The French Countrymen

During the last five months, we have been able to observe some drastic differences between life here in France and life in the US. We have noticed that one of the most important values in French society is the ability to protest. Unlike the 9-3pm picket lines in the US, the French protests are a kind of dramatic art form. Their protests range from metro-transit workers shutting down Paris or perhaps taking factory managers hostage and of course the topic of our blog: bringing Strasbourg to a grinding halt on Thursday with 1500 farm tractors, tons of potatos, grain, lettuce and cow manure.


The French farmers are one of the most united groups in France and consider themselves the essence of a french countryman. So for example, when they are upset about new European Union agriculture regulations they do their best to express their disapproval. On Thursday farmers from all over the region descended on Strasbourg and clogged the main route between Germany and France with their tractors.

This was quite a shock to some...


and was welcomed lunchtime distraction for others...


Whit and I rushed out of our apartment when we heard the horns and cheers not wanting to miss this "display of power."

Whit had just gotten back from her run and confirmed a huge police presence all over the city. We were a bit suprised, because what kind of damage can farmers do? Later Thursday afternoon we found out.

The signs attached to the tractors helped explain their anger:
"Farmers, on their way to extinction."

Here is the Press tractor. The sign reads. "Europe, Don't forget who feeds your children!"

On my way to class after lunch I biked passed several round bales of hay in the middle of the street burning out of control. As I waded through the mounds of lettuce in order to get to class, I realized these guys were serious. After class I decided to swing by the rallying point for the farmers to see if I missed anything dramatic. When I arrived at Place Bordeaux (the square where the main rally took place) it was a seen of carnage.


I convinced Whit to come check-out the aftermath.

The end of the protest coincided with the end of the school day and it seemed that the French kids treated it like somewhat of a fall festival.

The farmers dumped potatoes, lettuce, corn and hay as they went and kids, either under orders from their parents or by their own initiative, began collecting the produce that remained eatable.

Well...not just the kids...

What can I say? When in Rome.......