Extra, extra, read all about it!
Friday, November 10, 2006 Posted by Eric
From what I understood of the political opinion of most of my American visitors I imagine you must be pretty happy of the latest elections' results... This morning all French newspapers dealt with the US elections. Here are some of the headlines: Bush, a war victim (Liberation), Bush forced to deal with the democrats (La Tribune), After the victory of the democrats Bush has to sacrifice Rumsfeld (Le Figaro), Bush let Rumsfeld go and looks for a consensus on Irak (Le Monde).
November 10, 2006 12:40:00 AM GMT+01:00
Yes indeed, I'm very happy! I heard while I was at work that the Virginia Republican candidate conceeded this morning. That news made me so very very happy!
And OMG Eric I LOVE the pic. Even if it wasn't a pic of newspapers that agree with my political opinion, the picture is truly amazing. It's got a very old school film feel. If I was writing a history book, this pic would definately head a chapter.
November 10, 2006 12:41:00 AM GMT+01:00
What would that pic be soosha? I love it too. It's always good to see what the rest of the world thinks of one's home politics.
November 10, 2006 12:46:00 AM GMT+01:00
um...this pic?
November 10, 2006 12:49:00 AM GMT+01:00
soosha, you said, "Even if it wasn't a pic of newspapers that agree with my political opinion". I just didn't understand the phrase...
November 10, 2006 12:51:00 AM GMT+01:00
ahhh, ok, that refered to the agreeing with my political opinions, not the newspapers. Sorry, Scottie!
November 10, 2006 12:52:00 AM GMT+01:00
Finaly! What tuk you americans so long to figure it out?
November 10, 2006 12:55:00 AM GMT+01:00
Figure out that the current leaders of our country suck? I figured that out awhile ago. The rest of the country is just now catching up! Of course the margins of winning between the candidates was very very slim, so we're still basically a country devided.
November 10, 2006 12:56:00 AM GMT+01:00
Divided. Sorry. I'm almost as bad at English as Bush!
November 10, 2006 1:02:00 AM GMT+01:00
I, too am pleased, for the most part, with the results of the Federal elections.
I'm disappointed in the six states that legalized discrimination with the passing of their repressive anti-gay marriage bans, though.
I think I let out an audible "yee-haw" ala Howard Dean when I heard that Rumsfeld resigned. And now, it looks like Bolton is on his way out as UN ambassador too - too much good news!
November 10, 2006 1:02:00 AM GMT+01:00
Jan,
What took so long is that unfortunately, most Americans, like most people, accept what is told to them if it is repeated long enough. I tried to inform people BEFORE the unprecedented PRE-EMPTIVE war against a country that posed no threat to us, that this was a pre-planned invasion thought up in 1997 by Cheney and company (afterall, they wrote a book about it) and that the emotion of 9/11 was being used to justify what they had already planned.
But no one would listen (except for those who read a lot like myself). If you only knew how people like myself were treated then! We were called "traitors," told we were "aiding the terrorists," that we should "leave the country" if we "hate America so much!!!" It was so hurtful....expecially when I knew the truth but was belittled for it. Kind of like the response I got when telling the truth about smoking....people refuse to research the propaganda themselves and would rather just parrot what they've been told!
By the way, I'm not a democrat...I'm an independent. I'll vote either way as long as they are MODERATE. But right now, the Republican party has been hijacked by the extreme right-wing..
November 10, 2006 1:08:00 AM GMT+01:00
Susan, I'm with you. I wasn't aware of the pre-planned war before hand, but the second it started I knew it was just a ploy. I hope the people who called you all those terrible things before will at least appologize to you now.
(I'm not a dem either. I vote based on issues, not by party.)
November 10, 2006 1:09:00 AM GMT+01:00
Oh! And Eric, I like the picture! I especially like the lighting and that you used black and white! Perfect for a picture of newspapers!
November 10, 2006 1:10:00 AM GMT+01:00
Soosha,
Not one. But that is no surprise is it? Actually, a friendship was ruined over it.
