Visvaldis

I think I'll console myself, buy a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of Cotes du Rhone.

Germany and the USA have a mutual agreement regarding retirement pensions since 1979. Apparently, a significant number from both countries live and work in the other country. I receive retirement benefits from Germany. This made my US Social Security pension subject to WEP - Windfall Elimination Provision. The purpose is to make sure retirees who receive pensions from sources other than social security are not treated to a "financial retirement bonanza". To me it was like a knife in the back, reducing my US pension by over 300 dollars per month. I could easily devote five pages to my opinions about America's healthcare and social security systems, but this is not the place for it. I try to keep informed about current events in France. I guess that France has enough problems with immigrants from other European nations as well as from Africa. And it's quite likely that the French authorities have set rigid standards on how much one needs to live in France without public assistance. I thank everyone for their input to this thread. You are all informative, that helps me greatly to grasp the reality of the situation, as disconcerting as it is for me.

Thanks for the responses. I should have mentioned that I live frugally, self-sufficiently, and would not be a drain on welfare. It may be hard to understand, but many things that others view as absolutely essential are not required by me. The many varieties of electronic gadgets, for example. I think I can safely assume that most expats living in France are earning or have earned six-digit incomes, or close to it. I'm different. My thread is just an attempt to gather information, although I was aware that chances of finding affordable health care insurance are slim. I appreciate your responses to my thread.

I am an American, retired, and receive monthly pensions from the US and Germany, for a combined total about 1,000 Euros. I lived and worked (non-military) in Germany for 18 years and paid into the German healthcare system. But I did not live in Germany during the last 10 years prior to retirement and am therefore not eligible for their statutory retirement health insurance which is required for a residence permit. Germany’s private insurance is way beyond my finances, so I’m searching for alternatives. While in Germany I made several trips to France, my favorite country. I like the landscape, climate, culture, architecture, and the quality of life attitudes. Living in France would be wonderful. I am fluent in English and German, but a novice beginner at French. This, however, can be remedied with determined study. I’m 66, have no health issues and am interested in the cheapest possible health insurance, for non EU members, of minimum coverage to obtain a resident permit for France. I am open to all suggestions, advice, and even other European lands. I will consider everything.

I have a liking for comedians who ridicule traditional values for their absurdity. For instance, the type of style which make the bourgeoisie boil with rage and demand that such comedians should be censored or jailed. I do not count myself among the bourgeoisie and view many social conventions as ridiculous. For American comedians I especially like Bill Maher. The so called 'decent, hard-working patriots' despise him with a passion. He's been called insane, anti-American, a communist, and various other names. But I appreciate what he says, like 'never underestimate American stupidity'. Since many years I have admired the Surrealists and Dadaists for their ridicule of society. They did not present their views with humor, but had plenty of criticism for society's holy cows. I know that my mode of thinking is not popular and likely to be condemned. However, as a nihilist, I believe life is absurd. That includes society. I think more comedians should have the courage to view accepted social attitudes as absurd. This is why I am interested in comedians in France and how the outcasts are treated by the public.

I like the style of Eddie Izzard, Billy Connolly, and David Allen. I wonder if France has comedians similar to them?

Getting back to the OP. That's what I wondered, how the French react to biting social and political humor. Also, I might add religious to that. I know many Americans would be outraged if their religious beliefs were the subject of humor. I always have the feeling that France would not be so swift to condemn any humor which goes beyond the conventional. My personal views are like the adage: Nothing is sacred.

The longest movie (3 1/2 hours) that I've seen, but interesting. 37 Le Matin (Betty Blue) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYxsXY-YrXc

I appreciate the tip about Florence Foresti. Apparently, she has a great talent for humor. One of her youtube routines even had sub-titles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGtqL1WRBu0

Thanks much for the names, I'll do some research. I never found Bob Hope to be very funny. But Jon Stewart is humorous. Stephen Colbert is excellent because of his sarcasm and wit. Generally, too many American humorists are fearful of breaking American taboos, and losing audiences. I also like Bill Maher for his political and social views. He's bold and fearless.

Thanks for your responses. No paper for my studies, my college days are decades behind me. Actually, I plan (within 20 months) to relocate to France, probably in Tarn, maybe Albi. All my life I've appreciated strange humor and wondered how such is handled in France. Several months ago, by idling surfing through youtube, I discovered a few short segments of Monkey Dust. What I saw was excellent! That's the kind of strange things I like. I wonder how the average French person would react to Monkey Dust.

I’m interested to know how Americans and British living in France perceive French humor and what differences they notice. I’m especially interested to know what you think about witty, biting social and political satire in French media. Are comedians bold? Do taboos exist? What are they? Do the comments of humorists anger certain people and politicians? I have heard of the popular Coluche, but unfortunately, my knowledge of French lacks to understand his routines.