Well, I really thought about what I was going to write about today, then I took a walk, did some observing of nature, came home, got ready to write and forgot everything…
But it’s alright, no problem. Today is Sunday, for some people a day to rest, or to go to church, or to just be lazy. For us here in València it is a day to go out to our favourite terrace restaurant (the weather is phenomenal) and eat a big paella with our friends or family. The women drink their vermuts with lemon and the guys drink their beer or wine. And we eat the paella right from the pan, which by the way is also called «paella.»
And what can I say. In France the «people» are destroying private property, burning rubbish containers, and causing many headaches to President Macron. I am pretty sure there are «ultras» infiltrated into those crowds and assigned to the cause of mayhem. Professional agitators, professional gangsters who are there only to destroy and hurt others. But on the other hand I really do not understand what the French want. For retirement age to be 62 they would have to produce more children than they do and it will not be something sustainable. And working until 64 is still a bloody good privilege as in most countries retirement age is 65 or over. So I don’t think they will get much international sympathy.
In the US, my previous home, all I hear is about Trump’s forthcoming indictment. But will it ever happen? Some say that he is untouchable because he is an ex-president (and we all hope he stays ex-president forever), but I say what happened to the universal doctrine that no one is above the law? Even if you are a sitting president, if you break the law, you pay the price, no?
And here in my own country, Spain, the political debate still rages between what the left calls the «extreme» right and what the right calls the «extreme» left. Incredible! They call communists «progressives» and conservatives «fascists!» What will the future of the country be after the next elections? I predict the same as now. Spain is a stable first world country where political change is only in the edges, the fringes, but the lifestyle, economy and mainstream politics don’t, and will not change.
So, until I decide to fill in the next page in this insane diary, be cool, and keep thinking, writing, painting, singing or whatever you do…
Cheers…
JaZzArt en València 
It would appear that in the U.S., justice is tainted by money just as much as our politics are. Money talks and the wealthy walk.
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Yes, you are right, unfortunately for the rest of us… All the best my friend!
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In the US is actuall money talks and bs walks..Spain is a hotpotch of little nations thanks to a compromise of the constitution to avoid another civil war that is very difficult to govern Spain is different .France the majority is sitting home quietly, the minority are on the streets led by the LFI and PCF and you should who they are see the colors in their flags….Cheers
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Gracias! Así me lo he imaginado, lo de Francia digo.
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It’s not so much having the retirement age increased that is the problem, it’s the inequality, despite the equal opportunity law being brought in some years ago. Aren’t civil servants the ones who can retire as early as 52 in France?
Currently, Ireland’s state pension age is 66 years old, although the commission has proposed a gradual increase to 68 over the course of the next 17 years.
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Good point Aiva. In most EU countries and in the US, the age is 67 and in the US going up to 72. So I don’t think that French workers are going to get much sympathy. But I believe that these disturbances are disturbances to the society as a whole and they are being created by political unions that want to destroy the system and the nation.
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That’s so true, Francisco 🤗 cheers and have a good day 😘 xx
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Cheers Aiva. You too, a lovely day to you. 😊🙏🏻😊
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Frumos îndemnul din final ! 🙂
La fel gândesc și eu !! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Alioșa .
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Interesting points. There seems to be an international political parasite that appears to be able to attach itself to almost any type of government or party and infect is with partisanship, distrust, and misinformation. It almost seems like the 1930s all over again, where individuals still assume they can control the parasite.
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You’ve made an excellent point! Thank you Pat!
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Thanks, Francisco.
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You’re welcome Pat!
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Feliz Lunes.
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Gracias Pat, igualmente.
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Another good diary post, Francis. Well said on all points. Yes, I don’t think the French will get much international sympathy on the retirement issue. It remains to be seen if Trump will be indicted. He, of course, promises mayhem and deaths if it occurs. Mayhem is all he has ever promised or delivered. I love your ex-president comment. Touche! I’m still in denial that he ever was president. I think it was just a four-year long nightmare.
And today, yet another school shooting in the United States — home of lots of people who should not own firearms designed for war.
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Thank you Janet! And I am totally shocked about all these shootings!
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I believe subversive elements have been at play for quite some time Francesc. The Western World has been infiltrated by people who want to see a change in how the world is run – but it won’t be by democratic means. The problem is that we’re playing into their hands. I don’t normally comment on another country’s political affairs, but the way I see the situation in France is like this: The left wing media and political parties were so intent on keeping Le Pen out of office, that they’ve ended up with a president who has decided that he’s the only who can make a decision for the benefit of France. Really? Democracy is under serious threat everywhere I look. I’ve been called Malcski when people thought I was a communist, and a bigot or worse when they thought I was a privileged white racist. They’re all wrong. I’m not any of these things, and it’s about time that ordinary right thinking people started to protest as well. Democracy may not be perfect, but I can’t think of a better system. If we ignore democratic decisions or try to manipulate them, then all it will achieve is an undemocratic rule of law – and the consequences of that just don’t bear thinking about.
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You’ve said it wisely and thoughtfully and I agree. These protests tend to be infiltrated by ultras and professional agitators and rioters to create mayhem and destruction. What the left wants is to destroy the society, destroy democracy while using the freedom that democracy allows them. That is why it is difficult to deal with. I can only speak of the things of my country where I see that they call communists “progressive” and conservatives “fascists.” While ignoring that fascism ended after Mussolini so they use the term just to offend. Education is the key and lamentably the educational system is totally destroyed. Thank you so much Malc.
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Very well put Francesc. I do believe that there are a lot of French people who are genuinely upset by Macron’s arbitrary decision to raise the pension age. He may well be right in some respects, but it should be done by democratic means and the people have a right to protest. Unfortunately ‘Rent a Mob’ as I call them always seem to find a way to take it to a violent level against the state – and not just in France either. As you know, I always try to be even handed in my blogs where contentious issues are concerned, but I’m very tempted to let loose one day. I apologise if I get a bit out of control on your Dear Diary pages, but I just can’t help myself 🙂
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I agree with you, these «rent a Mob» rabble rousers and ultras are always ready and willing to engage in a bloody fight! Reference the «Dear Diary» pages, don’t apologise, they are there to state facts, opinions, anger, or whatever. All the best. 😊🙏😊
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🙂
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The media exaggerates everything. The Stormy Daniels story is an old one that has been resurrected for political purposes. The NY charges were already dismissed in the past by the Manhattan D.A. and others. I try to keep an open mind because the media always ends up with egg on its face. I don’t like protesters who burn cities and cause damage to public and private property. It’s against the law, and people in the USA don’t have the legal right to do it, regardless of their beef. Violence is not protected by the US Constitution.
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Absolutely. The right to protest is not the right to destroy public or private property. Those crowds are filled with agitators paid to create mayhem. Violence is never an option and never protected by the Magna Carta of any nation. Thank you Dawn.
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«In the US, my previous home, all I hear is about Trump’s forthcoming indictment. But will it ever happen?» Everyday I come home and wonder why isn’t he in jail yet!!!
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He’s finally indicted! No one is above the law! It’s a happy day!
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I turned it on just after we spoke and was like yes!👏💗
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Ron DeSantis, the Fla. governor says it is unpatriotic! Imagine that!
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imagine ha!
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Absolutely!
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