Referendum by Riot
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James Joyner | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 |
In a New Atlanticist essay, “Sarkozy Delays University Reforms, Feared Greek-Style Riots,” I wonder if France isn’t setting itself up for a vicious cycle by acceding to student protests:
It’s perfectly legitimate for shopkeepers to lobby to be spared reforms that would hurt their business, even if it’s good for France. Rent seeking is a fact of modern political life. Not so subtle threats of violence, on the other hand, are beyond the pale. Giving in to them, while perhaps prudent in the short term, will do nothing to discourage the tactic from becoming routine.
Your thoughts welcome, especially at the original post.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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Sometimes its nice to know our youth are so apathetic. Maybe Sarkozy should just give 'em all a Wii and some good drugs.
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