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Subscribe to RSSThe current First Lady of France, Valerie Trierweiler, and the former, Carla Bruni, have captivated the world. NBC's Jim Maceda reports.
Updated at 09:55 a.m. ET Tuesday: Just as we were getting used to President Nicolas Sarkozy’s Napoleonic style, rather large ears and twitchy manner, and his knock-out French-Italian wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s catwalk charm, breathless voice and bling, it’s out with the old and in with the new.
On Tuesday, Francois Hollande, so bland a politician that he turned “Monsieur Normal” into a cool campaign moniker, was inaugurated as the ninth president since the larger-than-life Charles de Gaulle created the Fifth Republic in 1958. But He is the very first to assume France’s most powerful job… unmarried.
And unheard of. Even the Musketeer-like Sarkozy rushed to divorce his long-time spouse, Cecilia, and marry the celebrity Bruni just to do the honorable thing. But Hollande – a self-proclaimed social Democrat – will enter the Elysee Palace, not with a spouse at his side, but with a twice-divorced “partner”: Valerie Trierweiler, an elegant but take-no-prisoners reporter who, at 47, is 10 years younger than Hollande. They’ve been a couple since Hollande left his ex-PARTNER of some 30 years, Segolene Royale -- the French Socialist politician, former presidential candidate, and mother of his four grown children. (She, like Hollande, has never married.)
Louise Roug of Newsweek and the Daily Beast discusses whether there will be a fiscal revolution in France following Francois Hollande's victory in the country's recent presidential elections.
Trierweiler, the next first lady -- or ‘Premiere Dame’ -- brings her own baggage into this unusual presidential relationship. Having worked all of her adult life to support her three boys, she says she has no intention of “retiring” as first lady – a ceremonial, non-job in France with no bureau, staff or real budget – or of living off the state.
“I think she wants to remain herself,” said French author and political analyst Nicole Bacharan. ‘Which is already a challenge as a first lady. She wants to remain true to the kind of mother she is and professional woman she is.’’
A challenge, that will be. When asked how the unmarried couple could pay state visits, for instance, to conservative Arab countries or the pope, Trierweiler dismissed the need for such travel and warned that she and Hollande would never marry under pressure “of protocol.” Now, such an attitude will no doubt shock some of the more straight-laced among us. But Bacharan believes the American public will by and large take to this smart, independent, working French mom with the chic neck scarves. She’s got what it takes to make her own mark, but in a very un-Bruni way. ‘’Trierweiler doesn’t seek celebrity. She doesn’t seek the limelight. She has fallen in love with this man who happens to be the president of France, but she wants to play a low, discreet role,” said Bacharan.
In this sense she should hit it off with the U.S. first lady, Michelle Obama, when the two are expected to meet at Camp David next week -- the French first couple’s first foreign visit. Both women are educated, articulate and independent, middle-class mothers who influence their "significant others" mostly from the sidelines, and in private. Trierweiler, a media professional for more than 20 years, has already improved Hollande’s image -- his slimmer looks, modern glasses and better-fitting suits all have her stamp of approval. "I think she’s very smart, very protective," said Chris Dickey, Newsweek’s Paris correspondent. "She not only asserts her influence -- she protects her influence of her partner.’’
Lemouton Stephane / Abaca file
Valerie Trierweiler
Hollande’s comfortable defeat of the conservative Sarkozy -- as anticipated as it was -- has shaken Europe’s status quo. And his contentious tax-and-spend approach to growth and deficit reduction has triggered a hot debate on both sides of the pond. But it’s unclear how much -- if at all -- Trierweiler’s ideas have influenced Hollande’s leftist politics, or his economics. Refreshingly, their bond seems -- above all else -- to be emotional. "I didn’t choose to have a public life," she’s told a French magazine. "I chose Francois. But I will adapt." And who would’ve guessed that, behind Hollande’s gravely voice and charmless demeanor, there breathes ... a romantic? "It’s very rare to succeed professionally AND meet the woman of your life," Hollande confided to a French newspaper. "That chance is fleeting, but I chose to seize it!"
