History Comes Alive

If you studied world history in high school or read the book/saw the movie Tale of Two Cities, then you are at least vaguely aware that the French, like the United States, had a revolution back in the 1700s.

Before writing this article, to ensure historical accuracy, I sought guidance from two of America's leading experts on all things historic: Michele Bachman and Sarah Palin. One said that she thinks that she can see France from that cresent moon thingy on her outhouse door. The other muttered something about fries and headed off to McDonalds. As a consequence I had to resort to something that is called a "book." I fudged just a little and pulled up Wikipedia to see if they agreed with the "book."

Here is what I came up with.

Among many factors that led to the French Revolution (1789 - 1799) there was hunger and malnutrition running rampant amongst the poorer segments of the population. While the destitute were starving the elite were tossing out barbs like the infamous, "Let them eat cake."

Another cause may have been that country's near bankruptcy caused by their participation in too many wars. To make matters worse France's inadequate system of taxes contributed to the inability to manage national debt caused in part by all of those wars.

There were many more little problems that plagued the country. In a quote from an Wikipedia article, "[T]he royal court at Versailles was perceived by many as being isolated from, and indifferent to the hardships of the lower classes [...] While [King Louis XVI] did reduce government expenditures, opponents in the parliament successfully thwarted his attempts at enacting much needed reforms. Those who were opposed to Louis' policies further undermined royal authority by distributing pamphlets (often reporting false or exaggerated information) that criticized the government and its officials, stirring up public opinion against the monarchy."

Well, that's your history lesson for the day. What do you say we have a pop quiz to see if we can apply our newfound knowledge?

1. Name the richest country in the world today that has a huge homeless and starving population?
2. Besides the former Soviet Union, what modern day superpower has brought its economy to near collapse by trying to finance unwinnable wars?
3. Can you name a modern day country that is in dire need of tax reform like France in the 1700s?
4. This is a three part question.
a. In the afore mentioned country, what political party has exhibited indifference to the hardships of the lower classes by demanding tax cuts for the wealthy?
b. Is that the same party that has thwarted all opponent's attempts to enact much needed reforms?
c. Which party has done its best to stir up the lunatic fringe with lies and half truths?

For extra credit provide a short essay answering the question: Based upon today's discussion, do you see any similarities between France in the late 1700s and the United States of America today?

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As long as your responses are intelligent and well thought out I have no problem publishing them in "comments" regardless of your position.