The Editorial page of the Webmaster (2)

WARNING : On this website, I am trying to give balanced points of view. BUT : as a Frenchman, I have my own strong personal opinions. I don't know if they are representative but they are mine. See also my resume.

Philippe ROCHEFORT

 Read Rochefort's "Diary of an old student"

  •  Sub-prime : stupidity and selfishness ! The sub-prime crisis is an interesting example of stupidity and selfishness. As everyone knows, American households do not save money : the rate of saving of Americans is next to zero, when it's around 15% in France and in this range everywhere else in Western countries. However, the US society considers that :
    - everyone can buy a house even if he/she cannot afford it : they call it the American dream
    - the Government must not interfere in your personal life and prevent you from doing irresponsible things : they call it freedom
    Well, today it is a nightmare and it is not freedom in the USA. All over Europe (and in France of course), you cannot buy a house with a 100% credit and the bank regulators forbid loans to people who are unlikely to pay it back (there are rules on minimum income, etc...).
    But the American society tolerates that millions of poor people, fooled by irresponsible banks acting without any serious regulation, lose their house and have their life destroyed. This is not freedom, this is a stupid jungle.
    In addition to that, a large part of the credit risk has been transferred all over the world through structured finance vehicles. This is not market economy : this is a rip-off and Europe has to pay for America's irresponsible behavior. (Summer 2007) Back to top of the page.
  • Socialized medicine? Give me a break. Sometimes the US political debate looks totally unreal to an European. I just saw US presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani saying " The American people do not want socialized medicine " followed by Hillary Clinton saying " We don't want bureaucrats to make decisions for our health ". I can't believe it. Here in France, I can choose my doctor (I am free). He gives me whatever treatment seems appropriate (he is free). The Social Security system reimburses 60 to 70% of the cost and my private insurance covers above that according to the choice I made (and the premium I paid). The key-point : if the illness is serious or chronic, the SS reimbursement is 100% (it's free!). An example ? Every six months I go to one of the best hospitals in France for a cardiology check-up. I am followed by the Head of Department. Last time, the cashier apologized : they had been forced to raise the price they charge and I had to pay now Euros 7,80 ($11). Except for fraud, the SS system NEVER refuses to cover an expense. Everything is computerized : no paperwork, no mean bureaucrat in the way, no letter to claim a reimbursement, no lawyer, etc... It is against the law NOT to be covered. However the system is efficient and globally, the cost for health care in France is 30 to 40 % BELOW what it is in the USA (and we live longer !). Where is the mean communist state in all this ? (For once) which country is the most reasonable and creates better life conditions for its citizens ? More on health in France. (Winter 2008) Back to top of the page.
  • To be completed....

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For more on intercultural differences, order Harriet Welty Rochefort's books :

  • "French Toast, An American in Paris Celebrates The Maddening Mysteries of the French", St.Martin's Press, New York, 1999
  • "French Fried, The Culinary Capers of An American in Paris", St.Martin's Press, New York, 2001

More on Harriet's books (excerpts, upcoming events, testimonials, etc..)

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