"A manifestation should be a happy event!" declared Madame V, as I marveled at the scene before me. It was my first "manifestation", (demonstration) and I was like a kid in a candy store - all eyes and wanting to taste it all! I grew up a child of the '60's, too young to march against the war in Vietnam, but old enough to know why I wanted to. After the Great Bra Burning of 1972, the trauma of Watergate, and the return of scores of displaced vets, America was ready for disco! All we needed was a steady beat, a gold chain, and a reliable dealer. With few exceptions, America stayed indoors - the season for railing against "The Establishment" turned into a long fall of complacency. Until 2007, when a small but noisy group of citizens sporting teabags stapled to their hats rallied to make their voices heard. They had the spirit - it's a happy event! Aside from the fact that some of these demonstrators were bused in and given handpainted signs by their employer David Koch, (the 4th richest man in the world) and that some of them were carrying loaded firearms to a heated debate, they were exercising their right to assemble, and that is an exciting thing. As the Arab Spring has blossomed throughout Africa, and the Occupy Wall Street movement has taken hold, I am reminded of that glorious afternoon I met Madame V at Place de République to join les française in their National Pastime - striking. I wasn't sure what to expect, perhaps police in riot gear holding back muzzled German shepards, or if tear gas would be involved. I remember Kent State! What I found was akin to a carnival. Vans with oversized balloons touting the logo of France's largest union, "CGT," tethered to loudspeakers blaring hiphop music, were stationed strategically around the rond point. There were cabanas everywhere, with vendors frying sausage, vegetables, and chicken for the most delicious sandwiches. Gyros, and pizza by the slice, and a guy wandering through the crowd selling whistles for proper noisemaking was the irony of the day - for this was capitalism at a Communist sponsored demonstration! The mood was upbeat as the crowd assembled, by law a union sponsored manifestation is a paid afternoon off. Unlike the OWS movement, most of the folks I marched with have a job, they just don't want to have it until the age of 65. They greeted their friends and colleagues with a kiss to each cheek, (there was alot of kissing that day) enjoyed a demitasse, (a teeny, tiny cup of liquid nitrogen) and marched to the Place de Bastille, smiling and chanting and having a day of it. I saw very few police, but I did see a van rolling along with the crowd with it's rear doors open, a portable bar selling beer, wine, and whiskey to thirsty demonstrators! Can you imagine that happening in the U.S.? When it was all over, the crowd dispersed to the cafés that surround the Bastille for one last beer and to discuss politics over a pack of cigarettes. Today I heard that an American veteran of the war in Iraq sustained a fractured skull whilst peacefully demonstrating in Oakland, California. Many have been arrested and detained, but not charged. The government should release of these political prisoners immediately, or give them their day in court. I raise my glass to my fellow Americans dans le rue, and wish you Bonne Courage. Power to the People! Now come with me for a manifestation, French Style....
