Will France Change? Will the U.S.?

The elections are over. While the Socialists made some gains in the Asemblee Nationale, the UMP still holds the cards. Thus, Sarkozy may be looking ahead to some big changes in the way that France runs its economy. But hold on there, Monsieur le President! There are some roadblocks in your way. And I mean that literally!

While trying to change the length of the workweek and make things more palatable for business in France, Sarkozy will have to find a way to circumvent the unions and their habit of shutting down Paris. Sure, it sounds great for Sarkozy to say, "We are going back to the 40 hour workweek." But what happens next? Strikes, as always. And the worst strikes are always those that surround the transportation sector. So...what can Sarko do? There is a radical solution, and it may be his only hope: make strikes in the transportation and public safety sectors illegal. Thus, any strike by the RATP, SNCF, firefighters, police, or the like would be illegal. Then, he would have to have the guts to fire them if they strike and bring in the Army. Will it happen? It's doubtful. France has not been willing to do what it takes to fix what is wrong, and I'm not sure that Sarkozy has enough public support to do something like this. Still, one would think that Parisians would remember the recent strikes, with huge traffic jams and people walking into Paris because there was no Metro or RER service. I guess we'll have to see if Sarko will do what it takes.

Do you have the feeling, though, that when you look at U.S. politics that it's business as usual here as well? The Dems took over Congress, made promises, and promptly went back to the way things have always been. Before the U.S. interferes with other countries' political systems, shouldn't things be corrected at home? Just curious. Not that I'm involved or that I espouse one party over another. It just cracks me up, that's all.

Quick Shout to a Fellow Blogger

Just in case you want to read a blog by a very sharp young person, click over to "Asia's Personal Chronological Log of Thoughts". It's a nice blog by a shy but extremely bright friend of mine.

http://asiavou.blogspot.com/

Random Thoughts of the Week

Sometimes I like to rant. OK...I frequently like to rant. Here --- catch!

Paris Hilton: Let me get this straight. She serves a few days in jail and then, due to unexplained "medical reasons", she has to serve her full sentence (with no time off for good behavior -- I can't believe I wrote that without falling off my chair) at home. A Hilton home. And that's tough...how? And why do I have the feeling that her condition has to do with some form of the D.T.s? Now, now ... There's no proof of that, sir.

Stan Van Gundy: Well, Sacramento's Kings were scorned by Stan Van Gundy, who has decided to sign as the coach of the Orlando Magic. To that I say, "Whew!!!". I was never hot on the idea. I'm still an Elston Turner fan, but I think he burned his bridges with the Maloofs. I'm just hoping that Kurt "Laker" Rambis won't get the nod. Not because he's forever linked with the Lakers, but because I think he might try to bring the triangle offense to Sactown. Not a good match for the crew we've got. Calling Terry Porter! Terry Porter, white courtesy phone, please.

Ford is #1 in quality: Mmmphh.....pffftt.....BWAH HA HA HA HAAAAAAA!!! Ahem...sorry. That just got away from me. Latest news release - J.D. Power survey ranks Ford as #1 in quality. In the same release, J.D. Power announces that the Yugo and Pinto are #1 and #2 as best small cars in history.

OK. Done for now. Gonna try to up the frequency of this blog, even if no one is reading it.