I've never seen this country so divided as it has been the last few years. It worries me.
November 10, 2006 1:15:00 AM GMT+01:00
Eric, Timely post and a good idea.
November 10, 2006 1:15:00 AM GMT+01:00
Me too. I sure hope you've made some better friends in the past few years. I know it'll never make up for the rude ones, but I suppose it's a start. I'm glad there are so many intelligent people on PDP, many of whom I sure wouldn't ruin a friendship over political views. Hopefully we all realize that everyone deserves thier opinions and politics shouldn't be something to hate a person over. I don't care how you all vote, as long as you're good people I'd love to be your friend!
November 10, 2006 1:15:00 AM GMT+01:00
To add to my rant... staunchly Catholic Mexico City just legalized gay civil unions. Why are we so backwards? Argh!
November 10, 2006 1:16:00 AM GMT+01:00
Oh! A MUST SEE movie (documentary) is "Why We Fight." It is fabulous! It is very fair and balanced (excuse the phrase) and does not have a party agenda as it spreads the criticizm around. It points the finger mostly at Congress...all of Congress (Dems and Rep) and spans many years...not just recent events.
Great special features also...more commentary by President Eisenhower's children.
Truly interesting and a MUST SEE. Please rent it!
November 10, 2006 1:21:00 AM GMT+01:00
buzz, seriously! I just can not figure out why gay people can't have the same legal rights as straights! We're all people, aren't we? Ugh, I wish I could tell you about some of the things I see at work. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed. It's fuel th fire under your bum even more. Sure as hell pisses me off.
November 10, 2006 1:25:00 AM GMT+01:00
ok, for some reason my browser is screwing up the things I type. It was supposed to read "It would shure as hell fuel the fire under your bum even more."
November 10, 2006 1:52:00 AM GMT+01:00
Wow, 5 bucks says this post will hit the 100 comments, uh? Euh, maybe not... ;)
Anyway, thank you very much for that picture, Eric! It speaks volumes.
Many people around me (in the US) tend to forget how the world's eyes are always constantly upon us...
So the country sent a MESSAGE to the White House a couple of days ago. Let's just hope these people are up to the task! Good luck to all of us and to the whole world watching.
November 10, 2006 1:59:00 AM GMT+01:00
I'm sure it will reach 100. And possibly in record time! We do love to talk, don't we. For the important issues (this) and the not so important (pigeons!!!)
November 10, 2006 2:15:00 AM GMT+01:00
good picture Eric. I took a similar one some months ago and was quite pleased with it at the time, but seeing the way you have lit yours and it's in black and white, i am irritated with myself that i didn't think of it! Bush out, Blair to follow.
November 10, 2006 2:21:00 AM GMT+01:00
i've been an intern for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives since May....
since the elections (two days) things have certainly become interesting....people are already picking out which offices they would like to move into!
:-P
November 10, 2006 2:27:00 AM GMT+01:00
lol! I assume you can't really talk about anything in detail. Probably need clearance to even be an intern, huh?
November 10, 2006 3:20:00 AM GMT+01:00
Soosha:
Completely out of topic, here, but this is a much nicer picture than the one your son took! :-)
November 10, 2006 3:45:00 AM GMT+01:00
lol, thanks!
November 10, 2006 4:29:00 AM GMT+01:00
Eric et. al: Thanks for this. My friends certainly are in a celebratory mood. As for the gay marriage issue, tonight let's tip our hat to the legislators in Massachusetts, who -- despite enormous pressure -- effectively killed an amendment that would have put same-sex marriage rights up for repeal here. Gay marriage will continue to be part of the country as a result of their actions.
All in all, it's been a great week for politics in the U.S.
November 10, 2006 5:39:00 AM GMT+01:00
I agree that we are happy now! I love your photographs, they are amazing! I love Paris and have visited there twice. I want to return so bad everytime I see a picture from there. Maybe when I hit the lottery! Keep the awesome pics coming! Kyle :)
November 10, 2006 5:58:00 AM GMT+01:00
Nice picture. What a lot of discussion it inspired! I hope the world realizes that we're not all bumbling idiots here in the USA.
