
Vive la france for sure. It has one of my chosen escape spots should the unthinkable happen in November!
Im sharing this article. Thank you.
Women need to unite the world over!
Excellent piece Nina, I love France and have often thought about the peerless in vacuous political idiocy in this country, it may become the place to hang my chapeau!
Nina, my wife and I are US expats living in France, as of 2018. We celebrate along with you France’s enshrining of this fundamental HUMAN right to personal bodily autonomy. When people wonder what the heck is going on in France, I point out two key features that most Americans have no clue about, whether through lack of historical knowledge or, just as often, the lame acceptance of France as a “socialist hell-hole” because right-wing talking heads say it is.
1) Unlike the US, which despite its constitutional democratic principles, wasn’t founded by populists. Far from it: They were wealthy, white male land owners, in case that’s not clear to everyone. After all, they were the only ones allowed to vote! Today’s GOP would likely assail them as “coastal elites,” as that’s exactly what they were. Contrast that with France, which actually WAS a populist uprising against the nobility and, to a lesser extent, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). That fundamental difference has had a lasting impact on how France approaches issues of representative democracy and human rights. On the RCC issue, that was enshrined in French law in 1905 with the principle of laïcité—the separation of church and state. It remains a strong part of the government and culture of the country today. There’s no comparison between present-day France and the US’ downward spiral into Christian Nationalism.
2) Say what you like about Marine LePen and her National Rally party (I’m not a fan, by the way), but the Republican Party in the US is further to the right than the National Rally Party, according to political scientists—easy enough to look up. And a parliamentary-style government ensures that they’re not a binary choice in elections, unlike the two-party system in the US.
In spite of all its issues, it’s a really good time to be in France…especially if you’re a woman.
You and I will commiserate together.
It’s astonishing that a man facing multiple indictments, who tried to overthrow the legitimately elected government, who channels Hitler, characterizing Democrats as “vermin” who deserve extermination, has a real chance to win. (And we thought a Hitler would never happen here, huh?)
Some 40-50% of eligible voters sit home on Election Day. So small minority of voters like Trump supporters can win in November.
I will do everything within ethical & legal limits to make certain that the melon felon doesn’t win.
Brilliant once again! Sharing…and since we have this wonderful example of France’s wisdom and fairness, perhaps it is time we vengefully go after men and their viagra need. Have you heard the ads for erection help that laud the online doctors that can prescribe for you while maintaining your privacy? Have they lost touch entirely with fairness…oh wait, of course they have.