Rachida Dati -- super-women or reckless mother

Here's a picture of a courageous super-woman. No, it's not. It shows a bad mother and disgrace to the feminist cause. The argument has been raging since the unexpected return to work of Rachida Dati, the French Justice Minister. Only five days earlier, she gave birth to her first baby -- by  caesarean section. The father's identity remains a state secret. More on that below

Dati, 43, the glamour-figure of President Sarkozy's government, left her clinic in the 16th arrondissement yesterday morning. In freezing weather, the single mother showed Zohra, her baby, to admirers (picture below). An hour later, she turned up looking trim in stiletto heels and a tight suit for the weekly cabinet session. Sarko opened by contratulating "la jeune maman" -- the young mummy.

The very image-conscious Dati was pulling off one her stunts. Her decision to forego the standard three-month maternity leave was ridiculed by those who see her as a pushy, over-promoted favourite of the President. Her admirers saw her return as typical of the pluck that took her from a childhood on the immigrant housing estates to one of the highest government posts.

Everyone understood that Dati, who is deemed to be a disastrous minister, was desperate to keep her job and be there when Sarkozy announced his radical plan to abolish the institution of investigating judges (last post). The argument is whether she has set a bad example for women and is neglecting her daughter.

In the media, blogs and internet forums, the criticism is outweighing the approval. "Dati is doing a disservice to the women's cause," Sophie de Menthon, a feminist businesswoman, told Metro newspaper. "She is driving herself to a point that women who have children know is superhuman. Instinctively and not rationally, I abhor this."

Claude Askolovitch, Editor of the Journal du Dimanche, tore into Dati in his daily breakfast commenatary on Europe 1 radio. She was betraying the women who had fought for their rights by giving the impression that maternity leave is a luxury option, he said. It had been a mistake to see Dati as an icon of ethnic diversity because her case was unique. "She is a solitary character.. and even in happiness, she often inspires a little sadness."

Catherine Nay, a veteran journalist who wrote the authoritative biography on Sarkozy, said Dati was making a mistake because she was stirring up yet another row over her behaviour. "There is in her action an excessive determination to stay in power... It is not clear that being modern means being rushed and reckless," said Nay.   

Luc Chatel, the minister who acts as government spokesman, defended Dati. "Rachida has always said that to be a mother was the greatest of happinesses, but at the same time that she had important duties that she would continue to fulfill," he said.

Everyone is bored with the Dati soap opera -- or so we are supposed to believe. A poll on the media in La Croix newspaper today ranked her as one of the subjects which the public believes is over-reported. Yet the internet is full of Dati and she repeatedly scores as a profitable cover story for magazines -- both news and celebrity. So a lot of people are intrigued by her.

It's obvious that the Dati saga has a lot of good old-fashioned ingredients: power, sex and rags-to-riches. Dati is a Cinderella who was elevated from obscurity as the prince's favourite and became a force in her own right. (She talked her way into Sarkozy's staff when he was Interior Minister and she was serving as a junior investigating judge in the suburbs.)   

She has flouted decorum -- indulging a taste for showing off in luxury brands and posing for fashion shoots at the same time as imposing Sarko's harsh new sentencing rules and a painful overhaul of the justice system. She is deeply unpopular among her judges and civil servants whom she commands. For a while she was Sarko's social escort. Now he is said to regard her as incompetent but is unable to bring himself to remove her, if only because she is such a symbol. After having the baby and loyally come back to work, she is almost unsackable.

On the matter of le père, the media have been mainly silent this week, while the internet has been full of a picture of François Sarkozy, the President's younger brother. He visited Dati in the maternity clinic over the weekend. Today, Paris Match magazine confirmed that Dati had spent Christmas eve at the home of Andrée Sarkozy, the President's mother. It also published a picture of Madame Sarkozy visiting Dati's clinic. No further explanation was given.   

The names of other possible fathers are still circulating. José-Maria Aznar, the former Spanish Prime Minister, is first among them despite his public denials last autumn. Then there is a suggestion that Dati, who was very keen to have a first child and in her 43rd year, simply chose an anonymous donor.