In fact, "Mr. and Ms. Normal" are anything but, even by French standards: an unmarried presidential couple with seven children, two ex-husbands and an ex-partner who happens to be an arch- rival, between them. But, let’s cut the new stars of the global political stage some slack. They are, after all, French -- for whom "doing it your way" is the 11th commandment. And when it comes to the French presidency -- a depository of dead war heroes, resistance leaders and monster egos -- an unassuming bureaucrat and his discreet -- if feisty -- partner, both with complicated personal lives, may fool us all and actually bring the "normalcy" that most French voters wanted. Now wouldn’t THAT be abnormal?
Jim Maceda is an NBC News foreign correspondent based in London who has covered France since the 1970s.
Leave a Comment:
Congratulations and good luck in maintaining a low profile, Madam Trierweiler. It will be interesting to see how you will be able to continue to be a modern woman in today's wacky political world.
Great story! The article is also well written ... love the touch of humor.
I also love the article, and that the 'priemiere dame' asserts she and Hollande would never marry under pressure “of protocol.” I love the social independence of the French. I recall when Florid's past Governor Christ was preparing to run for president, he hurriedly found a 'wife", a uniform for the job here in America.
Maybe the "new normal." Two people, who just happen to be in love, unpretentiously -- sounds pretty normal, for most of us living quite ordinary lives. Good for them, probably good for us, too....
Perhaps Francois Hollande could revert to the practices used in France prior to the revolution...he could refer to Valerie Trierweiler as First Courtesan (where as Segolene Royale, mother of his four grown children, who like Hollande, has never married...can be referred to as Second Courtesan).
"Hollande’s comfortable defeat of the conservative Sarkozy -- as anticipated as it was -- has shaken Europe’s status quo. And his contentious tax-and-spend approach to growth and deficit reduction has triggered a hot debate on both sides of the pond."
Sarkozy promised an 'austerity' program to avoid France falling hopelessly in debt, but Hollande promised 'no-pain', with more deficit spending as the solution. I guess the French prefer 'Hope and Change' over reality, but they will soon discover that reality is REAL, not an illusion.
As for those who think that a 'tax and spend approach to growth and deficit reduction' is viable, let me remind you that for the last 3.5 years we've tried that approach in America, and here are the results;
We have incurred $5.7 Trillion in 'stimulus' deficit spending since the end of fiscal 2008, for a 57% increase in the National Debt, which has resulted in only a 4% increase in economic growth (GDP). The debt is increasing far faster than any growth in the economy could possibly compensate for.
Do we really need more evidence that deficit spending does not work?
So, who cares? Next.
This new French president's rhetoric sure sounds a lot like that of Jimmy Carter in 1977, trying to be 'normal' after Vietnam and Watergate. I hope Hollande won't end up like a Carter.
For "conservative Sarkozy, women, money and publicity mattered most. He blew up chances handed over to a conservative. I wish so-called conservatives have a little bit of morals, values and characters such that they can be a good model.
Hope Hollande focuses on governing and solving problems of citizens at the lowest level.
Hollande is a joke as is his "lady friend." Did you hear about the 75% tax rates?
The French never have been with the program. We've been trying since the end of World War II to get them to start wearing deodorant with no success.
I'm sorry, did the writer refer to Michelle Obama as "a middle class mother?" Are we trying to re-write a little history here? You lose a lot of credibility when you make such unfounded statements. She's a Harvard grad. Nothing middle class about that. Epic Propaganda Fail.
@ROY WILSON - 336103. You failed to mentioned that in the past 3.5 years we haven't increase the tax yet. Isn't it we extended Pres. Bush tax cut and we actually decrease the Social Security tax. So in reality, we havent tried the tax and spend you claiming. What we did is tax cut and spend, that's Pres. Bush and Republican approach in the previous 8 years that bring us to this problem.
@ROY WILSON-336103 Your to funny. Try getting your facts stright before shooting off your mouth on something you know so little about.
