Common Sense and Resistance

Many people have asked me what I find so appealing about living in France with the French. (usually said with a shudder)

Well, beyond the obvious points of the pace of life and the quality of the food, there are a few other qualities I admire about the French.  The first is their common sense and practicality.

I've told the tale of the guy across the street who, two years ago, was caught red-handed with the loot he acquired in the course of multiple burglaries.  He was arrested on a Thursday.  The following Wednesday saw him in front of the judge and by that afternoon he'd been sentenced to time in prison.  They don't fool around when the facts are unassailable.

I also like the fact that they consider personal responsibility important.  There are no guard rails or chains on the rampart walks of the walls of La Cite.  If you don't want to fall off, don't go up there.  Simple. I think it used to be that way in the US.  Common sense.

And that common sense sometimes takes the form of resistance.

Recently, there's been an outbreak of avian flu in the Southwest of France.  The government decided that perhaps all ducks and geese should be slaughtered, just to be safe.  This action not only would have endangered the production of duck confit, a major ingredient in cassoulet, which is a BIG tourist draw for this area, but would seriously have harmed next year's foie gras supply.  We are talking not only about serious economic damage to the people who raise these birds, but a major catastrophe for holiday meals.  So, the eleveurs--the raisers--have revolted.  If their birds are not infected, they are refusing to wholesale slaughter their "crop."  Makes sense.

The same thing has happened to the platane trees that line the banks of the Canal du Midi.  These trees are at risk and some are infected by a blight.  There are two methods of treatment: chop them all down, which has been done in some places; or use a vaccine, which is more expensive. The government ordered the trees to go--and the mayors of the little towns along the waterway are banding together, demanding, "Keep your hands off our trees."  They want the right to use the vaccine.  

The people here in Occitanie live close to and in rhythm with the land.  It has been thus for centuries.  They are a practical people who know exactly the sources of their livelihoods and the pace of their lives.  They are not afraid to stand up and protect these sources; it's only common sense.  I like that.