Collated and with commentary by Patrice Greanville
PREFACE
The video below is an eloquent document about the clashes of Gilets Jaunes with the police. The anger of the demonstrators is obvious, there's pent-up frustration with a regime they perceive as deaf and dumb to their interests or the institutions of genuine democracy (sound familiar?). The video —a collage of various clashes and possibly different dates—focuses on a great deal of violence, but Gilets Jaunes "acts" (as they call them) are mostly peaceful. Do not—despite these images—yield to the notion the Gilets are a bunch of irresponsible "casseurs" (guys just out to break senselessly everything in sight). Their cause is just. But notice as well that these are people who are not easily intimidated. There's something to be learned from the French here, in how they tell the ruling cliques that they won't be taken for granted. Except for the top video, all the rest reflect events occurring between January 19 and 20.
Gilets Jaunes pay hommage to their fallen. They congregate at the esplanade of the Invalides to mount a great march to other important points of the city. Note the festive, fearless air pervading these rallies, as the people feel confident of the justness of their cause and the protection of their numbers.
Acte 10 : Les Gilets Jaunes rendent hommage aux victimes. Forte mobilisation.
Published on Jan 19, 2019
DIJON : Gilets Jaunes Acte 10 (1/2)
For its part, Infos Dijon has produced some excellent videos of the developing struggle against neoliberalism, in a city which has its own very creative way of showing its displeasure. Never mind that they overdo a bit the "property stamp", somewhat annoying, still a great resource, visually speaking. (Dijon is the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France, one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. It’s known for its traditional mustard, vineyard tours, autumn gastronomic fair and building styles ranging from Gothic to art deco. The distinguished 1787 Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the vast Palace of the Dukes, holds a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, crafts and antiquities. Her population is about 150,000.)
Published on Jan 19, 2019
Dijon : Gilets Jaunes Acte 10 (2/2)
Published on Jan 20, 2019
Paris—Act 10 around Les Invalides (center of Paris)
Jan. 20 2019
Police charge at end of demonstration. A commenter says, "they always seem to take pleasure in thrusting their knees on the neck of the protesters." Observe the tactics.
ACTE 10 des Gilets Jaunes à BORDEAUX - Toujours présents !
Published on Jan 20, 2019
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
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Revolutionary wisdom