04-19-2017, 09:51 AM
I find Le Pen a scary figure. My house decorator, who is French, thinks it could happen.
I think she could drag France out of the European Union. Whatever failings the EU might have (e.g. being bureaucratic), it has kept the peace in Europe. You don't need to know much history to be aware Europe spent the previous 1000 years having almost constant wars. France is an important counter-balance to Germany in the EU and Le Pen would destabilise that.
Obviously the UK is not exactly helping matters with it's Brexit, but it is run by a right-wing government rather than actual fascists like Le Pen. (It is right wing by UK standards, but that's different to the USA version of right wing. The UK version is more socially liberal, but financially very conservative - so gay marriage is fine, but God help you if you are poor.)
Unfortunately the path to isolationism and the rise of nationalism was set in the 2008 financial crisis. To be honest I'm surprised it has taken this long to happen.
I think she could drag France out of the European Union. Whatever failings the EU might have (e.g. being bureaucratic), it has kept the peace in Europe. You don't need to know much history to be aware Europe spent the previous 1000 years having almost constant wars. France is an important counter-balance to Germany in the EU and Le Pen would destabilise that.
Obviously the UK is not exactly helping matters with it's Brexit, but it is run by a right-wing government rather than actual fascists like Le Pen. (It is right wing by UK standards, but that's different to the USA version of right wing. The UK version is more socially liberal, but financially very conservative - so gay marriage is fine, but God help you if you are poor.)
Unfortunately the path to isolationism and the rise of nationalism was set in the 2008 financial crisis. To be honest I'm surprised it has taken this long to happen.