La Greve turns violent in Lyon

Greve means strike. For 10 days, there has been a general strike in France. I am lucky to live in a calm neighborhood. My friend lives right downtown, rue Victor Hugo near place Bellecour, in the thick of it all. Here is what she has to say.


It was ominous yesterday with waves and waves of young people chanting down the big pedestrian street I live on in Lyon. But today... horrible. Screaming, breaking smashing, looting, broken glass everywhere, tear gas, shielded police... just a crying shame.


the original protest which has been going on for 10 some days is to stop the government from voting in a measure to raise the retirement age. But the young, poor, from immigrant origin have taken it to be their protest, skipping school and hitting the streets. It basically is a reflection of their anger being poorer minorities. There are armed police on every street corner right now. This minority needs a Martin Luther King to rise among them and lead the people to peaceful means of getting justice and eradicating racism. I'm praying for peace.

I understand that the French believe it is every French persons right to protest. I cannot understand how this needs to lead to violence and destruction.

Euronews video:

http://fr.euronews.net/2010/10/19/france-les-casseurs-entrent-en-scene/

Youtube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdeH8xeNL7U

Bon, gros bisous de paix (peace) et a demain.

Love, Charley