September 22, 2007
Uh Oh…
…a second post on the same day, it’s great to have some time on my hands.
Given my history of general contempt for the French (they’re now spared the “spit”), I was impressed enough by a) their rejection, as a voting mass, of the ultra-socialist EU constitution served up awhile back and then, later, b) the election of a right thinker and former interior minister named Nicholas Sarkozy as the successor to America-hating leftist president Jacques Chirac, to travel hopefully on the future of French-American relations.
To go further, I also see that the French government now has a realist at the helm, a realist who will hopefully guide his country along a path that both extracts France, to some degree, from the morass of the socialist EU and brings her into both a stronger economy and more positive relations with the United States (it would be nice, since our fearless leaders — right! — insist upon continued membership in the U.N. — SPIT!).
I am, in fact, beginning to wonder if maybe George Bush and all of Congress should consider employing Sarkozy as a consultant.
The National Assembly approved tough new restrictions on immigration yesterday, completing a major step in President Nicolas Sarkozy’s program to roll up a famously well-trodden welcome mat.
The bill, which still needs Senate approval and a second vote in the Assembly, requires would-be immigrants for the first time to demonstrate a knowledge of the French language and cultural values.
When my grandparents arrived in N.Y. from Russia and Poland in the late 1920s/early1930s, respectively, they came with the sole intention of becoming Americans, as one with our heritage, language and social customs. Today, we are becoming inundated with immigrants who have little or no desire to assimilate into our society — they flee one system, but feel no loyalty to the system that takes them in, provides better opportunities to prosper and allows them freedoms they didn’t possess back in the old country.
Bravo Sarkozi!
“For many of our countrymen, immigration is a source of concern,” said Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux upon introducing the bill. “They see a threat to their security, their jobs, their lifestyle. We must understand the … hopes of this silent majority.”
However, the bill has roused a range of critics, including leftist politicians, scientists, human rights groups, the Vatican and even French police and members of Mr. Sarkozy’s own party and government.
Some argue that would-be immigrants, if they cannot enter France legally, will simply do so by illegal means.
“The desire to go to Europe is very strong,” said Catherine de Wenden, an immigration specialist at the National Center for Scientific Research, a Paris think tank. “And the tougher the policy, the more likely it will lead to illegal immigration.”
That last bit is so very typical of liberals/leftists — “If we pass a law against it, it will lead to people breaking that law, so we shouldn’t pass it or we might have to enforce it.”
And these people want to govern — excuse me, micromanage western civilization?
“Lawd”, as they say, “have mercy!”
http://hardastarboard.mu.nu/wp-trackback.php?p=743
September 22nd, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Why is the Vatican in opposition? That’s stupid! And Pope Benedict has been warning Europe about losing their culture and heritage! Sigh. He really needs to clean house. Too many bleeding hearts in there. (The wrong kind).
Kudos to Sarkozy, and a big fat raspberry to the stupid woman in the Immigration Dept. I’m afraid we have her type here too. Someone ought to answer her by asking if we ought to legalize murder since people do it anyway. What idiocy.
Off topic, but I’m going to say that I think I’m going to support Giuliani. I think he’s the only candidate who can beat Hillary, and you KNOW it’s going to be Hillary in 2008 for the DNC. He is trying to swing more right socially, and I think he has the guts and brains to stand up to bullies like Ahmadinejad et al. I’d feel a lot safer with him at the helm than Romney or Thompson or McCain. I’d also like to see him debate Hillary. I think he could clobber here there too.
September 22nd, 2007 at 6:57 pm
The French may have finally had enough. It’s now a question will other countries decide “Enough”.
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I think all the riots last year had the reverse effect that was desired by the muslims. Sarkozy is also all for cracking down on Iran.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:48 am
Atheling2 –
Whatever culture and heritage (especially the latter) that the EU hasn’t already smothered by virtue of its very existence is on Islamofascism’s “to do” list.
As in any society dominated by the left, Judeo-Christian religious beliefs are dumbed down, as our own left (the ACLU and fellow travellers like the Bolsheviks at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, for example) has been trying to do here in the U.S., on the theory that the less G-d is mentioned in public and the less we see of such things as images of The Ten Commandments, etc, the more “out of sight, out of mind” He and they will become.
Yet the same lefties who attack the greater western religions don’t do the same to Islam, rather they give that death cult free reign, either out of fear of the usual Islamic response to any kind of opposition, ignorance or a general purpose useful idiot’s (liberal’s) mental situation.
Good example: The Khalil Ghibran school in N.Y., which is tax funded. Despite all the PC denials that it will be a religious school per se, Always On Watch brought up an excellent point recently when she pointed out that as it is required in Islam to pray five times a day, how are they going to get around the same ban that forbids Jewish and Christian children from praying in school? Rest assured that if this ever becomes an “issue”, the Muslim school will somehow receive special dispensation due to Islam’s “religious requirements”.
Back on topic, my point here is that a strong collective belief in G-d would provoke much more resistance to invasive Islam and the PC policies governments pursue in order to mollify Muslims. Old Europe seems to be running out of practicing Christians, and the Islamo crowd is pressing its advantage.
