Creative-i

Ah, that the Brits had half the balls of the French!

My friend and comrade S. Artesian, vacancing en Paris, sent me these images of the massive ‘manifestation’ that took place in Paris yesterday, 29 January, 2009 that should be an object lesson for us all of the power of collective action. According to the news reports around 1 million took part in the Paris demo with demos in 200, yes 200 cities and towns across France (most of the photos taken by Bonnie L. Johnson). Below is Artesian’s observations:

First, the turnout was organized specifically around solidarity of all workers, unions and left parties to counter “Sarkozyism.”  Unions took the lead in the organization and in the demonstration.  It appears to me that the PCF [Partie Communiste Francais] is enjoying some resurgence among workers and leftists — again that is purely based on my impression of PCF presence in this march as opposed to the last one I attended [organized by the CGT [the Communist trade union federation] against the proposed changes in the SNCF].  One of the main slogans chanted was “Public, private [workers], Solidarity!”.. as it is anticipated that Sarkozy will attempt to “decouple” one from the other in order to reduce protective covenants regarding overtime, medical care, etc.

Almost everybody was represented in this march– teachers, doctors, social workers, RATP, SNCF, RER, — didn’t see any syndicat of lawyers or judges, but maybe that’s a good thing.

The photos were taken at Republique– convenient place to step out of the march, take the photos, and warm up in a cafe for a bit.  I would think that when the barricades are manned again in Paris, the cafes will be protected [but not by both sides, there won't be any neutral ground, except hospitals.  Maybe], by the barricadistas so that combat can be properly fortified with conversation, coffee, and calvados [or citron presse, depending on the weather].

There is considerable personal dislike, disgust even with Sarkozy– as if he is an embarrassment besides being vicious and threatening.  A woman we spoke to, in her late 70s, who told us of demonstrating against the war waged by the French against Algerian independence, told us that many think Sarkozy is trying to set himself up, with his changes in the judiciary, his anti-immigration nationalism, as another Bonaparte … Louis Bonaparte– a bad imitation of a bad imitation.  “And,” she said, “The man is so immature.  He has no taste!”

“Well,”  I told her, “he must not even be French.”

” If only that were so.  And your Bush, was he really American?”

“Completely.  100% US Grade A, from his vicious little laugh to his deliberate disregard of people drowning in New Orleans.  Je suis desolee.”

There is a certain exasperation, or sense of disbelief in the lack of a pretense at even-handedness on Sarkozy’s part; his lack of even a formulaic display of compassion for the worsening conditions of many.  They view Sarkozy’s bailout as simple largesse for his friends and bankrollers while he, Sarkozy, tries to plow ahead with his Thatcherization of social welfare, of pension plans, work rules, etc.

Anyway, couldn’t get anywhere near Opera, where the march was supposed to terminate.  Our woman friend, “guide,”  said it was a good thing too, at our age, since the “dispersion” at the terminus is when the police like to release some tension by chasing and beating people.  But she said, “our people are like that too.  They chase and beat the cops at the end.  We’re too old for that now.”  Almost brought a tear to my eye,  those back in the days, when nobody thought I was too old… or too young.  Particularly the cops.