Today -- Thursday -- was a French national strike against the government. All union members and sympathizers were invited to strike in all cities; rosters suggest that around 30% of workers went on strike, reducing labor in sectors ranging from transportation to postal to educational to legal. And to think that the financial disaster all started here in the U.S.!
Last fall, a big strike at Renault moved President Sarkozy to pump up his subsidy of the French auto industry; as a result, more workers are employed for longer hours. Yet Sarko was a little less dazzled by this strike, saying that "Quand il y a grève, personne ne s'en aperçoit." (When there is a strike, nobody notices it.)
This cheery man from Lille responded on his placard: "Et là, tu m'aperçois?!" ("And now, do you notice me?!")
Le Monde keeps a close watch, shoving aside their coverage of this huge strike in favor of stories about the bailout. Echoing their strong government, the French press covers the bailout plan qua endorsements of made-in-USA products; meanwhile, the American press focuses on the Republican opposition (today, the minority whip announced his hope for national bankruptcy by June, in order for his fellow Republicans to be able to wag their fingers at Obama and the country -- beautiful, guys).
The strike limited Le Monde's printing and delivery services, so in an unprecedented move, Friday's paper is online only and free for all. While American cities like Detroit and Seattle face the possibility of life without any daily print newspaper, France is trying to boost enthusiasm for its presses. All French citizens get a Sarkozy-sponsored gift for their 18th birthdays: a subscription to Le Monde.
What's your favorite song from a Disney movie?
"I'm Wishing", from Snow White, doppiaggio italiano.
So winsome: the echo, the unusual and groundbreaking animation with its subaquatic perspective, and the lovely Italian vocals.
