Trump unbearable, but …
Aude Hamon, Paris
Two war fronts, two aberrations. Gaza or the new “Riviera” of the Middle East; Zelensky treated with “dictator”. We think we are in a bad dream and yet Trump’s statements in recent weeks seem to have had unsuspected, but very real virtues. First, the speed and volume of Trumpian acts and declarations (72 decrees signed in a month, 5 times more than Obama during his first mandate) challenges us. The vitality of his government brutally refers us the reflection of our apathetic democracy, accustomed to purring president after president. We almost forgot how much politics could change the course of things for the best or, in this case, for the worst. In addition, by propeling Gaza and Zelensky very far from the Overton window (all the ideas considered to be acceptable by public opinion), Trump forces stakeholders to react. Europe unlocks 800 billion euros for its defense against Russian imperialism. The Arab League presents a Gaza reconstruction program putting Hamas away … Strategic subjects that have stagnated for years suddenly make giant steps under the repetitive kicks of the Fulminant Uncle Sam. Finally, not always for the worst … (To understand Trump, you have to understand wrestlingL’Express of March 13.)
Autodafés in the United States …
Claude Gisselbrecht, Metz (Moselle)
After the Nazi greetings of Elon Musk and Steve Bannon, the Trump administration has just given the green light to intimidation campaigns targeting bookstores and libraries, in which “banned books” begin to weigh heavy on the shelves. Among these are not only works on sexuality and the fight against discrimination, but not only. This “witch hunt” is reminiscent of the autodafés in May 1933, in Berlin and in other German cities … and say that in Munich the vice-president Vance has just held Europe, accused of undermining religious freedom and freedom of expression! Clearly, it is the hospital that makes fun of charity, and it is probably not over … This administration, atypical and dangerous, is wary of books, and we understand it, because they deliver truths which are not always good to say in his eyes. (Deirdre McCloskey: “Trump is neither a liberal nor a libertarian!“, L’Express of March 13.)
From one munich to another
Christian Cambeilh, Bordeaux (Gironde)
Thanks to Christophe giving for his column. Munich 1938-Munich 2025. The first of these two fateful dates led humanity to an apocalyptic disaster. The second risk of reaching the same result. Who will send an SOS? (Soon on your screensby Christophe give. The Express of February 27.)
The real problem of freight
Jacques Malaprade, Seignosse (Landes)
Rail transport has decreased in France from 30 % to 9 % in forty-five years and some make it responsible for the regulatory measures of the European Commission. But, then, why would France be affected when Italy, Germany and Austria are not? The freight station recently built between Morlaix and Roscoff to transport market gardeners to Rungis was quickly abandoned by market gardeners, due to the lack of reliability of the service, and this long before the measures taken in Brussels. One of the causes of the weakness of rail freight in France simply simply the lack of reliability of SNCF freight? In the case of perishable foodstuffs, any failure is translated into a market loss. In the case of non -perishable products, any load breaking leads to costly disorganizations. What entrepreneur would be exposed to such risks? (SNCF: itinerary of a company (too) spoiledL’Express of December 12, 2024.)
Distribution pensions: hidden reality
Julien Lacaze, Lamayou (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
Regarding distribution retirement, we are constantly repeated that it is the assets that pay for retirees, young people for old people. Does this description correspond well to reality? In fact, social charges are taken from the work of the French, then the company includes these charges in the sale price of its products or services. Finally, the one who pays for pension contributions is the buyer of French products or services, whether young or old, active or retired. The real distribution therefore takes place between buyers of French products and retirees and not between assets and retirees. This is why it seems to me necessary to expand the sampling plate on imported products, which will also have the advantage of restoring competitiveness to tricolor companies. (Pensions: What we didn’t tell youL’Express of February 13.)