November 10, 2006 6:49:00 AM GMT+01:00
Firstly, excellent photo for today Eric. A way to bring Paris into the daily news that's unique and a pleasure to look at.
As for Jan-Erik's comment, I think it's just a nice provocative question. Before when we had politicians calling for "French Fries" when France stood up and people saying that the French "easily forget what the Americans did for them" was another provocation but much less thought out or mature. I mean give me a break.
This story is also interestinng from a leadership standpoint. Had Bush removed Rumsfield just a month ago let's say, I think the elections could have gone in a totally different direction. We are that easily influenced as people.
When it comes to same-sex marriage, I agree with the comments so far, but until the radical and powerful religious lobby is put under control, this type of issue will always be an emotional one, not a rational one. Have you seen the extreme fighting in Israel over the gay pride parade they have planned there? Orthodox Jews stabbing people over a parade? Now that's a sure sign that religion can be good or evil!
November 10, 2006 7:02:00 AM GMT+01:00
metaphysicalmama said...
Not to fuel the fire any more, but it's not over. Bush has now already started to complete some issues before the end of the year:
- the nomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
- legislation to authorize the National Security Agency's domestic surveillance program
- the Terrorist Surveillance Act of 2006
as well as...
- bipartisan energy legislation
- trade legislation
- a federal spending bill
- an agreement with India on civilian nuclear technology
November 10, 2006 7:04:00 AM GMT+01:00
I'm sorry Eric I forgot my manners... excellent choice of photo today. ;-)
November 10, 2006 7:07:00 AM GMT+01:00
I really was only trying to tease everybody. I konw that not all americans are liking Bush. It is just skary for us here in europe to think that the country where you can really use your vote is used so carlessly.
November 10, 2006 7:23:00 AM GMT+01:00
But you were right to ask Jan! I mean, people actually elected him....TWICE!!! YIKES! Another factor is that the Republicans did a good job of fanning the flames of fear...saying that we were only "safe" if Bush continued what he started. People were afraid of changing "course." I think most people are good-hearted but maybe a little naive...and perhaps too busy (working 40-50 hours/week) to learn about what's going on in the world outside of the TV.
November 10, 2006 7:28:00 AM GMT+01:00
November 10, 2006 7:28:00 AM GMT+01:00
But susan is that not what Hitler did too? (i hope i do not ofend any one)
November 10, 2006 7:29:00 AM GMT+01:00
Susan: many people believe that the previous election was manipulated. Who knows? Just the same, in my district, this time, there was only one electronic machine and nobody touched it even with a 10-foot pole.
November 10, 2006 7:30:00 AM GMT+01:00
soosha_q...
I saw your quiz on your blog and will surely try to answer it, but I don't want to get it all correct because you'll think I'm a stalker!
November 10, 2006 7:32:00 AM GMT+01:00
Tomate...glad to see you back! Tell me, do you think the voting machines will be made a big issue this year?
I presume you saw that Kathryn Harris (the one responsible for the Florida election snafu) did not come close to winning in Florida. I'm gloating as I write!
November 10, 2006 7:37:00 AM GMT+01:00
Jan,
I actually have used the Hitler example myself! It is absolutely true! And not only Hitler; many, many countries throughout history have used the same tactics to gain public support! And it always works...that's the saddest part.
If only people would read history...they would see the wool that is being pulled over their eyes.
Re: electronic voting
My state has used them for about 15 years. But I have read some very disturbing things regarding the ease with which certain people could alter votes. Disconcerting to be sure!
November 10, 2006 7:40:00 AM GMT+01:00
Sorry for all the posts...but I just saw Michael's comment about Kathryn Harris. Oh that crazy *&$%^! She made a comment once that she would like to see the U.S. become a theocracy! In other words, the laws match those of the bible! Scary! Our own little Taliban...right there in Florida!
