Today we shall talk about those GOOD F-words. Femme. Female. Fertile. And especially: Feline!
OK I said I would not talk about politics anymore, but this week history was made, who can ignore it! Folks, the Women's March was the largest protest in US history. With crowds three times the size of the inauguration!
Someone should give an award to the folks who came up with the clever knitted pink Pussyhats. Inspired, of course, by our Grabber-in-chief’s famous comments about attractive women he encounters, immortalized on tape so he can’t call them lies: “I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. Grab ’em by the pussy. You can do anything.”
On this day, women everywhere showed him that he in fact CAN'T just do anything: these kitties have claws.
And so, in DC, there was a sea of pink Pussyhats, setting the theme. But what most inspired me was this: around the world, in cities from Sydney to Amsterdam, in Antartica, in Kenya, women and men stood up and raised their voices against the objectification and abuse of women, stood up not just for women's rights but for human rights, in solidarity with Americans. As one of the presenters at the march said, "You have saved my sagging soul!" These new members of the Resistance have signaled that they will react against those contemptuous of us and our rights, with power instead of with hate: with respect, love, and humor.
Meanwhile back in France, the far right is represented by Marine Le Pen, of the National Front Party. She is anti-immigration, authoritarian, and an admirer of Putin. If she's elected, the EU may collapse. Time will tell if she prevails. But know that the populist, nationalistic movement is global and will be coming soon to your country if it hasn't already. We all need not just to resist but to look ahead to viable solutions to global inequality that don't trample on democratic rights, and we need to do it fast.
We are in the States for the moment, so I attended the Woman's March in Charleston. The enthusiasm, the energy, was palpable. It was heartening to see that at least a quarter of the marchers were guys. But the best thing was the homemade signs. No matter what your political persuasion, you can surely admire the wit and creativity. I'm sure you've seen many, but below is a collection of my favorites.
Note: "Bad hombres" refers to our what our Insulter-in-Chief called called Mexican immigrants, and of course he famously called Hillary Clinton a "nasty woman".
In the COMMENTS: Thanks for all the kind comments about my "day in the life" post. klohry, you are absolutely right—putting it back together is quite a task, and not much fun. Colleen, I had a good laugh from your story. I've shot Designer Showcase houses and I have similar stories to tell. Dottie, I have a woodcut Paul did of Stoll's alley, it's a cherished possession. And no we don't do 'reality'. No one really lives like that!
NEWS FLASH, one of our loyal readers, Libby Wilkie, has a new Etsy shop. She sells beautiful handmade cards, and she's running a Valentine's Day special. Read about it at her blog, here.
FAVORITE READS: My friend Sandi, how always knows the best books, sends along this review: "I am reading a delictable book – truly marvelous. Funny, insightful and full of bon mots. Every Frenchman Has One
married a Frenchman and moved to Paris in 1954." Can't wait to get it!
34 thoughts on “Special “Femme” Editon ”
Bravo for speaking up! It’s your blog; say whatever moves you. Of course I agree with yo completely on the issue of I-can’t-even-stand-to-say-his-name. We’ll be selling our house in the States and making France our permanent home. I can’t imagine going back, not now.
great pictures Lynn – an historic march X
Thank you for this post, Lynn. It takes courage to take a stand. He is the greatest threat to our democracy, and we must not be silent.
Don’t tell Tom, but sometimes I think about moving back just so I can participate in some way. Thanks for sharing!
A Woman’s View on Trump
Someone asked a woman how she could vote for Trump, a misogynist, a
racist and a bigot.
Here Is Her Answer:
Because I use my head to research and find out what candidates really
are, not what the media wants me to think.
Because Donald Trump has more women in executive and managerial
positions than any comparable company, which tells me he is not a
misogynist.
Because he pays these women the same or more than their male
counterparts, which tells me looks for capacity and skills in people,
not color, gender or race.
Because he fought the West Palm Beach City Council to be able to open
his newly purchased club, so he could include blacks and Jews as
members, who had been banned until then. This tells me he is not a
racist.
Because he has raised wonderful children who have turned out to be
outstanding, hard working and compassionate adults. He must be doing
something right.
Because his economic plans makes sense, are conservative in nature,
and I vote based of what is best for my family, my friends and my
country.
Because everybody, the left and the right are afraid of him, the media
is trying to destroy his image, and even foreign governments are
voicing their opinions, so he must be doing something right. Clean
house maybe?
Because I want a Supreme Court that will uphold the Constitution, not
behave as minions of the administration. I have had enough with
judges who are more like political activists than law enforcers.
Because I fear for my family’s safety if the current trend of not
confronting blatant terrorism continues – which is a threat to our way
of life.
Because I am fed up with the rampant corruption of this
administration. Accountability in government is paramount, and as
this administration has demonstrated, it is a foreign concept to them.
