more idiocy in france

[sandinista! 1,816]

After the burka, France is now grappling with the bacon burger. The culinary import that was once anathema for Gallic patriots is at the heart of the latest bout of anguish over the rise of Islam in France.

Politicians, media and Paris penseurs have been piling in against Quick, a Franco-Belgian fast-food chain, over its policy of serving only halal meat in 8 of its 362 burger outlets. Smoked turkey has replaced bacon at the Islamically correct restaurants at Roubaix, on the Belgian frontier, and in Muslim-dominated suburbs of Paris and other cities.

A campaign for regional elections next month has heated a row that was ignited when Marine Le Pen, heir to her father Jean-Marie’s far-right Front National and MEP for the Roubaix area, heard about the pork-free Quicks, which have been operating since last October without a complaint.

Last weekend she denounced the "halal burgers" as an "Islamic tax". President Sarkozy was supporting the "forced Islamisation of France" because a state investment fund holds a majority stake in the Quick company, she said.

The bacon-free policy has since been criticised by Cabinet ministers and the leader of Mr Sarkozy's Union for a Popular Movement. Some left-wing figures are also upset. René Vandierendonck, the Socialist Mayor of Roubaix, has complained to prosecutors against Quick on the grounds that it discriminates against non-Muslims in his town.

The burger fuss is the latest manifestation of France's anxiety over what is perceived to be an assertive Muslim population. The sense of threat lies behind the popular steps by the Government to outlaw the full Muslim veil on transport, universities and other state-run services.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/worl...mp;attr=6986833

[Danno 1,228]

To me we have two issues

- a company wants to sell pork free products for obvious reasons, so what, if the French People don't like it, boycott the places! The people who own and run the eatery should make the rules, they should decide which

demographic it's wants to serve the needs of.

- Why oh why do people import foreigners in large numbers into a country and not realize that soon they see it as "Their" country and make like minded demands.

These Muslims communities will NEVER assimilate to any large degree... and why should they? If you moved to North Africa would you in a decades time, be like them?

Hell, Belgium is breaking up over their north/south differences and they are a lot more similar than whats going on in france.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The "foreigners" were "imported", as you put it, because both France and the United Kingdom maintained colonial territory in (among other places) North Africa and India.

The "foreigners" have been living in Europe for longer than your father (or even your grandfather) has been alive, Danno.

[Ali G. 37]

Well in all fairness there is a huge problem with violence and Lebanese Muslims in Australia.

[Danno 1,228]

The "foreigners" were "imported", as you put it, because both France and the United Kingdom maintained colonial territory in (among other places) North Africa and India.

The "foreigners" have been living in Europe for longer than your father (or even your grandfather) has been alive, Danno.

Wow, you were all tee'd up to make a point.... yet didn't?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I think its stupid for politicians to way in on food like that, its pretty uncalled for. I'd understand if they were coming at it from the direction of animal abuse. (ie. many feel ritual slaughtering of animals = animal cruelty. I'd personally say it depends...I've seen when the process is done incorrectly, and well its not pretty! )

Btw. from a health standpoint I'd say go for the turkey!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I think its stupid for politicians to way in on food like that, its pretty uncalled for.

Freedom fries, anyone?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Freedom fries, anyone?

There's still a few restaurants that list them that way on menus. Freedom toast as well.

And all because the French opposed Iraq - because the war was such a genius idea. Idiots.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

To me we have two issues

- a company wants to sell pork free products for obvious reasons, so what, if the French People don't like it, boycott the places! The people who own and run the eatery should make the rules, they should decide which

demographic it's wants to serve the needs of.

- Why oh why do people import foreigners in large numbers into a country and not realize that soon they see it as "Their" country and make like minded demands.

These Muslims communities will NEVER assimilate to any large degree... and why should they? If you moved to North Africa would you in a decades time, be like them?

Hell, Belgium is breaking up over their north/south differences and they are a lot more similar than whats going on in france.

Weird. Muslims expect you to assimulate if you move to their country but infrequently return the favor. Anyone see a pattern of intolerance?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I see a pattern of intolerance from a certain Mr Galt who is clearly bigoted against ALL muslims.

[The_Dude 1,142]

- a company wants to sell pork free products for obvious reasons, so what, if the French People don't like it, boycott the places! The people who own and run the eatery should make the rules, they should decide which

demographic it's wants to serve the needs of.

Did you happen to notice in the OP, the line that clearly states that the restaurant chain's majority owner is an investment fund owned by the government? That makes it a government issue.

[sandinista! 1,816]

Weird. Muslims expect you to assimulate if you move to their country but infrequently return the favor. Anyone see a pattern of intolerance?

when i visited nyc, i saw kosher delis all over the place. does that mean jewish new yorkers have "failed to assimilate"? is a kosher deli "intolerant"? plenty of non-jewish patrons were stuffing their faces in said delis.

[The_Dude 1,142]

when i visited nyc, i saw kosher delis all over the place. does that mean jewish new yorkers have "failed to assimilate"? is a kosher deli "intolerant"? plenty of non-jewish patrons were stuffing their faces in said delis.

Mmmmmm now i've got a real craving for a corned beef sandwich