There is a disturbing tendency on France for those who feel threatened by economic competition to use violence against others who win the favor of consumers. Case in point the McDonalds Hamburger restaurant torched by Jose Bove, and the heroic reception he has received.

Long encouraged to over—produce by government supports, French grape growers are now faced with unsalable crops of low quality grapes. They have now taken to attacking trucks carrying other kinds of fruit, as this picture from Sky News shows.

Wine growers protesting at plummeting sales attack trucks laden with melons on the A9 near Remoulins, France.
About 30 masked wine growers stopped two trucks in the wake of increasing global production of wine.

This behavior is not fit to be called "civilized."

Hat tip: Joe Crowley

Thomas Lifson   6 1 05