Referendum by Riot
 |
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.
Follow James on FriendFeed | Twitter | Digg
- Referendum by Riot
- Random House Kills Book for Fear of Radical Muslim Violence
- 86 Police Officers Hurt in French Youth Riots
- To Answer Alex’s Question….
- What’s the Difference, Jed?
- Seen in the Comments–Vizzini Edition
- Andrew Olmsted Killed in Iraq
- Freedom to Offend an American Exceptionalism
- Abolish the Vice Presidency?
- McCain Plagiarized Georgia Facts!
- Arnold Kling on the Progressives
- Murtha Dead, District Next?
- U.S. Senate The World’s Greatest Deliberative Body
- Bush: Miss Me Yet?
- DC Snow Record Likely
- Super Bowl 44 Most Watched Show Ever, Topples M*A*S*H Finale
- Caption Contest Winners
- John Murtha Dead at 77
- Jon Stewart: Blogs Must Be Crazy
- NFL Players Association vs. Typical Unions
Sometimes its nice to know our youth are so apathetic. Maybe Sarkozy should just give 'em all a Wii and some good drugs.
Comments are Closed