Pretty funny Roy ... refresh my memory bucko; when did we increase taxes over the last 3 years? Oh maybe it's your memory that needs refreshing
Austerity has been proven to be a failed policy over and over again. The austerity imposed on the Germans after WWI lead to WWII. Angela Merkel is trying to push that failed policy to the Greeks which, I'm afraid, may lead to a bloody revolution. People are hungry and you try to add insult by telling them to go on a diet? Have we not learn from the past? Suicide rate is sky high in Greece and Italy but most people will prefer to kill someone else before killing themselves; that is how revolutions started. The GOP policy of tax breaks for the wealthy while tell the middle class and the poor to go on a diet is slap to the face for a civilized society. I pay 31% income tax not to give some greedy corporations tax breaks but to help those who are disadvantaged and to have a safe and clean place to live. It is not communism or socialism, it's just plain common sense and common decency.
If you have invested in the Euro un invest, the Premiere Dame or is that the first adulteress is going to maintain a low profile? next week she meets with Michael at Camp David? why? she claims she will not be a expenseto the french people, is she paying her own way? she won't be involving herself in politics doesn't look that way. I hope she pays for her own food and lodging at camp David because I don't think its right for the American taxpayer to pay her way she is not part of the team France she is only a concubine and we owe her nothing.
I do agree with their not getting Married because there is only one real marrage per in reality unless someone dies. the oath is till death do us part right! people forget that but if you are not religious then that should not matter, if you are religious then you are living in sin if you marry or not so that makes no difference its a matter of state and has no bearing on religion. so France has a First Dame and its obvious that she will fill that role and reap the benefit's as she has already proved by accepting the role and trotting off to Camp David at the expense of others can you see the BS here, the lying has already started. my sympathy to France you have just defecated on yourselfs. the last thing France needs at this time is these people taking them for a ride. all of Europe and the free world will share in this debacle. I'm not referring to their relationship that's their business I'm referring to their BS. Frances economy is doomed. Time will prove that, they can blame it on the conservatives like good socialist always do. we will all take a hit when they fail.
@ lonesome george-3335313
The same thing can be learn from revolutions throughout history. In War times, the nobles keep increase tax on the poor while they themselves enjoy the full-advantage of war. People are hungry and the top want them to get over and pay more, that is a recipe for a revolt. Fair share means you pay based on what you have, you can't expect the poor pay more than what they barely have, but you certainly can expect the rich to pay more than what they already have in store, it's a simple logic.
Good for France. They have a tax and spend socialist for a president that will repeat the process hoping for a different result. What's that definition of insanity again?
George R Flummer, learn the difference between "your" and "you're".
The rich are already paying too much both here and in France. It's time for the little people to pay some taxes.
Americans complain about the government sticking its nose into everyone else's business, yet they insist on knowing every detail about politician's private lives. It should not matter what goes on in one's private life.
Bush won his first election because of Clinton's dalliances. If the dems had stayed in office, we would not have had such a bad economic meltdown (Bush took the teeth out of the SEC and other financial regulatory bodies) and our government would not owe nearly so much money (Bush severely cut the tax revenue from the wealthy) and our social programs and schools, etc. would not be such bad shape. In addition, we would not have stretched our military and wasted so much money nor blood in a pointless war in Iraq).
But no, we have to vote out a party because it bothers us what two consenting adults do. Grow up, America!
Actually, I didn't care what Clintion did -- that was Hiliary's problem. UNTIL he lied under oath. THEN it became a "state" problem.
Please explain how "Clinton's dalliances" had anything to do with Bush winning. Bush did not run against Clinton, he ran against Gore, unless you are blaming Clinton for Gore's loss.
As for if the democrats stayed in power us not having the financial meltdown, that is BS. After all, it was a Democrat controlled house and senate that essentially repealed Glass-Steagall and removed the controls thereby allowing much of the financial mess to occur.
Bush won because Gore was an idiot.
The collapse was on democrats watch, presidents don't pass laws, enact budgets, congress does. Bush asked congress to rein in banks on numerous occasions, all efforts were blocked by Frank and Dodd. Both got sweetheart loans from banks. Frank called home ownership a right, that is the mentality that caused this mess.
Valhalla:
Why are you so "off topic"? Even the starter of this thread and the first 2 commentators made mention of their view about politicians private lives. Which is in the main article.
