Paris Attacks: Terror In Paris, France – 11/13/15 - Jimmy Hall

Unfortunately, Paris was attacked in numerous places on Friday, November 13^th. Whenever something horrific or bad happens there, I feel extra-sensitive and connected with the Parisians and the French in general. Why?

I love Paris, France, and almost everything about it - the people, buildings, history, monuments, museums, River Seine, literature, bridges, cafes, squares, gardens, lovely women, rues & boulevards, and even the tourist attractions. (Remember, if not for the French there would be no United States; the French Treasury & Navy basically won our American Revolution for us.)

Few people know that 4 American Presidents and numerous other famous American diplomats and politicians actually lived on the same street in Paris (rue du Richelieu). Amazing. Ben Franklin (who mainly lived in the Passy district) was like The Beatles in 18^th Century France, unbelievably popular. Thomas Jefferson was also greatly admired.

Having said all of this, why is Paris under assault? I can tell you exactly why. You do not have to be someone like me that once visited the City regularly to understand. Please read-on.

Paris is the head of France, an ultra-centralized nation. The French have recently (in the past 6 or 8 years) realized the tremendous mistake they started making 25-30 years ago, allowing almost anyone and everyone through their borders. They have taken a new stand against Islam and its terrorists, reversing their decades of bad immigration policies.

France went from a 95% Catholic nation to about 12% Muslim in a matter of a few decades. Once the French Officials started remedying their folly and poor immigration policies, it was almost too late – and the terrorists have been, and now are, taking revenge upon the very nation that once kindly welcomed them in.

The burning of thousands cars and buildings by the young Muslims across France a handful of years ago was the beginning of the storm. Then came the Charlie Hebdo massacre, last year. (“Je suis Charlie.”)

The Muslims not only want to take-over spiritually, but also politically and socially (in France, and world-wide). They feel like scare tactics and open revolt will push France to give-in to their demands of a completely Liberal borders/immigration policy, even more so than decades ago. (To a great extent, the terrorists got what they wanted from France during the Iraq War period.)

There is a huge disconnect between the French people and their government. I know.

I vividly recall being in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris a couple of weeks after the Muslim’s 9/11 attacks on the United States. The Parisian people were still weeping for us, playing Sinatra and Martin songs, buying Americans drinks, singing to us, and generally showing all the love and support we could ever ask for from them. But…

The French Government, on the other hand, gave a good initial public image of support for us, before soon turning on America with a passion. Before long we were against them as a nation, because of their government’s lack of support for ours.

Through all of this, the French people (especially Parisians) were more akin to our American thoughts and views. Hence, the disconnect.

Paris and France are both resilient places and people. They always suffer (partly due to their own ignorance) and then somehow rebound (often with the help of others). A certain spirit thrives in the French, but is not always as operational as the French Resistance was in functions.

Whoever attacked Paris, whether ISIS or any other group, needs to be severely dealt with; and YES, America should help punish them. Close your eyes if you want to, at your own risk. This is a spiritual war against the Western way of life.