THE FRENCH WAY, FAILING SINCE 1789!:

French horror at 'Anglo-Saxon' welfare reforms (Christian Fraser, 9/11/10, BBC News)

In France, I have come to realise, the term "Anglo-Saxon" is rarely one of endearment.

It is a useful umbrella description that seems to cover any number of perceived national weaknesses the other side of the Channel.

Last week, French scorn was reserved for the British retirement age, now set to rise to 67.

"Incroyable!", cried a population that jealously guards its savoir vivre.

Last Tuesday, I was by the statue of Marianne, who personifies the values of the French republic, when I encountered one particularly vehement demonstrator at a central Paris rally.

"We should not be imitating our neighbours," she barked, perhaps noting my English tweed.

The French have always expected the state to provide - not only for their short working week, their excellent free schools and hospitals - but also their retirement

"We must defend what we have. Ours is not the Anglo-Saxon way."

The entire Long War, including the current Anglosphere vs Islamicism coda, is nothing but a contest between the English and French models.

Posted by Orrin Judd at September 11, 2010 7:47 AM
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