Vote Early and Vote Before the First Course

Today, of course, is Election Day. In the time-honored tradition of the US of A, it is held on a business day - we wouldn't want civic duty interfering with the weekend free time the majority of 9-to-5ers enjoy. You've gotta pay us to exercise our rights! Not so for my beloved froggies across the pond:

The French wouldn't want to take any money out of the pockets of the businessmen whom, more often than not, they've had to subsidize. Not to mention the government workers--wouldn't want to swipe away any bureaucratic efficiency (the oxymoron to end all oxymorons) and waste thousands of euros worth of French tax money allowing employees to be late to work, leave early or have a break to go vote. No; it makes far more sense to interrupt a Frenchman's leisurely 5-hour Sunday lunch with civic duty. Yes, French election day takes place on a weekend - civic duties are on your own time, mon pôte!

It's a wonder anyone ever gets elected at all in France...maybe they rush out to the polls sometime between the main course and the cheese plate.

La Fête

Gee, during all that time I wasn't blogging, I missed my anniversary. Joyeux Anniversaire, Bouchers de la langue sacrée! Happy belated birthday to me.