Marc and Stacy: You're both correct about the (non) editing process. But thank you for contributing your comments.

"How do you edit a post in this new version?"
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You can't, much to my chagrin.

Thanks for your post on the gathering at the Hôtel de Ville. I had wanted to go but couldn't, but it's nice to hear it went well.

STOP PRESS. That should read: "and hoping that France and the U.S. would NOW cooperate in building a century of peace." Sorry.

(How do you edit a post in this new version?)

One anecdote, one account.

The anecdote: a friend of mine in his 70s turned up in Paris two weeks after the election, wearing a custom-made button: "Another old white guy for Obama." A CDG employee of African origin looked at him, read the button, then bent over (my friend is short) and without a word kissed him on both cheeks.

The account: I'm just back from the event the city of Paris sponsored at the Hôtel de Ville for folks to watch the inaugural oath and address. A very kind statement from the mayor, stressing the long friendship not only of France and the U.S. but also the special relationship Americans have with Paris, and hoping that France and the U.S. would not cooperate in building a century of peace. A similarly generous speech from the U.S. ambassador (on his last day in that role), testifying to values shared by the U.S. and France.

Then the broadcast of the ceremony. Several hundred people in attendance, both Americans and Parisians. Lots of clapping, shouting, and the occasional booing (depending on who it was being shown on the screen). Complete silence for the oath and the address. Upbeat and moving at the same time.

Marc

After the glo .... are the French still excited about Obama?

And what do they think of Sarah Palin?

An interesting audio slide show about an Obama exhibit at Dorothy's Gallery in Paris:

http://www.iht.com/multimedia/audioslideshow/2008/10/23/europe/archive/index.html

Ellen -- Sorry, I am in NY, not France :) My post wasn't clear -- there were fireworks in my NY neighborhood!
A good friend of mine called me at midnight from Time Square where thousands were out cheering.
But I imagine the French are happy, too!

I was going to ask what the reaction to the US election is in France and you answered it, Minette! The whole world seems to be celebrating.

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Please write me @ Kvfawcett@aol.com We know the French love Obama~ ;-) Do they think this will help the global economy and tourism??

I was going to ask what the reaction to the US election is in France and you answered it, Minette! The whole world seems to be celebrating.

ABSO - Freakin' - TOOTLY!! There are fireworks going off all over my neighborhood! AMAZING! How COOL is this!!?? We Did It!!

HALLELUJAH !!!! PRAISE THE LORD

It is just wonderful.