The citizens had a real choice. They faced two candidates with differing present and future visions of a proud
country who was on the verge of losing its grandeur.

Small businesses were suffocated in a system that punished growth while workers were penalized for laboring
beyond thirty five hours and families were watching their rich culture yield to a prehistoric yet conquering one.

In one corner stood Sarkozy, a determined realist intent on implementing practical proposals to restore the French
economy to its perceived rightful place in the lead pack of economic powers. His proposals targeted personal tax
reductions, eliminating the thirty five hour work week and reforming a system that punished small businesses for
each measure of their growth.

The other aspect of his candidacy possibly eclipsed his economic program which was his gritty resolve in
preserving French culture in the face of the threat of radical Islam which had spread throughout France’s
extensive immigrant community. He was fierce in confronting its menace and politically incorrect in
characterizing its followers. Sarkozy views the world in absolutes where people are increasingly receptive to
judging in relative terms.

The other corner was occupied by Madame Royal who, like liberal American politicians, campaigned by fear and
castigation. To her and her followers, cutting welfare benefits, imposing immigration restrictions, introducing
competitive economic measures and putting forth the idea that human beings were capable of 36 hours of work
per week was draconian.

The voters disagreed.

Out of vogue are thirty five hour work weeks, unmanageable and unaffordable taxes, demanding and draining
immigrants and an economy ill equipped to compete. In its place are paired down policies aimed at pragmatism
and economic growth.

In her concession speech, without mentioning her opponent’s name once, she professed her hopes of a peaceful
transition without riots. But, like many American civil rights activists before her, she had utilized the tired riot
instigator. By warning against them, she was subliminally inspiring them.

Most importantly, these elections showed the failures of leftist policies. With a conservative in government in
both France and Germany , Europe has shown a willingness to abandon the failed ideology that guarantees
everything while accomplishing nothing.

The question becomes, will Americans have to experience failed immigration, bitter culture divisions and labor
unions with too much power to recognize the necessity of a conservative government?

http://www.theabsenteeballot.com

If this is happening in France, I can’t imagine what would happen here if Zapatero losses. That’s why the attacks on righties have multiplied in recent times…. (:-&