Comments

[Do-re-mi]

The political equivalent of the Hollywood mother who loses her baby-fat in record time eating 3 raisins a day and show off in a eye-patch bikini in Barbados after the People spread.
But more likely she is afraid for her job and wants to show she is still up for it despite the fact that some employer don't see you fit for work once you have popped. Being French she looks amazing and a fashion plate, the circus show will be in town for quite a while, Segolene pulled the same stunt few years back. I am waiting for Gala.
As mother you can't win anyway, ask mine.

[leila]

Maternity leave is a historical conquest for the society as a whole, for the well-being the future generations (and not just for women). At a time when men are growingly taking paternal leave, Ms Dati is just a reckless mother and a greedy politician. Also, the fact that she leaves her baby to the care of her sisters and family shows her values are those of a clannish society and raises the question of how far she has taken on French culture. Some months ago there was also the case in which she rendered nul a marriage of a woman because she was not virgin... She is definitely un-European.

[Terry]

"Then there is a suggestion that Dati, who was very keen to have a first child and in her 43rd year, simply chose an anonymous donor."

Yes! Dati is 43 years old. Conception does not come (i cant resist the pun) easily at that age. Almost always, medical assistance is required for implantation. Of course, we are assuming her eggs are still viable too.

One other point...I thought that we were in the age where women get to make their own choices. I think most men really dont care if she goes to work or not after her pregnancy. Ironically, it appears that it is women who are being rather...paternalistic about this.

Isnt it usually this way? Men are always being accused of telling women what to do. But it is really women who try to dictate to other women how they should behave whether it be what they wear, sex, etc.?

That should fill your inbox, Charles.

[Bob]

You Europeans like um barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen, don't you? In the U.S. We now have a woman as a four-star general. Our women have been fighter pilots for about 20 years. Unlike you, I'm not afraid to compete with a woman. I am a former paratrooper, Vietnam veteran. One day you men will get into the "20th Century."

[rocket]

So the rumor mill is running amok. Well well! Let's look at the facts. About 9 months ago Ms. Dati was impregnated, but we at a loss to know by whom. If I may add that at about that same time, Terry,(our blogger friend (who has made no secret of his "ganas" for Ms. Dati) was in Paris paying a fortune for a chicken.

Yeh, right! He just decided like that to take a trip to Paris! Like reeaaally believable! I have reliable sources who have informed me that Mr. Terry excused himself to to to the restroom at La Closerie and was absent for about 15 minutes. (hmm!)

So people please.

Let's just stop all this nonsense and put two and two together and voilà. The father is obviously Terry!

I rest my case.

[Daisy]

The quickest way to get hurt is to get between Rachida Dati and a camera.

Charles is right when he characterises it as a 'stunt'. It was all carefully choreographed to hog the spotlight on that particular day and judging from her appearance, she clearly spent a great deal of time getting ready for her closeup.

I wouldn't be surprised if Sarko's brother was the father. Carla (clearly not a RD fan) took Sarko out of the equation, what is an upwardly mobile gal to do to guarantee her job? Hmmm, how giving birth to the boss's niece? This woman is ambitious and will clearly do anything to keep her rung on the ladder. People are fascinated because she's like an out of control train. We're all just waiting to see the crash.

Oh and 'jeune mamam'? Puh-lese!She's 43! That's on the gerontological side of the babymaking spectrum.

[Elise]

What's the point of having children if you abandon them 5 days after their birth? A baby needs its mother, especially that one, who apparently does not have a father!

[Lilly]

As a mother who went back to work five days after my baby was born over 20 years ago, I totally approve of the choice Ms Dati made. She is a career woman in a high powered position. She has clearly planned the whole transition from pregnancy to motherhood. I am sure that her daughter is very well looked after.

Ms Dati's choice does not in any way say that this should be the norm. She is also lucky that her body has such great powers of recovery. She also knows how to polish her own image and is doing it well. 'Sisters' will just have to take it.

