MSNBC ran the story that France is easing the rules on the 35 hour work-week created by the Socialists in 1998 and implemented slowly thereafter to ease unemployment. Since it has remained either in or near double digits, it hasn't helped. An overview of unemployment rates ending 2004: California (the world's 5th largest economy): 3.1% Japan: 4.4% Ireland: 4.8% UK: 5.0% US: 5.1% Australia: 5.1% Denmark: 5.4% Sweden: 5.7% Italy: 7.2% Canada: 7.3% France: 9.9% Spain: 11.3% Germany: 11.4% Poland: 19.6% Not much commentary required. While all the leftist nutcrackers whine about "free" medical care, perhaps it's good to remember: there is no free lunch. That "free" medical care is paid for by 2x the tax rate and most likely your job. It reminds me of a mildly funny line in a favorite TV show; the glamorous lead pours herself a drink from her well-appointed bar and her villainous visitor asks for one. She replies, "Buy your own." What a concept.