November 10, 2006 10:32:00 AM GMT+01:00
Susan : reacting to one of your first comments, this is the one thing that impresses me so much about the States. I mean, not the fact that people happen to vote for the wrong guy/party/ideas. Everybody, every nation does it most of the time. But the way some people seem in the US eager to treat somebody "traitor", "anti-american" and other names. That seem so violent and full of hate in a democracy. It must be very very disturbing.
November 10, 2006 11:59:00 AM GMT+01:00
Eric, I love the photo, as usual.
Thoughts on "politics":
I saw a lovely mother of an American soldier. She was proud of him and thought the war was extremely necessary. The second part of the program was quite different. Her young son had been killed in Iraq. She was devastated and her view of the war and Bush turned around completely. Families shouldn't have to lose their sons in a war even more stupid than many of the others. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and their people weren't the terrorists of 9/11.
Voting: It always amazes me when I read the results of how many people don't vote.
I find that many believe that voting Republican gives them class prestige. I have heard it for years that if you vote Republican you are elevated class-wise. Many in my family think this way. What a myth. You still work 9-5 or two jobs to make ends meet.
November 10, 2006 12:22:00 PM GMT+01:00
Oh man, we definately don't need a theocracy. It's bad enough around here sometimes, especially in the bible belt!
Fear not, Michael, there's no way you'll do really good on me quiz. One of my real life friends did it on my Lj and only got 61 points. Of course we haven't seen each other in forever, so I guess it was pretty good. Besides, it's a bit hard to stalk me from Paris!!!
November 10, 2006 1:09:00 PM GMT+01:00
Good morning all! Or good afternoon if you are in Europe or good evening if you are in southeast Asia or Australia! Whew...I think I covered everyone!
You said a mouthful Johnny! I think that people feel Rep is somehow superior...stupid...they don't even realize that the tax breaks they are rallying for aren't for them!!! They are the ultra-rich's "you know what" (I don't want to be risque on Eric's blog). By the way, I am originally from Clarksville, Tn...practicaly your neighbor...lol.
GG,
I have so much to say on that topic but don't want to take up as much room as it would require since it's Eric's blog. I'm trying to start my own in "beta" about this very topic but am having lot's of problems. I cannot even post my picture...frustrating.
One thing I will say, America does have some great qualities that I temporarily forgot about until I read Eric's other blog written by expats and Michael's link to the book comparing the French and Americans. And just like that book says (at the end), America is wonderful when it pertains to domestic policy, but once the arena is international, those lofty values seem to go right out the window. Very troubling.
See the movie! Why We Fight The trailer will play automatically. DON'T hit "Enter Site" until after trailer or it will talk over it.
November 10, 2006 1:10:00 PM GMT+01:00
I didn't mean to imply the French weren't wonderful as well! I hope it didn't read that way! I love France.
November 10, 2006 1:19:00 PM GMT+01:00
Never fear! There is one man left on the planet still backing the Rumsfeld Plan for Irag. Australia's ignoble Prime Minister, the Grinning Gnome, John Howard.
One day he'll wake up and look around and realise Bush has pulled Americans out of Iraq and wonder why he wasn't told....
November 10, 2006 2:23:00 PM GMT+01:00
Paris Daily Photo or Paris Daily Politics ?
Photos unite and Politics divide.
Keep up the good work Eric !
November 10, 2006 2:56:00 PM GMT+01:00
These election results were exhilarating, and Rumsfeld's resignation was the cherry on the top. Perhaps now we'll find some leaders to represent the american people in a more open-minded, compassionate manner and to learn from other cultures instead of dictating to them. I know . . . "la reveuse".
November 10, 2006 5:23:00 PM GMT+01:00
>>America is wonderful when it pertains to domestic policy>>
Not lately.
While pleased about the outcome of the vote, I am distressed that once again less than 50% (40.4) of the voting age populaton voted. We're at or near the bottom of the world list in the % area. A higher % voted in Iraq 8>D
November 10, 2006 5:43:00 PM GMT+01:00
I love your blog! You've got such wonderful images and messages! My husband and I were fortunate to visit Paris. One evening we ate at the Budha Bar and... ah.. the best curry lamb I have ever had.