[rita levy]

It will backfire sooner rather than later; I have gone through that pattern myself wanting to show how strong I was; one week after giving birth I was back as a lawyer and in court;

There are no words, except just the very simple ones: the bond between mother and child obviously will suffer tremendously, and physically she will have the "boomerang" effect... to deal with in the coming months!

we are all women, and as mothers we know it does take time to deal not only with this enormous change in our life, but it also takes time to deal with the hormonal change, which takes its toll.

but then again, everybody has to live his/her own life and experience how it feels... nobody wants to listen to advice you do not want to hear, or think you know better....

I would say, poor baby....

[Terry]

Rocket said:

"Yeh, right! He just decided like that to take a trip to Paris! Like reeaaally believable! I have reliable sources who have informed me that Mr. Terry excused himself to to to the restroom at La Closerie and was absent for about 15 minutes. (hmm!):

15 minutes? Do you have foreplay before you satisfy yourself Rocket? (woe to Charles and his blog...a new low for the Americans)

I dont need to come (here i go again) to Paris to do that. We have Overseas FedEx in the US.

Since you "raised" the subject (get it?), I am familiar with the in vitro process. Far from excusing yourself to a bathroom in an overpriced French restaurant, you really do fly "first class" at these in vitro facilities. That means leather sofa couch, tv with "videos", a tv remote (my 2nd favorite thing next to bikinis), a magazine rack, full bathroom and lotion. The only thing missing is the flunkie with a hand towel. The same flunkie you will find in overpriced French restaurants.

Oh my god, did I just admit to something?

BTW: Charles graciously added me as a friend on Facebook. A nice gesture he is sure to regret. Are you there rocket?

[Fernandez]

Wow, harsh crowd here today!

I've always seen her as the female version of Sarko. She's certainly taken on his love of publicity and bling.

As for returning to work after five days, I think she was genuinely worried for her job. She may have the legal right to maternity leave, but the de facto truth is that, if she wants to keep her job, she can't afford to be away from the office.

[à la difference de Sarko, Dati owes her career all the way along to the patronage of powerful people (usually men) whom she charmed with her energy and ambition. Sarko worked his way up the electoral ladder from town councillor in his early 20s to President in his 50s -- without much patronage and often in the face of resistance from his allies. CB]

[Maggie]

I just don't see how she can do it, physically. Giving birth is exhausting; you need a lot of rest the first few weeks (months?). I was only 29 when I had my last baby, but I remember how glad I was when the doctor suggested I stay an extra day in hospital. That was partly because I had an extra large baby -- nearly eleven and a half pounds (over five kilos), but I still don't think that compares to having a first baby at 43 years old. That's OLD!! Her body is OLD for that!

She's got to be kidding herself if she thinks she can just carry on in such a high-profile job as if nothing has changed. She will need a lot of extra sleep, or she might end up having some kind of a public break-down (like Britney Spears).

Bob, the former Vietnam paratrooper says above that American women have been fighter pilots for twenty years, and he is not afraid to compete with women, but what has that got to do with giving birth? Do fighter pilots go back to work five days after having a baby, Bob? I'll be totally amazed if you tell me that they do. Do they even ALLOW fighter pilots to have babies at age 43?

[Michael]

Great to see the lady, hope Mum And Baby are doing well...

I see Bob from USA message

Nice to see the US army getting female 4 star generals and jet jockeys too. I guess after the screw up in Vietnam by the guys, you had to be helped out. Polish the medals and sink the beers. Why didn't they let us win ?

[Marlene]

It was her choice, despite the huge amount of maternity leave to which Dati is entitled. Here in the US, there are no standards for maternity leave as pregnant women usually cobble together maternity leave based unused sick and vacation days. If you have only 2 weeks annual leave, you are going to be back at work rather quickly .. if you can find day care.

[rocket]

Terry

A little anecdote for you.

In my first year of University(yes I went and a good one at that), there was a supermarket across the street from the dorm. All of the employees working in the butcher's section of that supermarket wore supermarket t shirts on which was written

You can't beat our meat!

This is a true story and the supermarket was a national chain.

15 minutes? Do you have foreplay before you satisfy yourself Rocket?

Foreplay - what's that?
Sex - what's that?

[rocket]

Terry

I'm not on facebook

That is a sure way to be spammed to death even more than I already am. Plus they want all your personal information and I had an unfortunate affair with a sheep and some other livestock many years ago that I am trying to keep quiet.