I’m still a staunch supporter of Tom Tancredo — I’ve come to view the frontrunners on both sides as “generic” politicians.
It would, nonetheless, be interesting to see a debate between Hillary and Rudy — the last time that almost occurred was when the two were preparing to run against each other for the Senate, but then Giuliani dropped out because of a medical problem and the Republicans put up a virtual unknown, all but handing the post to Hillary.
I agree that Giuliani would probably come out ahead, as he is the type who’ll cut right through her polished politician’s BS and force her to either show herself as the opportunistic, self serving liar that she is or look like a fool.
I lived in New York during part of Giuliani’s administration and thought he was a great mayor for the city, but I have my doubts about him as President. None of those doubts are about his ability to defend the country and pursue the War On Terror, they concern the combination of his liberal social/moral beliefs and his tireless, can-do attitude for pushing an agenda through.
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:15 am
Shoprat –
I really don’t have a clue as to why France enjoys such a strong leadership roll in the EU, at least not based on anything they’ve done in the last century or so, but they do have a lot of influence over there.
If Sarkozi proves successful in his endeavors, we can hope that he will be setting an example that other European countries will follow.
Goat –
I remember Sarkozi, as interior minister back then, had some words for the rioters that ticked them off — instead of the usual govt PC, he labelled them as the thugs they were.
I think you’re right on target, the Muslims’ actions with all the property destruction and car burnings back then, to a large degree set the stage, based on the anger and disgust of French citizens, for a Sarkozi victory. It took such grim, in-your-face reality to open those people’s eyes to the animals in their midst.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 am
I’m so pleased with Sarkozy that I’ve lifted my personal travel ban against going to France. I would even consider going to Paris again, even though the French people living there are about as rude as you can get.
Sarkozy has noticed that immigration without assimiliation breeds the problems that France is now enduring.
We’ve been spared the most overt difficulties that a failure to assimilate creates, but the danger here is great too. All these neighborhoods where poor, uneducated illegal alines self segregate are a danger to the fabric of society.
They live and work in an environment where many of them never learn English. There is no push for them to join the wider society. No immigration law will change that.
That’s a ticking time bomb.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Seth:
I think Giuliani is trying to veer a little more right socially, i.e. his recent speech with the NRA. That issue is the one that worries me the most with him. I’m afraid I’m going to have to let some of the near and dear issues to me take a back seat (abortion, gay marriage) to national security, which is our biggest problem.
In a perfect world, Tom Tancredo would be the front runner for the GOP; he is my first and favorite candidate. But I see the writing on the wall, and Tancredo doesn’t have a chance for the Primaries (unless the Lord has plans otherwise!)
I think it’s going to be Giuliani v. Clinton, and he’ll get my anything-but-Hillary vote. He has to woo the red states, however, and the only way he will be able to do that is to veer right socially, which is what he’s doing. I can’t say that he’s sincere about it, but maybe the GOP will keep him in line regarding that.
Mike: I agree with the lift on the “ban” on France. I bought French cookies from the supermarket yesterday, but I’m still sticking with American wine!
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Mike –
There are a lot of foreign-based enclaves here in the U.S. (by that I mean concentrated immigrant communities wherein assimilation isn’t even a casual thought) that are either not paid any attention to or simply not noticed at all.
My former mother-in-law lived in NYC for over 30 years, for example, a native of the Dominican Republic, earned a better than average living and never learned to speak English. She had a business/social community that didn’t “need” any English to immerse herself in.
If you spend a day exploring Chinatown in New York, you may find some narrow streets whose businesses sport all signs in Chinese, none in English, and in whose establishments the only language spoken is Chinese. You will also find yourself, as a gweilo, feeling majorly unwelcome, as though you were trespassing on your own home turf.
Our country seems to have a problem with maintaining English as the official language — “for English, press 1″.
We, as a sovereign country, are being gradually fragmented by multiculturalism.
Basically, what we have is a political termite problem that is eating us up from within. We’re being programmed to allow immigrants with no intentions for assimilation of any kind treating the country like some “who gives a damn” temporary settlement town during the Gold Rush.
Sarkozy, unlike our own politicians, realizing that the same situation applies to France, wants to do something about it. I wish we had a few politicians with his cojones.
Atheling2 –
Therein lies the problem: These candidates all share a single ambition: to become POTUS. When a candidate, in the middle of a campaign, suddenly “modifies” his POV, you have to wonder if that’s the “politician” talking, and what he’ll do if he’s elected.
This will be a tough one for me, as except for Tancredo I’m not what you’d call enamoured at the menu. Tancredo is a guy who will do what he says he will do while the “forerunners” are playing politics.
Uh oh, French cookies! Next, you’ll be buying good cognac … yum!
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I am, in fact, beginning to wonder if maybe George Bush and all of Congress should consider employing Sarkozy as a consultant…go figure!..A Frenchman we can respect?..finally!
