I guess them waving the white flags makes a grand statement and possibly the only way they see to call for peace. From the report though, it seems this uproar was simmering under the surface and what happened to those two boys erupted the volcano!

I guess them waving the white flags makes a grand statement and possibly the only way they see to call for peace.

I dont see how waving white flags makes any kind of statement, since it is the universal symbol of surrender.

dont see how waving white flags makes any kind of statement, since it is the universal symbol of surrender.

That's exactly it, they surrender, they give up and want the "fiery storm" that ensued to stop. It is a statement of peace.

That is absolutely hilarious. Instead of standing up and fighting back (whether verbally or physically), or at least trying to understand what the simmering tensions are all about, the French protestors are just rolling over and taking it, pleading for the rioters to stop. France: like a victim... Excellent domestic policy.

Did you know that as of 1430 EST, France Riot coverage has fallen to #7 on the Google News, under the World News heading? Days and days of rioting, looting, and general mayhem isn't ranking above 7th place in world events...

That's exactly it, they surrender, they give up and want the "fiery storm" that ensued to stop. It is a statement of peace.

The Problem is mob violence is not quelled by acquiescence.

That is absolutely hilarious. Instead of standing up and fighting back (whether verbally or physically), or at least trying to understand what the simmering tensions are all about, the French protestors are just rolling over and taking it, pleading for the rioters to stop. France: like a victim... Excellent domestic policy.

Mirrors their Foreign policy pretty well.

So what does it mean to surrender to rioters? Allow them to burn your car? Let them loot your store? Let them beat you senseless without fighting back?

It seems the government of France can't really surrender because they really haven't done much in the way of engaging the rioters in the first place. Sure, they have taken steps such as cerfews and blocked off areas with trucks. They have even deployed "riot police" who have done little more than stand in lines daring the rioters to come at them. However, the rioters have been too busy burning cars, looting stores and beating people defensless citizens to care to pay attention to the "riot" police.

To use firefighting terms, the French government has chosen "let it burn until it burns itself out"... when "surround and drown" would have been more effective.

Best take a good look at what is happening in France because it will more than likely be happening here in the US sometime before the elections. Just in time for the Democrats to blame the Republicans for not bringing immigration under control. Never mind that neither has. And guess who will bare the brunt? Not the corporations that hire the illegals. It will be the poor guy trying to get to work and do the honest thing that will have his car torched. I hope China tells George Bush to get his ass home and take care of his own country.

And guess who will bare the brunt?

Please don't tell me you're going to "bare your brunt." Wait, no, tell me so I can avert my eyes in time.


As for the article: they may actually have done this as the only way they know to show they want this to stop. Perhaps it really is ingrained that deeply into the psyche of the indigenous people that the only way they could stop someone from rabbit punching them is to cry uncle'.

I don't think you're being totally fair. The white flag isn't simply a symbol of surrender. Historically it's been used as a sign to indicate an intention to parley. Whether this is about terms for a surrender or for a new agreement is up to the parties involved, but it doesn't necessarily have to mean surrender.

After all, unless the plan is to kill all the rioters on sight, some sort of accomodation is going to have to be made. They won't simply get bored with it. As someone dead said, anything you do often enough becomes a pleasure. Rioting I'm sure has its attractions.

So go easy on protesters. I have heard rumours you have them in the US as well, but I feel it would be a grave mistake to judge America itself by the actions and attitudes of a few protesters.

So what does it mean to surrender to rioters? Allow them to burn your car? Let them loot your store? Let them beat you senseless without fighting back?

I think you said it well.  Surrender in this case means doing nothing.  And they have done that very well.

Best take a good look at what is happening in France because it will more than likely be happening here in the US sometime before the elections.

I dont see it.  America is not France.

Perhaps it really is ingrained that deeply into the psyche of the indigenous people that the only way they could stop someone from rabbit punching them is to cry uncle'.

They have listened to the jokes so many times, they now beleive them!

So go easy on protesters. I have heard rumours you have them in the US as well, but I feel it would be a grave mistake to judge America itself by the actions and attitudes of a few protesters.

I dont believe I made a value judgement on the rioters.  Neither harsh nor mild.  Yes, we have them in the US, and we do not surrender to them.  Do you normally negotiate with criminals in your country?  Such a strange concept.  Here in America, we arrest them.  We dont parlay with them.  Especially not a mindless enraged mob.

Whatever you say about the White Flag, the fact is, the White Flag is not by any stretch of the imagination the Flag Of Stepping Up And Solving Problems.

It's not the British Union Jack, flag of Benevolent Imperialism.

It's not the American Flag of "Liberty and Justice for All"

It's not even the French flag of "Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood".

It's not even the Rainbow Flag of Tolerance and Community.

It's not even the Code Pink Flag of Stepping Up and Solving Problems the Code Pink Way.

The White Flag is the Flag of "now that you've gotten our attention with your violent criminal temper tantrum, we're willing to sit down and listen to your demands".

The White Flag is not the flag flown by people with self-respect, pride in their community and culture, and a desire to succeed in their endeavors.

It's the flag of negotiation, compromise, and unwillingness to step up and actually fight against a violent and unreasonable enemy in order to preserve that which you believe is good and true.

Even if I would prefer to negotiate with the rioters, and work with them to meet their needs and ease their suffering--and believe me, I do--I would be ashamed to fly the White Flag. Were I a Gaul of the Gauls, heir to all the glory of France, I would come to the negotiating table under the French Flag, urging national unity, recognition and celebration of a common culture, and renewed devotion to the ideals of the French Revolution: Liberte', Egalite', Fraternite'. Any other banner would be shameful.

The White Flag says the protestors are willing to negotiate with beasts. The French Flag, at least, would make it clear that the protestors are interested only in negotiating with human beings.