Today, observing the uprisings in France in an enthusiasm of sympathy from afar, a memorable rendition of the country’s anthem should be presented here, by way of tendering support for a populace now at last asserting its cause forcefully. Some three decades ago, in advance of the bicentennial of the Revolution, it was recorded by Mireille Mathieu in conjunction with a men’s choir and an orchestra, outdoors, in the Champ-de-Mars. Through the impassioned sound of this version, one may apprehend especially well the fierce response of a humanity thrust beyond the limit of what it would tolerate.
If only the petty tyrant in the Élysée had found the time earlier to reflect upon this chapter of French history! Then perhaps at least all would have been spared the pitiful spectacle as he attempted to conceal inconspicuously – though too late, thus compounding the insult – an exorbitantly expensive wristwatch while expounding on national television bits of his austerity measures.
As for the cautionary tale his confrères (or consœurs) elsewhere, and above all in Brussels, could elicit from this part of history, which now rather suddenly might be in course of becoming new again, assuming they are at all capable of taking note of it – from what, if anything, would it deter them?
But what am I saying? All these figures, in France and elsewhere, are indeed tigres qui, sans pitié, déchirent le sein de leur mère – that is, their own countries. To expect them to change, would be a fool’s errand. How then, as a political question of the first order, can one possibly imagine co-existing with the likes of them?
During the next days one will see whether the coming insurrection, announced and dreamt-of now for years, has at last arrived. Should it so happen, Vive la France ! May then the nation furnish an example and warning abroad: sic semper tyrannis. – In the best case, in place of the current régime in Paris, the wrath of the people will indeed constitute soon enough a counter-power, bringing a sudden halt both to the rush to “2030” and to the slide into a senseless war, and afterwards one could examine once more what share the hatred of power may have in political life. (Political life, not the administrative graveyard where free people are being buried, inch by inch.) – But what need has one of placing oneself in advance of events, at this point? They are coming to a head on their own already. – For the moment, revolt’s the thing.