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:24 pm
I just want to keep Hillary and the Socialist Democrats out. I am a Mitt Romney fan and have been for years but I will fight for the GOP nominee no matter who it is. Rudy has Hillary sqare in his gunsights, if he has one, and has been firing across the Madame Hillary bow as has Mitt.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:34 am
Angel –
I hope Sarkozi’s election and boldness bring a few more such people out of the woodwork in other Euro countries. At least it would be a start.
It would be, at least to me, both bizarre and amusing to watch a Frenchman endowed with better common sense than our own leaders setting an example for them, as well.
Goat –
Same here. I believe a Hillary Clinton presidency would screw the country something fierce.
For me, even if I don’t like the Republican nominee, he’ll have my support — we really can’t afford a Democrat in the White House again, not this soon, not anytime soon, though I would have a really tough time “pulling the lever” for McCain.
September 24th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Seth,
McCain would be the toughest, but he won’t get the nomination. I think it’ll be Giuliani. I don’t think Giuliani will do anything to damage the Second Amendment. He’s socially liberal, (he has to be, look at his dreadful personal life), but he’s not stupid. He’ll want to be re-elected and he won’t go down in history as someone who tried to destroy American rights.
Thank goodness he’s not a socialist. Low taxes, small government… that appeals.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Atheling2 –
Giuliani’s also pro-amnesty. He talks tough about stopping illegal immigration, but wants to allow illegals already here to remain here.
Here’s one blogger who really blasts him on the amnesty issue:
http://lonewacko.com/blog/archives/006252.html
September 25th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Duncan Hunter still remains my first choice candidate, though he hasn’t broken through
into the top tier either. However, he is getting attention of serious observers and
could have a good future ahead of him.
About France, it’s important to remember that the flip side of the anti-American and appeasement trait is the noxious, nativist, anti-Semitic trait typified by the Dreyfus Case and the Vichy government.
Fortunately, France seems to have a rare chance to avoid both extremes with Sarkozy (who if I recall is foreign-born as the left is discredited and the Le Pen extreme rightists for some inexplicable reason got in bed with the Islamists in the last election.
We’d better take advantage of this rare conjugation because such periods of sanity are extremely rare in French history.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
I thought Sarkozy is the son of immigrants, but was born in France?
September 25th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
BTW,
Totally agree, civiltruth… seems like we’ve lost Britain and gained France.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
There was a comment here that no longer remains. It was spam, one of the ones that tell you how much it likes a blog, then gives a link to another site which, in turn, links to a venue for selling a product.
I don’t blog for profit, and Hard Astarboard’s sideboard ads are exclusively, and free, for benevolence-based organizations and/or websites that I believe in.
If I plug a company or a business, as I have (with links) on occasion, it’s because I’ve found them, via personal experience, to be awesome, and there is no compensation, nor request for same, involved.
That said, I’ll be damned if I’m going to allow some sleazeballs/sleazeballettes/sleazeball marketers who could care less about such picayunes as decency, respect or… (my vocabulary would become considerably more harsh at this point if I continued, so I won’t)….
Them sonsamabeech!
CT –
It does tend to be a wee bit disconcerting when the candidates one thinks are best for the country aren’t in the bull’s eye of national name recognition.
Here in Chicago when I get into political discussions with people and mention Tom Tancredo, I get blank looks. I sometimes wear my Tancredo ‘08 ball cap, and have even had folks stop me and ask, “Who’s Tancredo?”
“Sheesh!” I think to myself…
I can’t help but think of an Eddie Murphy film, The Distinguished Gentleman. Come to think of it, that was probably the most relevant movie project Murphy has ever undertaken.
Anti-Semitism is well represented in France, as are a number of extreme leftist points of view. Communists abound over there. One just has to shake ones head over something once in awhile, right?
And suddenly, despite being well settled into their “Land of the Lotus Eaters” socialist paradise, enough French citizens wake up, and they do a complete 180 (for French folks) and elect Sarkozi for Prez.
He could be a serious ally for the U.S., based upon the influence France maintains in the EU and, therefore, a private entrance through the barrier of corruption at the U.N. Yeah, this whole thing is strange for France, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Sarkozi does with his presidency.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Atheling2 –
Sarkozy was born in Paris. I suppose that here he’d be an “anchor baby” — just foolin’.
Anyway, I think you’ve got a majorly excellent point: France seems to be coming towards the right and better relations with the U.S., while Britain is headed the other way (and even finds time to surrender to Islamofascism).
It would be so nice if we could somehow get all those people on the same page at the same time, but it never seems to happen that way.
European Union, right.
September 26th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Seth,
It’s true, I mention Tancredo to people and they haven’t a clue who he is. That’s frustrating, because you know that means that either they only rely on the mainstream media for their information, and/or they are too lazy to really investigate who’s out there.
Seems like everyone fell back asleep after 9/11.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Atheling2 –
They did fall back asleep, and counting on the MSM to keep them informed, they get mostly what’s on the left side of the menu, the only exceptions being the “featured” Republican candidates, and those are always cast in the worst, events permitting, possible light.