Revs. Jackson and Sharpton are needed in Paris

I'm really surprised that we haven't heard anything from Jesse or Al regarding the ongoing and apparently uncontrolled 'civil unrest' in France as well as some other EU countries, the full extent of which has been less than fully reported by both the European and American media. You'd think they'd be on a plane by now geared up for some good ol' fashioned conciliation Jackson and Sharpton style. Really though, Al's the man. He's the one with in—your—face experience on how to put the lid on urban torching, amok running and jihad inciting.

But then, maybe Dr. Phil should be our man in Paris? With his bag full of Oprahesque touchy—feely remedies for all of one's ills, he'll quickly find the cure that seems to elude the French press.

That's right. According to Sebastian Usher, BBC world media correspondent, the French press — presse? — is stepping into the breach with suggestions like these:

Le Monde: "It is time to deal seriously with a serious crisis" that is the result of "disorderly leadership" at the top.

Now that's really helpful but at least their timing is right—on. I'm also quite comforted to learn that rampant disorder results from disorderly leadership. Why, I wouldn't have it any other way. They're also peeved that Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy is trying to appeal to the "most right—wing fringe," charge President Chirac with not acting swiftly enough in calling for calm, and criticize Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin for keeping "silent for five days" at the start of the crisis. Yep, let's talk. That'll restore order. After all, it's been going on for only nine days. This is where Dr. Phil comes in.

Liberation: "We must not abandon entire areas to the violence of a minority which ruins first and foremost the lives of those living in the suburbs."

Well, if that's where the riots are what do you expect? Should the rioters move in to the urban centers? From what I read I get the distinct impression the suburbs were already abandoned. Isn't that why they're rioting? Next.

Aujourd'hui En France/Le Parisien says that the "frustration of the local community has reached its limit.'

Oh, really? I thought 'frustration' is what led to the riots. I must be missing something here.

Le Figaro helpfully informs us that 'the local community can't take it any more!'

Then why don't they stop? Seems simple enough. On the other hand, the paper thinks the root of the problem lies with what it calls a "policy of immigration without control.' Heh, now we're getting somewhere. One of Le Figaro's commentators says the "urgent necessity is to control the influx of immigrants, both legal and illegal.' Perhaps what the country needs is good diuretic. "In 15 years, it will be the children of those arriving today who will set fire to the suburbs.' Must be genetic.

That's right. The first thing to do when you're in a hole is to stop digging.

Monsieur Giuliani, once again please help us return the favor of Lafayette's service to America during its time of crisis. I know we've done this more than once before. But they are such bugger—ups and you're abundantly experienced in restoring order to a metropolis in the grip of anarchists. And by the way, Governor 'I'm on top of it' Blanco — love that name — says you may take as many Louisiana Guard troops with you as you please, for they are of no further use to her. Just pick up some fresh croissant while you're over there.

Dennis Sevakis 11 05 05