Are you kidding? This couple, "play well' in the US? There is so little to support regarding this emotional decision our new friends, thanks to Sarkozy, made in the heat of the world financial crisis. How short our memories are regarding the former relationships we shared with the French, pre Sarky. We will miss our friend in Paris unfortunately we will soon see. We can only hope Hollande back peddles, and fast on many of his campaign promises. It will be a rough ride I am afraid.
Private lives of important leaders, especially those governing are important.
Closeness of Bush family with oil and defense industries did impact decisions on Iraqi wars in 1991 and 2003.
Sarkozy for his first campaign took contributions from Gadhaffi.
These days, Sarkozy has been taking special interests in Syria and Iran without bothering about French problems. It looked as if he was on the payroll of Saudis, oil companies and their lobbyists.
Such leaders are on sale and their rates vary! It is the people who ultimately pay for their actions.
Wow! Talk about changing history!
1. Bush won because Clinton had been in office 8 years and the Democrat choice was a loser from the beginning.
2. Bush never got a drop of Oil out of Iraq. Where as Obama's Libya Oil war, we now get .6% of our oil from Libya (and growing).
As for Hollande: Why do you think he is running to the US next week? Two reasons: 1. Germany has told him he won't get German money to spend France further into debt. 2. Hollande knows a Socialist when he sees one e.g., Obama. Like the last Socialist President of France, he is talking about pulling out of NATO. He has also all ready threatened American companies if they try to move any jobs out of France. France is in trouble!
...and Obama won because we were tired of the 8 years of bush lies, wars and deficit spending and the republicans put up the seriously crash test dummy mccain and the white igloo trash from Alaska...
BTW if the opposite of a socialist is a fascist does that make mittens and the republicans all a bunch of nazis?
Did France ever have a problem with a Muslim leader's multiple wives? Didn't think so. Political Correctness SUX.
You are so misinformed and absolutely delusional I don't know where to even begin. Shortly after taking office the Bush Administration met with Congressional leaders about concerns at the GSE's (Government Sponsored Enterprises, ie Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) that were raised by his new Treasury Secretary and the Fed Chairman. Their insistence and concerns to put more oversight and regulations in place on the GSE's were dismissed by Democratic Congressional Leaders in the House but eventually events led to Congressional Hearings in 2005 where all the regulators evidence of corruption, fraud, and impending doom were aired and laid out. Evidence that forced the Chairman of Fannie Franklin Raines (Obamas 2008 Campaign Economic Advisor) out of office after we the taxpayers paid his 500 million SEC fine for cooking the books. Democrats during hearings defended him, going after GOP members that grilled him by calling it "a Lynching". Dem's all voted AGAINST any further reforms, or regulations (Barney Frank, Dodd, Meeks) all of them. Arguing that they should EXPAND and INCREASE the crazy underwriting and support for their "Mission of Bringing affordable Home Ownership to Americans". They voted in committee against reform and regulation, kept the vote from going to the whole Congress, and after winning the House in 2006 with HUGE and RECORD donations by the once persecuted GSE's gave them pardon and cover to demolish our financial system in 2008. McCain led the Charge for reform in the Senate as did all GOP members of the Congress, to no avail. THESE are the FACTS. It's all a matter of the Congressional Record.
Can you imagine the amount of money we got from over 10 years of tax cut? It would have definitely help all these times, but GOP still insist that tax cut help when given the facts they they done nothing for 10 years.
nope. the repub house has passed two bills to repeal the bush tax cuts but senate ldr reid won't bring them up for debate. i blame both sides for not doing enough to keep this from happening.
You know the old saying, "be careful what you ask for you might get it." Our president is proof of that.
what a rambling, un-cohesive pile of drivel. The Liberals have been indocrinating all their pals and children into thinking Bush is the new boogey man. There was no better man for the job in 2001 than Bush. There was never one *$@&% democratic president to have the testiclular fortitude to do what Bush did. Real men like Bush. As far as this article, screw those backwards smelly french. No-one cares about their godless souls. You just keep pushing those socialist programs with no way to pay for them, i'm sure it will work out better than greece. When is Obama gonna snatch the chinese by their necks and tell them to knock off the Hacking, and the trade deficit crap, and the currency manipulations????? The silence from the white house regarding China is deafening. All they have are more bodies, why are wwe taking any crap from these devils anyway.
