France is experiencing widespread protests, political unrest, and growing frustration over the cost of living. Could America be heading down a similar path? As demonstrations spread across Europe, Michael Smerconish examines the economic and political forces driving the unrest—and what they might reveal about America’s future. CNN Chief International Correspondent *Clarissa Ward* joins Michael live from Paris, where thousands of protesters have gathered amid heightened security following violent demonstrations. She explains why many French citizens reject President Trump’s characterization of the unrest as an immigration crisis, instead pointing to rising costs, struggling schools, and growing economic uncertainty. Then, CNN political commentator and *The Dispatch editor-in-chief Jonah Goldberg* offers his perspective on what the unrest reveals about France’s deeper problems. Goldberg argues that mounting government debt, unsustainable spending, and economic stagnation have contributed to the crisis—and warns that America risks repeating some of the same mistakes. With America’s national debt approaching $40 trillion, concerns about Social Security and Medicare, and political frustration growing across the ideological spectrum, are the similarities becoming impossible to ignore? Michael, Clarissa, and Jonah explore competing explanations for France’s unrest, the rise of political extremes, and the lessons Americans might take from Europe’s troubles. *Are Americans better off than Europeans facing high costs, low wages, and an uncertain future?* Watch the conversation and share your thoughts below. Subscribe for more political analysis and conversations with Michael Smerconish.
Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