I can't wait to go back!
November 10, 2006 6:11:00 PM GMT+01:00
I agree that more people should vote...but that is a different issue isn't it?
Domestically, (excluding the very recent Republican attempts to chip away at the Constitution...which I believe will be reversed by the Dems come 2007), we are consistant regarding the rule of law, the hand over of power (no riots or coop attempts like some other countries), large middle class, freedom of speech/press (no journalists going to prison like a few countries) and the number one great thing: true opportunity for everyone. Anyone can come here...poor and uneducated, send their children to public school where they grow up and become very integrated within society and properous! And I believe we do that better than ANY country. I've seen it over and over. Even in my family. My uncle's parents came here from Italy with only 6 years of education (ending at 12). Lived in Hell's Kitchen in NYC....poor and couldn't speak English. Their son, my uncle, went on to be an orthodontist and had a 7 bedroom house in Chappaqua (where the Clinton's live...very prosperous little town). And his son, my cousin, is a millionaire living in Greenwich, Conn. They don't all become millionaires but within one generation, they can, if they want, be college educated and have a very good paying job. Happens all the time! And I think that is why we don't have the same issues with immigrants (Muslims for example) that other countries do...because they are able to make a life here.
November 10, 2006 6:33:00 PM GMT+01:00
>>I agree that more people should vote...but that is a different issue isn't it?>>
Uh no. And do we only get one issue like one photo a day?
>>if they want, be college educated and have a very good paying job. Happens all the time!>>
Used to. Now much less of the time and in frequently decreasing numbers.
>>My uncle's parents came here from Italy with only 6 years of education (ending at 12). Lived in Hell's Kitchen in NYC....>>
Did this happen in the 70s, 80s or 90s or back when America was *truly* the land of opportunity?
I love my country and work hard every day to make it better. But I see what needs to be done to make it as great as it used to be.
November 10, 2006 7:07:00 PM GMT+01:00
Ujima, I tend to agree with you on this one. It's always amazing to me the low voter turn-out compared to other countries who would love to have that opportunity. If more people voted, then maybe the politicians would have to work harder to please them.
November 10, 2006 7:17:00 PM GMT+01:00
What a timely photo of the day! I especially like the Liberation's headline - too funny.
November 10, 2006 9:02:00 PM GMT+01:00
Ujima: " 'if they want, be college educated and have a very good paying job. Happens all the time!'
Used to. Now much less of the time and in frequently decreasing numbers.
'My uncle's parents came here from Italy with only 6 years of education (ending at 12). Lived in Hell's Kitchen in NYC....'
Did this happen in the 70s, 80s or 90s or back when America was *truly* the land of opportunity?
I love my country and work hard every day to make it better. But I see what needs to be done to make it as great as it used to be."
This tomato in California is grinning from ear to ear! You're making a new fan :-)
November 10, 2006 9:16:00 PM GMT+01:00
What a great string this one picture started! I'm ecstatic over the election results. In my congressional district, we removed an 8-term Republican congressman who was on the appropriations committe and brought a lot of money to this area. I'm so proud that our district had the courage to give up the trough and go with an unknown, just to make a philosophical point. I was despairing for a long time, but it looks like people are finally getting out of the "fear" mode and voting with their reason instead.
November 10, 2006 9:28:00 PM GMT+01:00
Eric, ne fait pas trop de politique. Je suis d'accord avec toi sur le fond. Mais, après tout, peut as-tu des Républicains pour fidèles lecteurs. Bien amicalement.
November 10, 2006 9:45:00 PM GMT+01:00
Croquette....you are right you know, but it is fun to see what everybody thinks. I do have to say that the Paris Daily Photo does represent the day in Paris though.
November 10, 2006 9:45:00 PM GMT+01:00
In some countries, voting is an obligation, and one can have a fine when not voting.