If they're not married she shouldn't be allowed to live in Elysee Palace, especially off of state funding, and she shouldn't be recognized as Premiere Dame. She obviously doesn't mean enough to the French President for him to marry her. If they love each other as much as the article says they do, theirs no reason not to get married.
Not everyone sees marriage as the ultimate declaration of love. Why are you telling others how they're supposed to show their love to each other when they're already doing so?
She is his significant other... No reason she should not live in the palace. She can be the first lady even if she is not married! We have more important things to worry about then whether someone is married or not.
What is it with so many telling others who they can/should and can't/shouldn't marry? It's their own personal business, and I don't have (nor anyone else) a right to tell them what they must do. Control freaks need to get a life.
Best wishes to the new French president and his family.
Jonathan:
When wind of change are blowing all around , timid will do well to shutter their doors, turn off the lights and hide lest the whip of change may damage their darkness.
Ridiculous idea! Marriage is NOT the be all, end all of relationships. (Although, unfortunately, it often turns into the end of relationships).
And there is no reason for them to get married either, if they wish their relationship to remain as it is. Their children are grown. The French culture is vastly different from our culture, so don't go trying to apply the hypocritical American morality to other countries. America needs to take another look at their marriage standards with a near 50% divorce rate. It only benefits the vulturous lawyers.
Jonathon: they need to sign a contract because of your religious beliefs? Its pretty obvious that the marriage contract doesn't mean people love one another or they stay together. And since governments have always had the first lady taken care of stance why should this be any different?
Jonathan - you need to travel - get a passport - the Euro is at an all time low - I know Americans - only hold 30% of passports - and Europe 60% - but get out there
When Mitterand died (if you know who he was?) - two of his mistresses and his ( legal wife) was at the funeral - they were all cordial
Mitterand said and I believe I Quote - "never trust a leader without a strong libido" - I frankly think he was bragging - however get over your prejudices - I got news for you sex is here to stay!
And Jonathan try the great wines in Italy, buy yourself a great pair of shoes - get a Euro ticket where you ride the Rapido trains and by all means go to France - especially the Bordeaux countryside
Bon Voyage - my friend and traveler - you will come back a different person!
And Mitterand's mistresses and wife all received the French flag at his funeral. Same for Chirac, although I believe that was one mistress in his case.
Americans are still puritan at heart - the reason our ancestors were kicked out of civilization in the first place.
And, Jonathan, please do see the world, if you are a vet, it is different as a civilian, even if you were stationed in Germany or wherever, it is different.
My heartfelt congratulations to M. Normal and his lovely partner.
I completely agree with you. They are a terrible example for young people. They are "shacking-up", and the French people should demand this not be allowed.
WOW, loosen your tie and take off your wing-tips too.
It didn't take long for some one who demands smaller government to come out to judge others how they should live their lives or what they do in their bedrooms.
Traveling is detrimental to bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Get out and see how the rest of the world live; no they didn't fall off the edge of the earth or got banished to hell for not believe in your god.
My friend lives with his boyfriend for almost 8 years and I rarely see such happy couple in my 30 years life. She told me that she doesn't want to have a shackle of marriage and they both enjoy this kind of life-style.
Let's not forget the divorce rate we currently have now. If they can live happy, what would they want from marriage? Certainly not some stupid thing like "blessing from the church", maybe financial reason, but they both well educated and make good money so it is not a problem for them.
Don't say that too loud, the liberals will hear you. Unmarried coupling is music to a liberals ears to break the shackles of convention, unless your gay than marriage is must have and a right.
Marriage is the ultimate declaration of love because your declaring it officially, and your legally and socially tied to that person. You can't just walk out on a whim with no consequences. To do that you truly have to love a person and have faith that love will continue. Since one of them doesn't want to do that then she shouldn't be recognized as premiere dame or live in the national palace. The people shouldn't pay for his girlfriend. He should.
To GODGRAVITON - I don't plan on whithering away in the darkness any time soon. As sad as it may make you, despite your "wings of change", you'll have to deal with people like me for a long time.
