I love reading US media reports discussing the screen writer's and the Broadway stage hands strikes. There was an article in the New York Times a couple of days ago talking about a Broadway actress whose life's dream was put on hold because of the chaos. It was heartbreaking...for her at least.
But, here in Paris we are facing more than re-runs of our favorite shows or delayed theater opening dates. The city's transportation is shut down completely and we are now entering week 2 of the showdown between unions and the newly minted, pro-sconomic reform government of Nicolas Sarkozy. You may be familiar with him due to his recent "honeymoon" in the US where he was greeted with a standing ovation by a joint session of Congress. No greater love has been shown to a French man in the states since Lafayette's post revolutionary tour of America. I digress...
So Sarkozy's government refuses to engage in any talks with the transportation unions until they return to work. In 1995 similar economic reforms were shutdown after a FIVE WEEK transportation strike, the reforms never happened.
No public transportation in Paris is akin to the Wasatch Front running out of gasoline. Just last night our friend was out running when the traffic was still at a complete stand still, around 8pm. The intersection of a major artery was completely blocked, and two men stood outside of their cars hitting each other.
Personally, I say suck it up with the re-runs.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I've been thinking of all of you over the last couple of weeks (when I head over to the library to work late at night I always catch the BBC updates on the strike). From what the BBC reports,unlike in 1995, there seems to be little public sympathy for the striking union. Does that seem to be the case? I take it that Nate has been getting lots of exercise walking to the embassy.
You only say that because you want to catch up on all of the episodes you haven't seen yet. You would have much more sympathy if there were a Netflix strike.
I feel your pain, I really, really do. At least for us it was something we never had, which isn't quite as bad as knowing how good something is and having is whisked away.
hope it clears up - I'm coming to Paris this weekend. I may have to hitchhike
Post a Comment