07/07/2004
The fall of the French Empire

Rain in July, corn fields, Europe's worst radio stations & far too many houses.
Compared to happily growing Spain, its neighbour feels scared and tired, clamping onto its privileges and wealth while the economy goes the other way.
Strikes are about leaving pensions and -low- working hours untouched, advertising exploits the fear of loosing buying power. To me France looks as dynamic as Disney's Grumpy -from Snowwhite- but not as funny.
And meanwhile this Sarcozy is doing his best to ruin what's left of the fun: 'il n'y a pas de drogue dure, il n'y a pas de drogue douce, il y a que la drogue'.
Rather interesting viewpoint in a land with a very powerfull and active wine lobby, supporting studies and congresses to prove the healthy effects of drinking.
And a champagne lobby.
And there is the cognac lobby.
And the pastis lobby, targetting the young without remorse.