I just phoned French President Hollande's offices....

[mylye2222]

as a part of a phone protest campaign launched on FB lefty groups against current pro-Netanyahu French position. A few days ago, Hollande aired a press release saying, in parts, that "France was supporting Israels incustion in Gaza, without any reserve". A staffer answered to me , he was very polite, and told me my message was "noted". Then I did the same with Prime minister Vall's. The conversation came really different. The woman on phone was rather irritated that I dared to disturb her ( yes..;citizens who call for expressing disagreement are disturbers....) and told me coldly that if I had anything to say to Mr Valls, I shoud write a letter ( who will be trowned in the trash as soon at it has arrived)
So I was just confirmed that not only Holland has lost all credibility, but that Valls, who is actually a well known Israel AIPAC style supporter, leads de facto Hollande's decisions on THIS issue.

DIGUSTING.

[MADem]

1. Are you French? nt

[mylye2222]

2. Yes.

[MADem]

3. So, what's the big picture there? Hollande's government is taking sides? nt

[mylye2222]

4. Exactly. Taking unacceptable side by endorsing a slaughter.

[MADem]

5. I tend to focus on French politics at election times.

But, I have to say, this surprises me. I would have thought he'd come down on the "negotiated peace; ratchet down the dialogue, return to the table" type of approach.

Is this a shift in his stated approach, or has he always been a Bibi fan? Seems like strange bedfellows to me...!

[mylye2222]

6. Clearly it was a shift.

But you know, French govt just flipped back, right after Obama and Kerry's pressure for a ceasfire, to return to the table. That say,, we do have now powefull RW israeli prone lobbyis here, which are very similar to AIPAC, IMHO.
Many suspected they were behind Paris police's decision to forbid last sunday pro Palestine demonstration. We all know how this ban had turned into.
Plus, in France, the extremist Jewish Defense League is still authorized to act, unlike in the States, and even...in Israel.

[MADem]

9. I don't really know why I had an impression that France took a more even-handed view of this

difficult issue...maybe because Arafat got his medical treatment in Paris; it clouded my view!

[JustAnotherGen]

11. Just thank God it is not Sarkozy

Not with his family's history in the Holocaust. He was absolutely caustic.

[TBF]

8. As an aside - I think it might be

simply support with allies as opposed to any real love for Bibi. I've seen other pieces in the media where the French are coming down with the US on issues and I attribute it the same way.

The French communists are strong so I take a look at their publication from time to time - http://www.humaniteinenglish.com/

I'm not sure where exactly you come down politically so it may not be your cup of tea, just thought I'd throw it out there if you are interested.

[MADem]

10. Interesting link--they certainly weigh in on all the major issues--a good source for what's

on people's minds (and agendas), certainly, even without agreeing with all their stances on the issues.

[AngryAmish]

7. I called too.

I couldn't understand a word they were saying. They must have been drunk or something. Not a word was intelligible.

[sabrina 1]

12. Perhaps the phone campaign should be Global. I'd be happy to call as I'm sure

thousands or more from across the globe would be. This will not stop until the opposition to these murderous invasions is so overwhelming that it cannot be ignored anymore.

Boycotts work, the only thing Israel's Far Right Wing government ever reacted to eg. A Global boycott might get their attention.

Seeing those dead children and hearing that woman from the Israeli Parliament call them 'little snakes' who should all die, along with their mothers, made me physically ill. That she represents Israel says all we need to know about that government.

As for France, it is outrageous that your Government banned protests and kudos to all those who defied that ban.