This whole article is really about how provincial, reactionary, and judgmental americans are about how people live their lives. Anywhere else in the civilized world this would be a non-issue and a non-article.
They live together. Big deal.
They will rot in hell for their sins.
LOL
Mike.
Your cup is empty. Fill it up.
They are already in heavenly hell. The President and Premier companion of a significant country drinking finest champagne and fine french cuisine.
Don't you wish you can be 1 % as much fortunate. I bet your God is not happy with you. Thy must have sinned.
Featherstonehaugh:
This is not a big deal?
It is France's Leader. An Ally to the United States?.
Awkward at best. France has never had a "Normal" Leader---it is a country of Fruits and Nuts--
With a relationship like this, he will have a hard time having any credibility to the World, no one taking his Policies or Political views seriously..
How did this abnormal man get into office. Fraudulent Votes?, or a screwed up country of people there.
It must be the of drinking of too much "Vino", and small portions of food on their plates.
The huge Muslim population there may start quoting their "Koran". It would be easy to take over this Country, militarily or Terrorist (France), because he will be a Weak Leader to an important Country..
God, I sense you are trying to communicate.
Don't worry Mike, SOME of us got the joke !:)
Marchant ... no, this is NOT a big deal. We may be allies, we have no right to tell someone how to live. We don't even have the right to do that in our OWN country, although there is a certain segment of the population which is trying hard!
I'm really afraid to ask what YOUR version of a "normal" leader would be.
Beth:
?
Beth - I'm with you - interesting fact - these so called Christians have more Churches per square mile and the biggest divorce rate per square mile - Hypocracy at it's finest!
Viva la France!
By the way little judgemental boys remember the French Resistance and the Statue of Liberty and Lafayette
Stick your "Freedpm Fries" elsewhere - I applaud the French - they unlike us take care of their children
Absolutely, Barbara. Chris Hayes had a great segment with the author of Bringing up BéBé on his show yesterday. You can look for it on the MSNBC site. (Wasn't the best part, though, his oration of Lowell's first Mother's Day Speech - that was the best part.)
Um, the article doesn't say "those puritanical Americans won't accept them." It said "those Muslim countries would have an issue with an unmarried Presidential family." Go back and read it again...
jr -- obviously SOME of "puritanical Americans won't accept them" judging by comments by those such as Marchant -- to which we are responding.
@ Marchant, where in the world you live? They all the right to do what they want and not be judged by people like you. You need to learn to respect others decision and not judgemental so in return respect yours. As long as he do his job, I don't have problem with his personal life. That's his personal life and personal choice.
What woman would marry this dork?
Who gives a rats a$$ about what the pope or some radical uptight arab leader thinks?
Who cares what the arab leaders think? They don't have the right to question it since we don't question their multiple wives arrangement.
Who cares if they have multiple wives, almost all of the Prophets of God did, no where is it prohibited in God's laws.
she could not stand the dork, she had him loose weght, changed his glasses, changed his clothes, we know who runs France, not flanby, so who
Michelle Obama
Educated: Absolutely
Articulate: Most definitely
Independent: Sure
Middle-class: ???????????????
I understand that the President makes a meager salary compared to what it is he does but that salary and all the trappings of power that come with the position make his family anything but middle class. I certainly don't get secret service protection, a military jet, and a staff everywhere I go. I wonder when the last time Michelle and Barack had to sit down to have a discussion about their personal finances was. As a matter of fact, Mr. and Mrs. Obama made nearly $800,000 last year. That's NOT middle class.
This article of gossip (not news) is not about Michelle Obama, it's about the new French President's unmarried status. Why do so many hateful people take every chance to blast our President and First Lady even when the topic doesn't have anything to do with the Obamas? Get a life.
I'm actually an Obama supporter. I have a problem with the characterization of the Obama's as middle class. I'm in no way blasting them. Learn how to read a bit better and not jump to conclusions.
I'd call that upper middle class. They worked their ass to get through the law school and pay their school loans. Unlike The Mitt, who just had to sell some stock to pay for school.
No one said they didn't work to achieve what they've achieved.
That being said, 800k a year is in no way Upper Middle Class. That's upper class. If you make that much, congrats. I'm sure you worked hard as well. But don't consider yourself middle class cause you're not.