[John Stobart]

I applaud Mlle Dati. Those who would seem to preach equality and diversity are in fact often too eager to impose their on preferences on others. It is her choice - please remember that.

[rocket]

Lilly

"She is also lucky that her body has such great powers of recovery"

How do you know? Not knowing the inside of the movie industry (which is what is going on in the government)you probably don't know that some actors were literally dying onscreen. But thanks to the magic of makeup we never knew it.

Beauty is only skin deep. Literally! It's often all in the makeup

http://tuvida.aol.com/moda-y-belleza/fotos/stars-without-make-up

So having access to makeup artists what we really want to see is what she looks like without the warpaint.

And what is with those stiletto heels. IMHO, it doesn't give a serious impression of professionalism. But what the hell! This is France and they think differently. Does she think she is turning some people on?

What is this government? Charly's Angels.

[Cate]

Why do we all spend a great deal of time judging people's personal lives so very much? Can someone do a column about that please?

[Francois D]

I fully agree with Lilly opinion.

She is free to do what she wants and how she feels. I am certain that her daughter is well maintained (if father is Sarko's brother, father is Pediatrician ...).

The important thing is not the quantity of time but the quality of that time.

She is very courageous to be so fast at work after a caesarean section. I have said here how I consider the girls from the North African immigration courageous and intelligents. They are educated a lot harder than a majority of boys (that is not true for all families).

Ps The law requires that any company or administration where women work, the employer must offer a closed and discreet room for a mother breastfeeding
- The only criticism we could do would be that she does not promote breastfeeding by resuming the work so quickly, but perhaps she well organizes her schedule ...

[Cassie]

Wow. Amazing. This is the type of S*#t that one would expect from a southern, white trash, bible thumping american.

[Christopher Muir]

Well, who's been left holding the baby?

[Lex Stevens]

Tonton Nicolas. That would explain a great deal, now wouldn't it?

Dati doesn't have a chance. She's damned if she does and damned if she doesn't. Just having had major surgery, I doubt she will be working full days just yet.

It's all bourgeois grousing anyway. I dare say the overwhelming majority of women in the world return to their duties soon after giving birth. Is pulling on a pair of Spanx and putting on a pair of Jimmy Choos and going to the palace that much different from tying up one's hair and going out and tending mealies? How many women in the world are allowed to remain in hospital for five days? How many women in the western world have the luxury of having sisters and a mother who are able to care for their children?

As for 'jeune mamam', I suppose Daisy would have been happier had Sarko said, "Let's have a round of applause for the old bag that drug her ass back to work so soon after poppin' one out."

I fear that Leila's hatred of Dati is clouding her reason. Or is it Arabs that she doesn't like? Maternity leave is a luxury that only the wealthiest societies can afford. Or is it a compromise that capitalists have made with workers so that they can still effectively exploit all citizens? Clannish? So you think that Dati should take her three months off, then put her child in creche like any decent, self-respecting, modern woman would do? I can't quite figure out if you are a capitalist who sees the family as a threat to the needs of industry or a socialist who sees the family as a threat to the proletariat or a fascist who sees the family as a threat to the state. I believe the marriage was nullified because of a contract violation. Or are you suggesting that Canon Law should govern contracts, as opposed to secular law?

[Michael]

Bob - Wow - women in the USA - 4 Star Generals, and fighter pilots too - amazing. You are a paratrooper - Vietnam veteran. I suppose as the US army got beaten in Vietnam, the powers that be had to let the girls have a go and give you guys a hand out.

Nice e mail

[azloon]

many american women return to work immediately after delivery since most don't have the luxurious maternity benefits of europeans. so a dati-like quick return would be no big deal here.

btw, haven't the critics ever heard of a wet nurse? many women would do well to turn their children over to others for care. the children might thank them later after they've got to know them better.

so Dati's 'quick change act' wouldn't draw much attention in the u.s. but her mystery about the baby's father certainly would, but which, because of law and custom, it doesn't in france. go figure!

personally, i hope its sarko's brother.

what with carlita seducing her lover's son, and rachdida, ns's former companion, seducing nick's's brother, there would be a certain incestuous symmetry which sarko and carla may have occasion to discuss.