Because I am fed up with the political correctness gone wild, and
because Trump is not afraid to say what everybody thinks but does not
dare to say. A thug is a thug, regardless of color, and that’s it.
Because it is about time someone puts America ‘s interests ahead of
other countries.
Because I know he recognizes and embraces America ‘s exceptionalism,
and will not tour the World apologizing for who we are. That tells me
he is a patriot.
Because, unlike HRC, he has actually held a job, worked hard and
achieved success.
You can now take me off your blog email list…..I did not sign up for your political opinions
I’m so glad that you happened to be in Charleston at the right moment. Lots of great signs in St. Louis, too. Lots of males wearing pussy hats. And lots of young girls with signs who will grow up to be women who vote.
I marched in San Francisco, where more than 100,000 people participated! It was beautiful! I didn’t encounter one negative or cranky person.
Don’t stop, Lynn. We’re in for a rocky run, and need to keep reminding the orange one that he is not the chosen one. I write him a daily letter to protest his latest indignity. Today’s was to tell him we don’t want his wall, and we taxpayers certainly don’t want to pay for it twice – to build it, then to “repay” the gov’t through tariff-created higher prices on imports from Mexico. He must think we’re too stupid to notice, and he’s wrong. I make calls to legislators, I marched Jan 21 (even little Napa turned out 3,000 marchers, 6x the numbers expected – a happy, uplifting experience; my favorite sign was “Tweet us with respect”), and will again on April 15 cf a save the date from Women’s March organizers. I’m grateful to have the time to take action!
Yes, Bravo indeed Lynn for standing up for our rights as women & for marching! So did I. Every day I say to myself “what fresh hell has he brought us now?” He must be removed & it can’t be fast enough. Dangerous evil and insane crook he is. We are among the many who have been bilked out of a considerable amount of money he owes. There’s a story there for you somewhere but I don’t want to air it here. I’m still astounded by the number of women I know that voted for this idiot. Before I say too much, I better just end it there. Thank you for this excellent post.
These signs are truly fantastic and I will be forwarding this post to cat lovers, dog lovers, Francophils, etc.
This is the second time I have commented on your blog in the last few months. Thanks for expressing what is in your heart and your mind. I’m a 71 year old white man living in Florida with two rescue cats who voted for Hillary Clinton. And there are many other old white guys that voted for her as well.
Thanks for being willing to speak up on your blog. Some will leave. Good riddance!
Oh Lynn: I just saw you mentioned (promoted?) my shop!!! Thank you SO much: traffic definitely increased today. I really appreciate it!
And yes, love some of these signs. A friend and I are doing a collection, from the web, of all the great signs we see, so I sent this on to her. Quite something, isn’t it?
Again, many many thanks.
There is no escape from politics these days. I subscribed to your blog to read about life in France and I looked forward to your posts. This is the second commentary about politics! Please unsubscribe me. I will find other venues that are dedicated to French culture and customs.
Lynn, thank you for posting this! I love the photos. I marched in Wichita and my husband was by my side, carrying a sign that read “Real Men Support Women’s Rights”. He probably had his photo taken 100 times, and he received many hugs and lots of thanks. Several times, men asked to borrow his sign for their own photo op. The march was inspiring and uplifting. I’m very glad to have taken part in such an important event. This gives me hope.
If I and my husband didn’t have so much family here in the states, including our 92-year-old mothers, we would love to retire in France. I am very thankful that my transgender son lives in France and will soon have citizenship.
Great article! Also curious why some women voted for this lunatic. Now I know. Just a little thing, edition needs an I in the title. Thanks for marching. We need to keep our pres in check every day!!
Trump raised his kids? Oh really ? Hmmmm, wonder what the mothers would say about this! Come on
I fought 20 years in the U S military so you can say such things. Say thank you!!! However I would not serve or fly my jet with trump as my commander in hier!!!!!
Peaceful and energetic march here in Austin, about 60,000 folks from all over Texas. Now it’s about letters and email and phone calls (oh my! 😊) until the next “call to feet” (as opposed to “call to arms”) is issued. Thanks and keep up the good work!
In the same line as “I am not ovary reacting” here is San Francisco one sign said “my taco is nacho business”
As to those who chastise your right to comment on politics, may they enjoy their new blogs – whatever they may be. Apparently the naysayers mistakenly believe that the actions of our President have no effect on “life in France”; Otherwise, why would they be upset by your insightful comments.
I enjoy all of your posts – those from and about France and the United States. Keep up the good work. The pictures were great – thanks for posting them.
