Why are the french always striking?

[piwanoi]

Over the years I have often wondered why , perhaps weak Governments who they know will cave in? France strikes: Stench of garbage looms over Euro 2016 - CNN.com

[withnallstoke]

The Frenchman is, by birthright, a lazy species.

Their DNA is such that their bodies crave rest as soon as the sun reaches its zenith.
As the sun starts to sink, the Frenchman will crave a light snack of garlic and onions washed down with wine, followed by " a little lie down".

They have little time for working.



An office in Paris in the afternoon.

[piwanoi]

No doubt you will remember this fiasco last July ? Striking French farmers blockade roads, tourist sites and bridges amid protest over low prices | Europe | News | The Independent

[lom]

The Frenchman is, by birthright, a lazy species. Their DNA is such that their bodies crave rest as soon as the sun reaches its zenith. As the sun starts to sink, the Frenchman will crave a light snack of garlic and onions washed down with wine, followed by " a little lie down". They have little time for working.

Sounds like a perfect way of spending ones workday, there is a lot to learn from them

[BobR]

The 3rd speaker in this panel discussion is absolutely fascinating. He talks about how the "official" Allied policy towards Germany at the end of WW-2 was to be one of punishment, but how that policy was quickly ignored because of the simple fact that most American GI's found they really liked the Germans far more than the French. He also talks about what the people being liberated went through.

He talk starts at the 40 minute point. His specific comments about the Germans is at 51.25 but his entire speech is worth watching, he's fascinating.

It's done by the George C Marshall Foundation, so it's a high quality credible video.

[Perota]

It is common knowledge than the americans didn't invade Europe because of the Nazis for whom as BobR rightly said they had great sympathy but because the Russians were about to win the war. The "commies" were the real enemies hence the decision not to punish the Germans (they didn't do anything wrong after all, did they ?) but to rebuilt the country as an ally against the eastern bloc.

As usual with all american policies abroad it was a total failure as now France is firmly under communist control. Which answers the OP question.

[piwanoi]

It is common knowledge than the americans didn't invade Europe because of the Nazis for whom as BobR rightly said they had great sympathy but because the Russians were about to win the war. The "commies" were the real enemies hence the decision not to punish the Germans (they didn't do anything wrong after all, did they ?) but to rebuilt the country as an ally against the eastern bloc.

As usual with all american policies abroad it was a total failure as now France is firmly under communist control. Which answers the OP question.

Cheers Strange though innit that its only in the West that Commies go on Strike , most if not all of the strike at the drop of a hat unions in the UK in the mid 70s which eventually brought down the Labour Govt appeared to be ultra left wing too .

[Pragmatic]

It's somewhat strange that the French Unions are so strong that they can block the ports and prevent people from entering their country. So where were they in 1940?

[piwanoi]

It's somewhat strange that the French Unions are so strong that they can block the ports and prevent people from entering their country. So where were they in 1940?

You make a good point

[BobR]

It is common knowledge than the americans didn't invade Europe because of the Nazis for whom as BobR rightly said they had great sympathy but because the Russians were about to win the war. The "commies" were the real enemies hence the decision not to punish the Germans (they didn't do anything wrong after all, did they ?) but to rebuilt the country as an ally against the eastern bloc.

As usual with all american policies abroad it was a total failure as now France is firmly under communist control. Which answers the OP question.

Whatever, the speakers comments about the bonds that formed almost immediately between the German civilians and the grunt level American soldiers is an interesting part of the war I had never heard of before.

But your point is well taken, maybe General George Patton was right and we should have taken out Stalin. That would be an interesting subject for intellectual debate.

I'm sure when Russia/Stalin exploded a nuclear weapon 4 years later, many Americans must have thought back to what Patton had said and realized he was possibly right.

[Conche]

They are one of he few sets of people left who are prepared to stand up for their rights and not be shat all over by the government

Whats the sense in a race to the bottom of the pit

[piwanoi]

They are one of he few sets of people left who are prepared to stand up for their rights and not be shat all over by the government

Whats the sense in a race to the bottom of the pit

Interesting to see were your place of abode is

[BaitongBoy]

French-Canadian gals are simply wonderful...If that helps...