:)

[San Ying]

zzz...Y...AWN..zzz!

[M. L.]

And how many children have you birthed, supermom chuck?

Keep embarrassing yourself while you find something real to write about.

[rocket]

Lex

I have to admit I can't quite figure out who you are either. You have a "lexicon" like a liberal and references to wealth like a wanabee. ex. your post on your watch)

Azloon

"but her mystery about the baby's father certainly would, but which, because of law and custom, it doesn't in france. go figure!"

It certainly does! The only difference is the French press are too much of cowards to pursue this any further and IMHO most French people will not openly admit any prurient interests. The press, as with many French individuals are very strong at insinuation through rumor. One day when the press will have the royal go ahead they will pursue this in the most gutter style as others do.

[H.O.]

There's a difference between "jeune maman" and "maman jeune". The President meant Dati is young as a mother, and not shes a "young mother"

[Jan]

In Scandinavia childbirth leave is 18 months long and can be taken by either the mother or the father. Many men take it, I took it and the bond I have to my girl is unique! At least 2 male Ministers (one in SQweden) have taken it too. The leave is thought to be for the best of everyone.

I'mnot sure it would be understood in other partsof the world, but n any case I hope the standards in the world will be raised and that this leave will apply to more countries (it's increasing, in fact, at least in Europe).

Dati would NOT have lost her job if she had taken the leave. In light of the European mentality in regard of this social advancement, can you imagine the scandal??? Sarkozy would have exposed himself to irreversible damaging critics if she had disposed of Ms Dati during of after her maternity leave.

Ms Dati has a XX century mentality, believing women had to play with men's cards to have a working life. I know, I know, it's still the cse in many countries in the world -but let's change that instead of defending it.

[susan durst]

Q : Is Rachida Dati "pushy, over-promoted ... a disastrous minister"?

A : Yes.

Q : Is she entitled, if she feels physically able, to attend an important meeting 5 days after having a baby ?

A : Yes.

I'm appalled by some of the judgemental attitudes posted here. The percentage of 40+ women, particularly successful educated women, having babies - and by natural means, Terry - has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Medically, Dati is no "older" today than a 30 year old would have been in previous generations.

From personal experience, I can certify that most European business women in senior positions don't take full maternity leave - and this doesn't mean they bond with their babies any less than stay-at-home mothers. They may not hit the headlines like Rachida, but they're back in action - often part-time or working from home - soon after the birth. Having a baby isn't an illness, and a healthy woman recovers her energy within a week or so. Apparently this is Dati's credo too ... and how do all you self-proclaimed experts know what's "best" for her and her baby ?

N.B. In French "jeune maman" refers to a woman recently becoming a mother, not her age.

[Jan]

I also have a friend Ambassador who took the paternity leave and my good old pal Matts, Managing Director at a multinational company, who took the months off. Also at the United Nations and all its agencies men can take paternity leave, around 2 months.

[Maggie]

"many american women return to work immediately after delivery since most don't have the luxurious maternity benefits of europeans. so a dati-like quick return would be no big deal here." (Azloon)

I would think that most of these women who return to work immediately after delivery would be a bit younger, wouldn't they? A woman who waits until she's 43 to give birth would probably be fairly established in her career and financially able to take a little more time off, and because of her age would NEED more time off.

So I think it's a little sad that she wanted this baby, and chose to have it, but doesn't feel free to enjoy it. She feels compelled to return to work. She looks terrific, but I just think that underneath she must be very tired, and she must be feeling a little mixed-up too.

[Christopher Muir]

IS DATI DOTTY? That was this afternoon's on-line Sydney Morning Herald's main story. That cements her place as a real international celeb, up there with Nicole Kidman and the others.

Dati must appreciate the discrete concern shown by the Sarlozy clan for her well-being. Possibly the president could encourage his wife to compose a little song to celebrate the event.

