If you can get by the well-known snobbery and B.O. issues, the people of France are about 100 years ahead of the USA in terms of human rights issues. Heck, the reason so many ex-pats end up on the banks of the Seine is in large part to France's attitude towards outsiders. Perhaps a little snobby in the cosmopolitan areas, true, but that's the case almost anywhere. The freedom of the people--artistically and socially--is the thing that sets the nation apart and has for decades (the only place I see coming close may be 1920's pre-war Berlin).
I for one was extremely proud of the people of France for not bowing to US pressure to support the quagmire in Iraq (at a time when the political climate favored such action). I still can't believe an actual adult human in the USA started calling french fries "freedom fries" because of this. As the war toils on, even the most ardent supporters realize Bush's entire vision of Iraq is misguided and besides the international toll its taken on America's reputation, thousands of individual soldiers have had to endure the folly of this leadership, some sacrificing their lives.
But that's not my point.
This weekend, French protesters blocked the advance of the Olympic torch in direct violation to China's abysmal human rights record. Much to the chagrin of China's politicians, the Olympic presence is bringing more light on the terrible conditions the government has inflicted on its people--from the trouble with Tibet to the slave conditions in factories. In fact, several European countries are considering boycotting the Olympics and it would be an incredible statement if the US did the same.
Of course we won't, as a nation we just don't have the guts. But you have to give it up for those who do. Despite what Fox News may be telling you, there's a lot to like about the political climate in France.
