If you watched CNN or Fox News like I did a few evenings ago, you might have been impressed at the student demonstrations in France.
Both TV channels had us sold on the idea Paris was being mobbed by the angry multitude. Pictures of Mad Max-like police trucks hosing thousands of protesters. Scenes of massive gatherings around Bastille square. Interviews of malcontent students. Some pyrotechnics to boot!
Golly!
Though I often travel to Paris, I live in Florida. So I had to wait until the following day before I could call relatives and friends in Paris. I got Vince first. Vince is always a reliable source, he’s got the local pulse. When I need to get the lowdown on all-things-Paris, I get it from him first.
“Hi Vince, it’s Phil. Gee, how is it today? Have you lived through the night?
“Hi man, what are you talking about?
“Well, I mean, the demonstrations and all. The mayhem.
“Oh yeah, so what about them?
“Well, I was on CNN yesterday, and they were showing all this mess with the police, and students, and cars burning!
“And?
“Come on, man, you can’t tell me...