[dot king]

elderly prima gravida = in this case, "jeune maman" :)

[susan durst]

JAN : The option of paternity leave exists in France too, although it's not 18 months. What you call the "social advancement" of the Swedish model might not be appreciated by some women (or men). Personally, spending 18 months at home with a baby would have driven me up the wall with boredom ... Surely this is an area where there is no "correct solution". Women and their partners should opt for what they think is right for them, rather than feeling pressurised to "raise the standards of the world".

[Anne-Marie]

Having had a caesarean section at 41 with my first and only child, I don't know how Rachida is able to walk in high heals, let alone go back to work, after only five days. I disagree that she is doing a disservice to the woman's cause. She has exercised her right to choose. And being surrounded by a supportive family has no doubt helped her make that choice. She may regret her decision later, but for now 'Good luck lady'.

[Rashida Ali]

As an aspiring lawyer, the most difficult question I ask my self everyday is when will I have children? And if I do will I have to give up my career that I’ve worked so hard for? Having a family and a career are both important to me. But sometimes can seem impossible.

If Rachida Dati feels she can have both at her age, good for her!

[dot king]

She does what she wants - I make that clear, though I do fear that in doing so, she has left a path wide open for some bad faith employers.
What occured to me when I heard the baby was born, two weeks early and by caesarian, was that this was done in order to have her back on her feet in time for the first meeting of the Winter Rentrée.

I thought she was walking rather uncomfortably in those heels and don't know whether it's the heels themselves or the heels plus post-op discomfort. The smile was rather fixed too.

According to Le Canard Enchaîné, Dati has had a fluffy bunny toy delivered to all women imprisoned with their babies. (A confirmer, bien sûr :)).

LEX, I think you got out of bed on the wrong side today - Leila is a name of Arab or Maghrebain origins - I think you misunderstand where she's coming from in her post and you are rather hard in your criticisml of her - judgemental, harsh, undeserved. She has a particular cultural insight to bring to bear and makes some good points in view of Dati's "native" culture in contrast to the government, of which she's a part's attitude to integration into French society. I know exactly what Leila means - and of course she's entitled to her view.

In fact a lot of execllent points are made by a lot of posters, whether in harmony or in disagreement - that's the fascination of the story somehow.

[pat]

I fully agree that "she has set a bad example for women and is neglecting her daughter".

Maybe there's no father at all. Maybe she's the second women on Earth having given bearth while being still a virgin? :-)

[azloon]

Susan Durst has it right. not all woman are meant to spend two years, or six months, or two months bonding with their infant. perhaps dati's baby is with the father or father's family who are better suited to childcare than she is.

there seem to be two discreet arguments here against her behavior: the moralists (mostly french) who seem to believe they know better than she how she is supposed to be handling her life, the necessity of extended mother-child contact, implying the child will be more a well-adjusted adult as a result. the children of the kibbutz' in israel seem to turn out ok even tho raised in childcare from birth with regular, but not non-stop, attention from their biological parents.

the other argument is the 'traitor to the cause' of benefits conferred, that she threatens other prospective mothers who fear her example will kill the idea of extended maternity leave. this is typical socialist entitlement caca, with little thought about the well-being of the mother. and not a word about a woman's choice which i thought was so important to the liberated female.

i think this anti-dati attitude also contains a bit of female 'cattiness' since in one context they might argue for choice, while in another, actually looking at their 'sister's' behavior, they can't think of anything nice to say.

[Mads]

As a slightly older mother when I had the first of my four children and then returned to work after the first and the fourth (twins were not a 'back-to-work' option) I can only say that I agree with Dot's last post. Also, may I say how lucky Rachida Dati is to have an extended family to give her and her daughter such love and support. There is many a struggling mother who would give anything for that. It may not be so much that taking maternity leave would threaten her job, so much as put her out of touch with what is going on. When you do then return to work, you come from a different world and it takes some adjustment to get back into the work place culture/environment again.

I am sure Ms Dati (as I have said before) is not the sort of woman who would not have everything, I mean everything, sorted out on the personal and domestic front. For goodness sake! Feminism is about women making the choices for their lives and not having others do it for them. If she wants to go back to work for important meetings and gradually eases herself back then that is her choice. Tut, tut all these judgements.

