Occupy Wall Street

"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....

"C'est dans la rue, que ça se passe!"

I attended my first manifestation (demonstration) yesterday, and what an event! Taking to the streets in a show of solidarity is a national sport here, and the french do it with their unique sense of style. First you gather at the designated point of departure, meet up with friends and colleagues, smoke a few cigarettes and maybe have something to eat whilst waiting for the event to get rolling, usually a minimum of an hour late. Festive music blares from loudspeakers atop vans, vendors sell food and drink (alcohol included of course), big balloons float above with the logos of various union syndicates displayed. Yesterdays manifestation was about retirement and pension issues. Since the mid 1980's the age of retirement has been 60 years, down from age 65 as it was historically in France. As President Sarkozy attempts to balance the budget, a program has been drafted to raise the age of retirement to 62 or 63 years of age, AND cut each pensioners benefits. By how much is unclear, as the government has been ambiguous during negotiations with the unions regarding the actual numbers. Some people are just a year away from retirement, only to discover they will have to work another two or three years to receive their pension! And now they aren't sure how much they will have to live on when the day comes. So, along with my friend who is a secretary for the largest union in France, (CGT) and roughly 90,000 others I marched, chanted, and raised my fist for power to the people. There were over 176 manifestations throughout France yesterday, with 6 of the 7 unions represented. Union syndicates are a bit different here, one can choose to join any of the seven which represent all trades unlike in America where truckers belong to the Teamsters, auto workers belong to the UAW, and so on. I saw very few police, most being stationed in the metro at Bastille where the march ended, and no violence. It was exciting to march by cafés and see people join in the chant, raising their fists in support-one man was dressed in the traditional striped suit of a jailed prisoner with a sign that decried having to work for the man any longer than age 60. There were anesthesiologists (who held a huge manifestation of their own throughout France last week which included a massive sit in on the tracks of Gare Montparnasse, blocking commuter traffic all day long), auto workers, textile workers, and construction workers. The latter held placards stating their belief that the age of retirement should be 55. When we reached the Place du Bastille there were hundreds of Persons sans Papiers, African immigrants who work with temporary permits in restaurants, paying taxes but receiving no health or any other form of benefits. Assembled on the steps of the opera house they were beautiful, a black sea of humanity. Unfortunately I had been overexcited at the beginning of the event and shot my wad early, using up my cameras battery power in the first 30 minutes so I was not able to capture this very moving scene for you! My friend and I donated a few centime for their cause, as they are currently on strike without wages. Upon reaching our destination we located a café and sat to rest our tired feet and take a cup of tea before heading home. Will the manifestation be successful in convincing the government to rethink their program and consider raising the money they need by taxing the huge profits made by investment banks, hedge fund operators, and kazillionaires? It remains to be seen. In mid June the program will be sent to the Assemblé Nationale for voting - just when the citizenry of France begin their vacations and are distracted by the Coupe du Monde (World Cup). Pretty tricky eh? The next manifestation I will attend is June 12th, the theme being women's rights. I have already planned my placard, it will say: "Femmes sans soutien-gorge" (women without bras)! You can enjoy the experience of yesterdays march with me on my Youtube channel, "Bonbondeparis". "C'est dans la rue, que ça se passe"! It's in the street that all have arrived.......