It is for instance the case in Belgium, Australia , Luxembourg, Turkey, Greece, in some areas in Austria, in the canton of Schaffhouse in Switzerland, in some South American countries (like Costa Rica and Brazil).
In Belgium, if one doesn't vote, the fine is 25 to 50 Euros the first time, and 125 Euros the second time. And if not voting 4 times in 15 years, one can't have anymore promotion from the Administration for 10 years.
November 10, 2006 10:12:00 PM GMT+01:00
Croquette, je sais, c'est pour cela que je n'ai pas pris parti. J'ai dis "Si j'en crois l'opinion politique de la plupart de mes visiteurs américains [en me fondant sur la plupart des commentaires déposés ici et qui sont généralement pro démocrates]" Je n'ai pas dit "JE suis content ou JE suis mécontent".
Je me fais une règle de ne pas prendre parti en mon nom sur ce blog.
English. Croquette asked me not to engage myself politically.
I answered that in my caption I did not say "I am happy or I am not happy"
I said "From what I understood of the political opinion of most of my American visitors I imagine you must be pretty happy..." assuming that (based on most of the opinions generally expressed here) most of my American visitors would be happy with the results.
I make it a point not to express my opinion on this blog.
November 10, 2006 10:34:00 PM GMT+01:00
To the degree that this country has adhered to the U.S. Constitution, it has been the greatest nation on earth in modern times. To the degree that it has ignored the Constitution, it has been a paltry excuse for greatness. For those of us who have been criticized for our lack of patriotism, here's what Bush's regime has ignored.
Amendment I - Ratified 12/15/1791
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The invasion of Iraq made me ashamed of the U.S. The United States exists, but I am not sure about America. Maybe, just maybe, we've made an effort with this election to return to America. In my state, most of the seats wents Dem. However, a bible-thumping, anti-gay, ignorant Rep. was elected to one of the House seats. It's not over, folks.
November 10, 2006 10:40:00 PM GMT+01:00
Croquette: Bien sur qu'il a des lecteurs Republicains sur ce blog; cependant la photo elle meme est neutre puisce qu'il a choisi une variete de journaux d’opinions politiques variées (Attention, ne pas écouter les mauvaises langues qui disent que TOUTE la presse est de gauche, par contre, mais bon, ça c’est un autre débat pour une autre fois ;-).
A mon avis, le grand intéret de cette photo, c'est qu’elle rappelle aux gens que Paris est TRES attentif à ce qui se passe aux USA (ce qui est vrai), car beaucoup de gens aux USA ne se rendent pas compte à quel point le monde entier les regarde.
Par exemple, quand j’avais dit à mes collegues que les Parisiens ont observé la minute de silence dans tous les bureaux après le 11 Septembre, ils étaient restés bouche bée car nous à San Francisco, on ne l’a pas fait.
November 10, 2006 10:41:00 PM GMT+01:00
Wooow!!! $125 for not voting?!! Each person? Surely that would take care of the deficit around here, no? ;)
November 10, 2006 11:02:00 PM GMT+01:00
Among all the important newspapers today, Eric forgot to mention the new Paris Villages (n°19, about hidden areas in "Le Marais") is now available (in some bookshops only)
I know you were all looking forward to it ;-)
November 10, 2006 11:33:00 PM GMT+01:00
He He Haxo, now we know why you know so much about Paris!!
Tomate, merci d'avoir remarqué que j'avais pris un choix de journaux de tous bords !
November 11, 2006 1:23:00 AM GMT+01:00
Since I can't read any of the french answers to croquette, I'll just say in english that though some may not like any politics, or any of the other topics Eric brings up for that matter, this is still his blog and he may post as he wishes. Just like with people who protest South Park or Howard Stern or anything else in the world, if you don't like then just don't watch/listen to/visit it!
November 11, 2006 3:23:00 AM GMT+01:00
Soosha: I didn't mean to exclude anybody, just no time to translate when I sent the post, and truthfully I'm missing a couple of words to do a good translation there. But this is roughly what I said to Croquette (not that it's that interesting anyway...)
