When the second world war began to turn against Germany Hitler, recognizing the symbolic power of Paris, gave an order that if the Germans were forced to retreat from Paris they should destroy the city on their way out. This directive was not carried out, but it points out the strong symbolism of Paris to civilization.
Today France is the second most significant economy in Europe. Second only to Germany.
In 1314 Jacques de Molay was burned on a scaffold across from Notre Dame on a small island in the Seine. de Molay was the last head of the Knights Templar and his death represented the end of that organization.
The Knights Templar were the leading fighters in the Crusades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar
It is thought that de Molay was executed largely because King Philip was deeply in debt to the Knights Templar and de Molay had become a thorn in his side that he no longer needed.
The Crusades were a series of attempts by Christian Europeans to 'reclaim' the holy land from the Muslim control... but by the time of de Molay's death the Crusades were no longer a popular cause.
http://www.history.com/topics/crusades
It's estimated that about 2 million people died in the crusades.
In Feb of this year Obama made a comparison between ISIS/Al-Qaida and the crusades and was roundly criticized for doing so. (mostly by the Christian right).
The battle between European/Christian populations and Arab/Muslim populations has, despite the seemingly 'horrific' terrorist attacks in Paris, abated to relative insignificance. It has been rightly pointed out that civilization has advanced considerably since 1300 and mass slaughter is no longer considered a valid religious exercise... at least by most.
There will be more such attacks as unemployed young Muslims try to find meaning in life via 'religiously' motivated murder/suicide. We probably can't kill them all... but we can try.
When I am in the US I always carry a pistol for self defense. I always feel uncomfortable when I am in Europe because carrying a gun there is a big NO-NO.
The French especially are critical of the US because of the ubiquity of guns here. I wonder how the people in Paris feel about the wisdom of carrying a gun this morning.
Today France is the second most significant economy in Europe. Second only to Germany.
In 1314 Jacques de Molay was burned on a scaffold across from Notre Dame on a small island in the Seine. de Molay was the last head of the Knights Templar and his death represented the end of that organization.
The Knights Templar were the leading fighters in the Crusades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar
It is thought that de Molay was executed largely because King Philip was deeply in debt to the Knights Templar and de Molay had become a thorn in his side that he no longer needed.
The Crusades were a series of attempts by Christian Europeans to 'reclaim' the holy land from the Muslim control... but by the time of de Molay's death the Crusades were no longer a popular cause.
http://www.history.com/topics/crusades
It's estimated that about 2 million people died in the crusades.
In Feb of this year Obama made a comparison between ISIS/Al-Qaida and the crusades and was roundly criticized for doing so. (mostly by the Christian right).
The battle between European/Christian populations and Arab/Muslim populations has, despite the seemingly 'horrific' terrorist attacks in Paris, abated to relative insignificance. It has been rightly pointed out that civilization has advanced considerably since 1300 and mass slaughter is no longer considered a valid religious exercise... at least by most.
There will be more such attacks as unemployed young Muslims try to find meaning in life via 'religiously' motivated murder/suicide. We probably can't kill them all... but we can try.
When I am in the US I always carry a pistol for self defense. I always feel uncomfortable when I am in Europe because carrying a gun there is a big NO-NO.
The French especially are critical of the US because of the ubiquity of guns here. I wonder how the people in Paris feel about the wisdom of carrying a gun this morning.