The country Democrats seem to most admire, France, is down in the dumps. Reuters reports that less than a third of the French are optimistic that their children will enjoy  better life, an astounding drop of 28 points in 19 months. Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has a plan to restore confidence by September, through job—creation. But only 25% of the French have confidence in the government's job—creating efforts.

Al Reuters studiously avoids any mention of Muslim immigrants, terror, or the damage France has done to its vital relationship with America as explanatory factors for the French low morale. For them, it is all about jobs.

Hat tip: Ed Lasky

Thomas Lifson   8 29 05