RIOTS IN THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
BON MONSIEUR: The aggressive attitude of Monsieur Sarkozy to the rioters will only make matters worse. The riots in France are not only about wanton destruction, but also about a cry for help. The rioters seem to sense that the ideals of the republic are false, if not dishonest. They see no liberty, no equality or no fraternity. They have become disillusioned with French society, and all that is happening around them. Therefore caught in their emotive rage, they feel the need to lash out destructively, causing damage wherever they can.
It is very easy to blame scapegoats, or foreigners for the breakdown law and order. But this would simply obscure the reality of French society today. Whatever the politicians pretend, the riots have presented another view of France to the world, and no amount of whitewash will change that.
France has to look at the Republic, and consider how far its ideals benefit all members of the republic. Ask any ethnic in France, racial discrimination is rampant. But the establishment turns a blind eye. The politician must do more to stamp out discrimination, and deal with the reality of the new diversity in France. Deporting residents is no way to deal with the problem. This would simply send a message to certain citizens that they are not, or would never be considered part of the republic. In the end, the Republic must practise what it preaches.
BON MONSIEUR: The aggressive attitude of Monsieur Sarkozy to the rioters will only make matters worse. The riots in France are not only about wanton destruction, but also about a cry for help. The rioters seem to sense that the ideals of the republic are false, if not dishonest. They see no liberty, no equality or no fraternity. They have become disillusioned with French society, and all that is happening around them. Therefore caught in their emotive rage, they feel the need to lash out destructively, causing damage wherever they can.
It is very easy to blame scapegoats, or foreigners for the breakdown law and order. But this would simply obscure the reality of French society today. Whatever the politicians pretend, the riots have presented another view of France to the world, and no amount of whitewash will change that.
France has to look at the Republic, and consider how far its ideals benefit all members of the republic. Ask any ethnic in France, racial discrimination is rampant. But the establishment turns a blind eye. The politician must do more to stamp out discrimination, and deal with the reality of the new diversity in France. Deporting residents is no way to deal with the problem. This would simply send a message to certain citizens that they are not, or would never be considered part of the republic. In the end, the Republic must practise what it preaches.
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