JFix: I could be wrong, but I believe the author was referring to the Obama's being middle class prior to their role as president and first lady.
@ JFix.. they started as a middle class working family.
The reference is to Michelle Obama's middle class up bringing. Am I the only one who read that correctly? Think about it, it is still amazing; a granddaughter of a slave born to a lower-middle class parents to become harvard educated, smart and articulate First Lady. Is this a great country or what? Prince William married some one from "middle class" but her family has money to send her to the most elite school? Class system in Europe refers to what class you're born into, nothing to do how much money you have. You can be a billionaire in England and still be middle class.
Can he still have a mistress if he's not married?
America is stuck in its own history and God. It cannot see the possibilities of many ways to be happy. It cannot see the flowers that can bloom if allowed to.
Catholic church that cannot enforce any of their sacred cow values has managed to chalk us while we proclaimed freest nation in the world. We have enshrined our constitution as the greatest. Yet women and black had to fight for their rights and now gays have to do that.
May once again enlightenment down on US from Mother Europe.
You go boy! Getting the milk without buying the cow. LOL
Times are changing. She has my stamp of approval, but if she needed it I'd be deeply offended. Get'em!
Gary Hart must really envy this guy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Donna_Rice_and_Gary_Hart.jpg
Mike Fillmore - did someone marry you? - Poor woman
Hey Bobby - Gary Hart had a fling - just like a great many of Ameican men - so what is your point exactly and why bring up Gary Hart - jealous maybe?
Up until modern times governments were not in the marriage business. Marriage was a private contract,usually witnessed by a congregation, and recorded in a parish church. Up until after the Civil War in the U.S. marriage licenses issued by governments were virtually unknown. There really is no reason for governments to regulate or require marriage, since it is simply a private contract. If the new French premier and his lovely lady choose not to be officially married, it makes utterly no difference to anyone. It is time for all governments to get out of the marriage business.
Actually before the Council of Trent in the mid-1500s, most marriages had nothing to do with a church.
In the US marriage is a legal contract with a variety of legal rights, benefits and obligations. You're absolutely free not to get married and simply make your own private contract, but if you want those rights you do have to go to the state for a marriage license.
Not revenue so much as keeping the "wrong" sort of people from marrying.
In the US marriages first began to be licensed to prevent mixed-race and inter-faith marriage.
What's funny is that the GOP still doesn't understand the basic concept of "equal protection of the law". Not only are they generally against same-sex marriage, but 60% of the GOP in Mississippi still doesn't support mixed-race marriage. It's the party of bigots.
Marriage existed in Egypt and China for over 6 thousand years and has nothing to do with your church. The Vikings married without the church. I just went to a Japanese wedding, it was lovely and no church!
Posting place error ...
Two of the most beautiful women on the world stage. He must have some considerable charm.
Two of the most beautiful women on the world stage
Are you kidding me? You feel these are the most beautiful women in the world? I have heard "go ugly early" but you must start at 6 AM.
Yeah. His first was voted "Most Beautiful Woman in Europe"...so I think you might be full of crap.
A Socialist that owns three $1 million dollar homes around the Riviera. How do socialists accumulate such wealth you say?
By living differently than what they preach. Socialism is great for us but not good for him or his B1tch.
Can not wait for the EURO to implode.
Take back your dignity, cultures, languages and currencies and reject elitism 5cum.
You must watch a lot of fox....you are confusing socialism with communism. They are not exactly the same thing. Most socialists are also capitalists.
Crisis - Obviously you don't know France and it's history - this is the first time in 30 years that a Socialist has been elected - yet all the uninformed have been calling France a Socialist country - why because they have Health Care
France has been primarily an Agriculture Country - Wine is a really cash crop and they have been a strong influence in the goverment of France's economy - highly subsidized
Now as far as a Socialist owning property - who says you cannot succeed and not be wealthy as a socialist - your mind is not on communism - and all people can benefit from helping all people be healthy - it costs the government less - prosperous - cost the government less - and happy
What's wrong with that - I ask you?
