Despite all that, France is not a collectivist dictatorship. Go figure.

académicien

  • The state owns a majority of railways, energy production and distribution, aircraft and telecommunication industries of the country.
  • There is a minimum wage, and it's pretty high: 1300 euros a month.
  • Health care is mandatory, universal and state-managed.
  • Cities have an obligation to provide cheap homes to poor people.
  • Several of the top TV and radio stations are state-owned.
  • Movies and art in general are largely sponsored by the state.
  • Public schools are often better than private ones.
  • Free college education for all.
  • Top 3 scientific colleges pay their students for being promising future contributors to society.
  • Owning a gun is not a sacred right guaranteed by the constitution.
  • The constitution is only 52 years old, and it can be changed by referendum.
  • People can't get fired from a permanent position for no good reason and without a severance package or time to rebound.
  • If you get fired, you get substantial unemployment insurance.
  • Religion and the state are strictly separated, to the point that cults and religions pay taxes like everybody else, and politicians rarely talk about their religious convictions, or lack thereof. No mention of God is made on banknotes.
  • 64% of the population defines itself as atheists or agnostics according to http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131
  • Children in school don't pledge allegiance to the flag.

Archived comments

  • Guy said on Friday, October 15, 2010

    If you had any knowledge in one of the two: 1. Economy 2. The French education system (where I grew up) You wouldn't have said such a completely detached from reality (and illogical) statement such as: "Public schools are often better than private ones." But don't worry, I've heard of another far far away country were socialism does work.
  • bleroy said on Monday, October 18, 2010

    @Guy: that's interesting, because I did all my studies in the public French education system, from kindergarten to my PhD. I think the joke's on you. So what facts can you present that prove that what I said was "detached from reality" and "illogical". You'll have to be more specific than that. Also, what is this country you're talking about and what socialism are you referring to? Please enlighten me.