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Opinion

Hard work the 'American' dream

Melissa Correa
Opinion Columnist

It is becoming more and more popular to riot against government for any reason. The flavor of the week seems to be the riots in France. 

French college students are upset over a new law (First Employment Contract) that could take effect in April, which states that employers could fire employees within their first two years of work without providing a reason. 

In France, once you graduate from college, the job you jump into ends up being your career for the rest of your life, whereas in America, when you graduate, you end up working more than one job in your lifetime.

College students are upset over the fact they might not have the traditional "job security" for the rest of their life.

But French businesses say they need to cut back on employees from time to time in order to help France enter and compete in a global economy.

Government leaders are expected to meet with union leaders today to discuss this proposed law. Now students are giving an ultimatum: either stop this legislation or be prepared for the consequences -- union strikes throughout France. Unions are urging members to not show up to work. 

If I were a French company, I wouldn't want to hire these students in the first place -- they are violent, and in my opinion, crazy. Hire me instead. I won't get rowdy. Instead of understanding the possible legislation, studying and agreeing to work hard as an employee, students are setting fire to a Gap patio and bombarding a McDonald's. 

French youth aren't in any place to be giving ultimatums. You're in college -- you aren't in any place to give anything except coupons for cheaper groceries.

These students who are protesting are only ruining their reputation and the world's future. 

Nothing is easy. Do you think you are lucky enough to have only one job for your entire life?

In America, nothing is free. You have to hustle to keep your job. That's the way it should be. That's why America has a strong global economy, and that is why so many people are in line to get citizenship. 

I believe the French realize, "Man, now I've really got to work. I just can't sit pretty on a law that says I can't be fired."

I don't understand why rioting is the solution. Besides harming innocent bystanders, ruining private property and sending a wave of fear across surrounding cities, riots create bad press for the country.

I never thought too much of France, but now I understand why so many people have a bad taste in their mouth when they speak of the French. 

In America, there are many things the government does that citizens don't agree with. Take the three-year anniversary of the Iraqi War. There are a great many people who don't support President Bush and his cabinet, but no one is setting cars on fire, injuring on-lookers or demanding an ultimatum -- because protesting is not effective. 

Striking is not going to get these young people anywhere. Employers will just find employees who are unfazed by the whole situation to do the jobs rioters refuse to do.

It seems to me that France's government has the interests of college students in mind. 

Unemployment is high in France because employers are shaky about hiring young people. I can't imagine why.

This new law would alleviate some stress because the risk wouldn't be as great. I can't believe anyone would rather be unemployed than fired. 

I hope the government doesn't back down. French President Jacques Chirac needs to prove he's the boss, but politics are getting in the way. Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, who is set to be Chirac's chosen candidate to run for president, is worried about what to do. It's a nerve-racking situation. Does Villepin do what's right now or hold off on the legislation until after he could become president? 

I guess French people can't grasp the value of working hard… I forgot, that is the American dream. The saying in France is "Hey dad, I got a new job today -- it's yours." And French people don't like that saying. I think it's great. It captures the truth of life and the workplace. People are constantly replaced, that's the way it is. 

Let these riots be an example to all of us across the pond. Americans aren't promised a job after graduation. 

In January of this year, President Bush worked to create over 200,000 new jobs. From that, we know not to mess with government -- they are working for us. 

Thank goodness our professors and our university are preparing us for the real world. The real world that promises nothing but offers plenty of opportunities. 

Hustling will get you a job, and could get you on TV. Rioting will get you on TV but won't get you a job. 

I hope we all choose to hustle.

Correa, an opinion columnist for The Daily Cougar, 
can be reached at mel_correa@yahoo.com.