"Of course there are Republicans readers on this blog; however, the picture itself is neutral since he chose a variety of newspapers representing various political viewpoints (Of course, there are people who will say that ALL the Press is left-wing, but never mind that, that debate is for another time ;-)
In my opinion, this picture is very interesting because it reminds people that Paris is watching VERY carefully what's going on in the States, and a lot of people in the States do not realize to what degree the whole world is constantly watching them.
For instance, when I told my co-workers that Parisians had observed a minute of silence post 9/11, they were speechless, because we, in San Francisco did not do anything at all."
Eric said Thanks, Tomate, for noticing that I picked newspapers representing a variety of political viewpoints.
By the way, when people type in French, you can get a pretty good general idea of what they say by using babelfish translation. Some people may have better tips for you, there, I don't know. That's what I use when I forget words and sometimes, it helps, sometimes the words are funny, but it's better than nothing.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
Hope that helps.
November 11, 2006 3:55:00 AM GMT+01:00
Jeff: Touché. 9/11 opened the door of fear for very troubling changes (Patriot Act). I think (hope/expect/demand) it to be changed come 2007 with the new Congress!
I think I've expressed (through words and recommendation of the movie "Why We Fight") my concerns and criticisms regarding the wrong direction we are headed.
But, I must take exception to Ujima's comment that immigrants don't have the opportunities they once had because that is false. And maybe you didn't quite mean it as it sounded (maybe you are just frustrated with our current direction like I am. So, I don't mean to single you out except that I feel compelled to defend what I feel is our greatest strength because, otherwise, it leaves a very wrong impression to the rest of the world that may read it.
I live in a very international city (not quite like NYC, but it is among the top 5 international cities in America). So I not only see the results of the opportunities available for current 2nd generation immigrants but I personally know a lot of them. It was true in the 1940's as in my Uncle's case, and it is true today with my personal friends from: Iran, Nigeria, Columbia and Mexico. All are accepted into society, have college degrees that they worked hard for (no parents to pay for it) and now have good jobs and live in good neighborhoods. I also went back to college recently (in the preparation for a change of career) and saw TONS of primarily Asians and Africans, in addition to some Russians and Latin Americans. Almost all whose parents are poor, can't speak English, etc. I've talked to them as I am very extroverted (I'm in sales...go figure) and am interested in what brings people here. They all knew people who had come here and reported tremendous opportunities if you are willing to work for it (achieve in public school and strive for more). Most of their parents cannot speak English and work in low ranking/paying jobs. But their children have a multitude of opportunities...thus them being in college. Also, I have 350+ customers (companies) that I visit regularly, where there are Vietnamese, Chinese, Indians, Africans, and Latin Americans with good jobs with good companies. I see it. It is what we do best. And, it is nice to be reminded, during this awful time of struggle with the government policies of lies, greed, and warmongering with the WRONG PEOPLE, to have something to feel proud of!
And people say I'm not a patriot.......LOL.
A
November 11, 2006 4:06:00 AM GMT+01:00
One comment I just have to add! The most IRONIC thing about my 2nd generation friends: THEY are the most supportive of BUSH!!! (But they are not the ones that namecalled b/c I disagreed with the invastion of Iraq).
It's funny, because they, especially my very close friend from Columbia (who has lived here since she was about 13), just loves Bush. I have tried to enlighten her....but I don't know how much good it has done.
They all seem to be more patriotic than people like me whose families have been here since late 1600's (my family goes way back...to the U.K.)! I guess they have something much worse to compare it to than I. I understand that. And one Iranian friends kind of wants us to invade IRAN!!! But she obviously has personal, emotional reasons for that...rather than logical ones.
November 11, 2006 4:25:00 AM GMT+01:00
Thanks, tomate, and it was ok that you didn't respond in english. babel, for some reason, doesn't usually work for me, even if it's just a straight copy and paste. I've given up on the darned thing!