I support our Constution and Trump is in VIOLATION OF OUR CONSTITUTION, specifically the Emoluments Clause, which requires presidents to put all of their assets in a blind trust to protect US from foreign corruption. While I appreciate your service to our country you might want to read up on the constitution. He also put a hiring and wage freeze on government employees of which 31% are Veterans and of which the VA is horribly underserviced, so no new doctors, nurses, etc. Thankfully and thanks to pressure from Veteran groups and from many LIBERALS like me, he removed the freeze for the VA! His immigration ban has put our country at RISK and you as a veteran should recognize this! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE inform yourself and quite being duped by Trump! #ImpeachTrump #Resist #NotOnMyWatch
I’m glad you were able to join one of the marches! I did, in Santa Fe, NM.
Lynn,
Someone above said we’re in for a rocky ride, and I agree. I marched in Sacramento. I’ve never seen so many people gathered there–nearly 30,000 people–way down the Capitol Mall. But I think I love the “I’m so angry, I made another Democrat” is my favorite. My little Democrats are all grown up–one with a not-so-little-any-more Democrat of his own who just voted in her first presidential election.
We’ll all keep speaking up because it’s our civic duty–as well as our duty to humanity.
Best to you,
Chris
Lynn, thank you so much for supporting the Women’s march. It really was exhilarating to be involved in something that affects the US as well as the world so much. I think the signs were very appropriate and clever because no one used any other words besides what Trump has already said and showed how twisted his comments were! How could anyone think that those words are respectable for a POTUS to utter!!?? Sure don’t want any of our children to learn to use those words as Trump has used. Also, we need to make sure our children know that lying (NOR alternate facts!!??) is NOT right!
Hi Liz, again you surprise me. I am guessing you believe yourself a Christian but you verbalized more like a Fox Media spokesperson. I am a Christian and am quite sure Jesus and our Father would not condone your president’s actions toward others, verbal abuse of the meek, lying to our citizens, take advantage of women, etc. I would wash my children’s mouths out with soap if they uttered trumps unholy words. Did Jesus ever lie, make fun of the handicapped, belittle others, cheat his supporters? The Good Book says nothing good about people like your trump. You can not ignore his abusive and unchristian behavior and then consider yourself Christian – way too hypocritical!!!! You have nothing to fear Liz from good people like Lynn, or myself for that matter BUT you should fear your president and his nominated cabinet members! NUFF SAID, Dr Herron
That march wasn’t about rights. It was an anti-Trump protest and a vulgar one. I find this march to be very hypocritical. Don’t tell me you have never heard locker room talk. Locker room talk was on all the signs. Obviously, the marchers/protesters use the same language. Hypocrites!
I agree with you. Thanks for your post.
I am a bit slowing in replying as I have had a virus.
Well done Lynn and all the others with their wonderful banners.
There is a huge Petition in UK to stop Trump coming on an official visit.
Whilst it is tough on Her Majesty to have to play host to Trump I can imagine it will be tougher on Trump to have to listen to Prince Philip and Prince Charles and to have to face a
press conference where he cannot silence the press and where if he does not answer he will be made to look even more ignorant than he already is.
His latest banning of citizens from seven countries will make things worse for the USA. It gives genuine ammunition to ISIS to portray the Western Allies as Muslim haters.
Trump is not the first president to put a TEMPORARY travel ban on people from certain countries. In fact, Trump used Obama’s list of countries that Obama banned.
I can’t believe your post, EB! I keep rereading and wondering how anyone could believe the following: “…unlike HRC, Trump has actually held a job, worked hard and achieved success.” ????? All he did was wisely invest the million dollars his father gave him and build hotels and golf courses, etc. Hillary was a Senator and Secretary of State.
I disagree with everything you said, but I’ll stop there.
Thanks, Lynn, for speaking out for MOST of us! We cannot be silent in these dark days.
I know quite a few women who marched, and the ones I know did not view it as an “anti-Trump protest.” These women I know are from all walks of life, some pro-choice, some anti-abortion, but all standing up for women’s rights and the rights of all groups in the USA.
“Locker room talk?” REALLY??? There is NO excuse for some of Trump’s statements to and about women. Trump is the hypocrite.
Obama did NOT institute a travel ban on these countries, or any others. When will the Obama haters and blamers stop these lies?
There are some other good French blogs: French Word a Day, Oui en France, Lou Messugo, France Today, etc. If one is fairly fluent in French, one can also read the news in French at L’Express and other sites. I have enjoyed Southern Fried French for quite some time now because until now it has been a good way to learn about French culture and cuisine.
Am very disappointed by some of the photos you chose to use; agree that some were witty or cute, but to many of us
the “p____ word” = the “c___ word”. I’m all for peaceful protests:have carried placards in marches in the cold, in the rain, but never with vulgar language. I agree with Beth Brannon that it is nice to be able to go somewhere else (in this case to France) in my mind and escape for a few moments. The title “Southern Fried French” hints that this is a Southerner talking about France (c’est vrai, ne -c’est pas?), not politics.