BS: Is Paris revolting?

Subject: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Stanron
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 02:49 AM

Rantsville! OK. I can't sleep. I've missed 'Bach before 7' on Radio 3 and I've got a blocked nose. As a result I'm watching News channels and having a whiskey and fizzy water at 7.30 in the morning. Perhaps not all bad. But!

In Paris there are predictions of revolt. Again! Is it five weeks? What do regulars, and also lurkers, here think of France's Revolutionary fervour?

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Senoufou
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 03:51 AM

I rather like the terms 'gilets jaunes' and especially 'les casseurs'.
(yellow vests and smashers) Very French Revolution-y lingo.

I can see why these protesters are enraged, as eco-tax (now removed) and other difficulties with poverty, high cost of living etc. have made life harder
But I feel sorry for the shopkeepers and car-owners etc whose property has been burned out or smashed.

The French have always been volatile, especially students.
At least the authorities have water cannons ans tear gas. And the Gendarmes are quite savage. Should prove interesting!

Hope your blocked nose unblocks soon Stanron. Keep taking the medicine! (ie whisky-and-water)

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 03:58 AM

Is Paris revolting?
Well, no, I think it's rather nice. Beautiful city for walking....

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Stanron
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 04:02 AM

Thanks Sen. I shall follow your advise.

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Senoufou
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 04:15 AM

I've visited Paris many times. It's truly a beautiful city with (normally) an enchanting atmosphere. But I did find Parisians rather arrogant and unfriendly compared to those I encountered in the Roussillon area and Normandy. They warmed up a bit if I spoke in French though.
I often took groups of 12yr old pupils there. In the Champs Elysees we watched two gendarmes grab a black chap, throw him to the ground and put a pistol to his head. My pupils were terrified, they thought he was going to be shot dead.
Turns out the poor bloke had merely been selling postcards without a permit.

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Iains
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 04:34 AM

From the Guardian:
"Thousands of riot police and armoured vehicles will be deployed in Paris on Saturday as France anticipates a fifth weekend of anti-government .."

Macron is about as popular as May.

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Thompson
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 12:36 PM

I'd say Macron is about as popular as a rainy November. He cut taxes on the super-rich by 70%, and landed down hard on the poor and the elderly, he refers to himself as "Jupiter"; he told off a child for calling him by the affectionate nickname "Manu"…
He came in with a great sweep of popularity, but his cold arrogance has quickly turned people against him. Last I heard, his popularity was at 22%.
According to Le Journal du Dimanche today, 33,500 people are demonstrating all over France, which, considering the filthy weather, is astonishing. Half as many as last Saturday, but still… Among the demonstrators was a group of young women with naked breasts, silvered like statues, and wearing the red hood and tricolour coquard of the Revolution.

Subject: RE: BS: Is Paris revolting?
From: Iains
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 12:46 PM

Paris riots – French Police bombarded with fireworks as they kick ...
The Irish Sun-1 hour ago
Around 69,000 police officers have been deployed across France with a reinforced presence in the cities of Toulouse, Bordeaux and Saint- ...
Macron riots: Yellow Vests gather for FIFTH round of protests ...
Express.co.uk-17 minutes ago
France's 'yellow vest' protesters hit Paris streets for fifth week
NBCNews.com-1 hour ago
Paris Sees Fifth Weekend of 'Yellow Vest' Protests
Wall Street Journal-4 hours ago

They are not happy bunnies.   Is May paying attention?