November 11, 2006 7:46:00 AM GMT+01:00
Susan said>>I take acception to Ujima's comments that immigrants don't have the opportunities they once had because that is false. And maybe you didn't mean it as it sounded.>>
It's not false and I did mean it as it sounded.
I, too, live in an international city and personally know very many immigrants personally. I have friends from all the countries you mention and also Turkey, Burkina Faso,Ireland, El Salvador,Mali etc. etc. etc. There *are* many with good jobs and college educations. But there are a great many, a great many more who can't even get near the ladder to get up. There are successes but many, many more failures and that's what I'm working to correct not only for recent immigrants, but also for *our* American citizens who can not get an opportunity to succeed because of the poor quality of our public education nationwide in so many areas. Many children left behind.
November 11, 2006 8:42:00 AM GMT+01:00
soosha: "babel, for some reason, doesn't usually work for me, even if it's just a straight copy and paste. I've given up on the darned thing! "
That's because it does word-for-word translation and doesn't take into account many idioms and words with double meanings, stuff like that. But it should still give you a general idea.
November 11, 2006 8:53:00 AM GMT+01:00
I am pleased with the U.S. elections. I am not fond of the other "w".
November 11, 2006 9:09:00 AM GMT+01:00
Tomate...have you found another tool for translation that works better? I agree that Babel is too word-for-word.
November 11, 2006 10:44:00 AM GMT+01:00
Then maybe you should see what life is like for 2nd generation immigrants in other countries...even europe.
We disagree.
November 11, 2006 11:23:00 AM GMT+01:00
By the way susan, I responded to the question you left on Eric's Tobacconists strike back post.
November 11, 2006 12:05:00 PM GMT+01:00
Sorry susan...that should have read "on Eric's Seeing Red! post"...
November 11, 2006 12:06:00 PM GMT+01:00
By the way, can anybody explain to me why the answer to riddle "What's black and white and red all over?" is "a newspaper"? I never understood that one!
November 11, 2006 1:09:00 PM GMT+01:00
It's "read," dear Michael, not "red."
-Kim
November 11, 2006 1:46:00 PM GMT+01:00
lol! See Michael, there's this thing called homonmys, and they can confuse many people. They are words that sound the same but can be very, very different. For instance: "red" referring to a color and "read" referring to something most of the world does with a newspaper at their kitchen table while drinking coffee before going to work! And that's all for today, class. Enjoy your eveing, and don't forget to turn in your book reports on "To Kill a Mockingbird." Thank you.
November 11, 2006 3:44:00 PM GMT+01:00
Stupid me! Now I remember. Thanks Kim and Soosha!
November 11, 2006 3:56:00 PM GMT+01:00
My gramatical genous are always at your service! You is not stoopid!
November 11, 2006 8:42:00 PM GMT+01:00
Michael: "What's black and white and red all over?" If you ask a French person to translate that they'd probably tell you something different. As you probably know, in France "red" is the color attributed to the left in politics (and when I say "left," I'm being moderate) .
November 12, 2006 12:13:00 AM GMT+01:00
And then there's crap like this:
UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Saturday that would have condemned Israel for its military operations in Gaza.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton said the resolution, which also called for Israel to cease military operations immediately in the Palestinian territory, was "biased against Israel and politically motivated."
November 12, 2006 9:10:00 PM GMT+01:00
Michael: Tomate...have you found another tool for translation that works better? I agree that Babel is too word-for-word.
Ooops, sorry, didn't see that... No, I don't know of anything else. I have an old, very big dictionary, but even these translations leave something to be desired sometimes. Sorry. I know they have professional programs out there that might work better but I don't know anything about them other than they may be expensive.
November 12, 2006 11:10:00 PM GMT+01:00
Susan said...
Then maybe you should see what life is like for 2nd generation immigrants in other countries...even europe.
Don't assume. I have seen and I do see here and in other countries.
We disagree.
Big time.
December 3, 2006 11:08:00 PM GMT+01:00
Actually, there are a few of us who are very unhappy with the elections, and we are intelligent, not stupid as many of the comments imply.
Syd
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