“I Hate The French”

I’ve overheard this statement more than once. Although I am uncertain of the root cause. One source may be France’s defeat by the Nazis during World War II. Hitler’s aerial attacks, the heaviest the world had ever seen at that time, ensured the expansion of the Third Reich further west. This assault tactic is called Blitzkrieg (and is also a fantastic Metallica song where Kirk Hammet shreds unbelievably).  The French fought back hard with counter-attacks by courageous generals like Charles de Gaulle.  While in exile, de Gaulle led Free French Forces denouncing Southern France’s post-invasion deal making with the Germans.

As president, De Gaulle later helped France become the world’s fourth nuclear power.  Currently, France is the world leader in this realm.  Its 59 nuclear power plants produce 79% of the country’s electricity.  By comparison the US obtains about 20%.  Heavy elements like Uranium and Plutonium are ideal candidates to harness nuclear energy because their atomic nuclei contain lots of protons.  Since protons repel each other, lots of energy is naturally contained there to keep the atom from breaking apart.  Some of the energy leaks as powerful gamma rays thereby making these substances radioactive.  Although Dr. David Banner OD’ed on gamma rays, they’re not all bad.  Nuclear reactors harness this energy by heating water to move steam turbines linked to electric generators.  Excess heat is emitted as water vapor (the “clouds” coming from  the cooling towers in the pic).

France’s innovative approach steering away from fossil fuels in favor of nuclear power can be traced to Madam Curie, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in a male dominated world of chemistry and physics.  A French citizen, she revolutionized our understanding of radioactivity forever changing the world.

According to the World Health Organization France also delivers the world’s best health care.  WHO conducted a massive study of 191 countries that measured preventable deaths, unnecessary suffering, and denial of basic rights to health.  The US came in at #37.  The current health care reform bill, containing a government role similar to France, offers seemingly viable options to the uninsured.  After carefully reading the bill, I haven’t confirmed many of its criticisms and am still uncertain of their root cause.  As Americans we can learn a few things from France’s innovative ways. This doesn’t detract from our identity but rather enhances it as the US continues to evolve as a global leader..oui?

Tagged as: Charles de Gaulle, gamma rays, health care reform, nuclear power