Barbara Adams Jackson, Mr Hollande said you will not succeeed. In the last debate when asked Mr Hollande replied he would tax the rich significantly more. The next question what was rich, and Hollande replied anyone making 4k euro per month. Now tell l me how anyone can afford real estate when you are going to have less to spend. The current market prices in France are based on double incomes and people having higher spendables incomes.
Mr. Holland was born into wealth and now he wants to spread equality, what is wrong with that? Apparently the French do not share your sentiment so get over it.
The day is coming when only gays will be married.
Loooord Have Mercy!!!
France Deserves what ever they get...
Germany needs to cut up their credit cards and leave the frogs and muslim lovers in the dust...
Once Obama is defeated in November, he won't win...
The Liberals and Gays can go back into their holes...
Obama or not there will always be liberals and gays. They aren't going to be quite.What's wrongs with liberals and gays?
The banksters and plutocrats who call the shots will inform Mr. Normal that it is much better for him to soak up the gravy his new position brings than to make waves in it. The incredible accumulation of wealth and power by those in position to do so will continue whilst harsh austerity measures are imposed upon large populations across Europe. Unfortunately, "normal" for most politicians is taking as much as they can as fast as they can; I think we'll see how normal Francois Hollande really is.
I think they are setting a very poor example for the nation by taking office living together but unmarried. What hope do young women have of landing a fine husband if the president doesn't set an example? He has chosen a bad candidate to love, as she has been twice divorced, so obviously she is hard to live with and perhaps impossible. sounds like her career comes first, ahead of children and husband and home and family. I am a career person myself, but never put myself ahead of my children or husband. they are too important for that.
Wendym - - so landing a fine husband is your goal?- Sorry little girl "fine husbands" are hard to come by - remember the phrase - you have to kiss a lot of toads to find a prince
Sometimes you marry a lot of toads to find that prince - no difference
You sound very young - good luck on your journey
By the way how do you know she was hard to live with unless you were there between her sheets? - What about the famous or should I say infamous Governor of South Carolina - he found his "soul mate" in Argentina - things happen
Judge not lest you be judged - I welcome diversity - should be interesting to say the least
Wendym, shouldn't you be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen somewhere? Watch a few too many Disney princess stories? The Stepford Wives was not a how-to manual.
Not everyone is so old fashion or got brainwash like you Wendym.
Here is a simple fact for you, did you know that marriage license in the US was introduced to prevent "inter-racial" and "inter-faith" marriage?
Now you know, not such a pretty picture anymore, right?
Wendym, get off your high horse.
Sorry 'Monsieur Normal'
and Barrack Obama are currently addressing the marriage issues jointly...
Is it possible world change ,if the moral power between Muslim, Christianity and Judaism should be a union global superpower in the face of moral collapse of the World
God forbid that the face of the French public be held to ridicule in a large
portion of the world , what do they care? It's the same with economics what do
they care if they crash the world economy? As long as they get what they want,
whether or not its deserved, as long as someone else does the work and they can
reallocate that workers product to the deadbeat political class . He's a
socialist creep and she's a right sort of twat , typical of a nation dedicated
to snubbing the rest of the world because Napoleon wasn't as good a General as
he was an egotist who proved in the end to be absolute failure.They felt he was going to give
them the world on a platter instead he shot the nation in the foot and killed
most of his men needlessly and wasted the potential of the Revolution to spend
the nations assets on folly and egoism.Just what this pair of social snobs will
turn out to be like as well. They ought to get along with the Obama's as they
both have terrible ideas and could care less abut what really works compared to
their shot at saying they did their way no matter the costs to others, as long
as they get their way. Pond scum have a better chance of running a competent
government in France than do these PC blithering idiots.
oregonjoker: As many sex scandals that have ocurred in the U.S with politicans at least the guy and women have been open about their relationship which is more than you can say for Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain, David Vitter, John Ensign, Mark Sanford or Anthony Weiner don't you think? Mitt Romney had four grandmothers so why not complain about that? President Kennedy had Marliyn Monore, President Clinton had Monica so what are you going to say next?
It's a good thing they don't live in North Carolina. Their "union" would be illegal. Go French, down with the antiquated, ridiculous, pseudo-religious, BS we have in NC>
Aw, don't be such a sore loser.