I do agree with all the posts which have pointed out that the now pan- European choice of maternity/paternity leave is a luxury available only to those in secure (unionised?) jobs.

I have to say though, that having learnt that breast-feeding is not now the norm in France, that baby is going to be adequately fed by a group of loving women and will probably grow up in an extended feminine family and get the best of both cultures!

Given the latest figures on breast cancer, Ms Dati's main worry should be that there is a strong correlation between breast feeding for at least nine months and NOT getting breast cancer.

So come on you lot, let's hear your expert opinion on that one! More good advice for women on how to run their lives from dare I say it - not women!!

[C]

To Rashida Ali. As a senior lawyer and a mother, I can say it is perfectly possible to have both a career and children. Don't quash your ambition worrying about the future. Some women want to stop when they have children and their career seems less important, some don't. Both are entirely valid...

[Joëlle]

You can't help feeling a bit sorry for this baby: it doesn't look as if it'll be seeing much of its father, I doubt it'll have any brothers or sisters, and it looks like Mum isn't going to be around much either...

[Joëlle]

You can't help feeling a bit sorry for this baby: it doesn't look as if it'll be seeing much of its father, I doubt it'll have any brothers or sisters, and it looks like Mum isn't going to be around much either...

[Daniel Strohl]

As a man, I do not feel entitled to tell ladies what they should do when they get children ... It is their own choice, which should be respected. But many do not even have the possibility to choose, when they are not in "secure (unionised ?) jobs" as rightly pointed out above by MADS.

Regarding Ms DATI, some posters seem to think that she chose career instead of her baby, out of mere and harsh ambition. But it is also possible that she has a high sense of her responsibility as a minister, with a difficult task to pursue and to achieve, entrusted to her by a president who could have given the job to any standard off the shelf politician with a legal background and a "flexible" character.

There is no doubt that she is courageous and tenacious - most men at her place would have as usual backed down in front of the fierce and poisonous opposition she got in the judiciary circles.

[Lex Stevens]

Azloon,

I'm just a garden variety conundrum, just a bourgeois brat who rebelled against my conservative, southern family by reading all the books that I wasn't supposed to, going to the forbidden places, and talking to the dangerous people. The apple never falls far from the tree however, and I 'married' someone much like myself, and we have worked very hard and been prosperous.

I don't think that saving my money and buying a two thousand dollar watch -- that I will wear for the rest of my life -- is beyond the pale. Most middle class women's engagement rings cost as much, and I imagine that many people pay as much a year in golf club dues. We all choose our pleasures.

Dot,

I can tell you exactly what happened. Instead of going to my bookmarks, I sometimes type 'Charles Bremner' into the address line, and the blog entry that comes up is often random. The one that came up yesterday was the entry about Sarko's Club Med, and not immediately realsing my mistake, I began reading all these vitriolic comments against Arabs and North Africans. That ticked me off a little, and then I get to the current post, and there it is again, only this time thinly veiled.

I've spent my whole life hearing barely concealed contempt for Blacks and Hispanics in the US, Pakistanis in the UK, and North Africans in Spain and it really gets my goat. I've also spent my adult life among liberals and leftists in the the US and Europe who don't quite grasp that their world view might be different than the people they are trying to 'help.' When my partner and I set up housekeeping twenty-three years ago, and when we adopted a cast off Mexican boy fifteen years ago, there was not much back-slapping encouragement gonig on. There was allot of contempt and derision from people who quite frankly should have known better. The theme of that contempt and derision was "Who do you think you are that you can try and emulate the social norm?" After much self-doubt and emotional suffering, the answer to that question was that I am a middle-class white boy who has always been told that the world is his oyster, and I'm taking my pearl.

Clannish? Clannish! This whole notion of 'a Mummy and a Daddy and baby makes three, and we so happy together will be' is so new it still squeaks. Implying that enlisting the help of one's family to raise one's children is not French, or not Eurpean, or not modern is....screwed up. This new model of popping them out and and putting them in child care hasn't worked out well enough as a social model to condemn all other ways as backwards.

When one doesn't fit the predominant social norms, one sees the world in a different way, and has to make one's way as best one can. What if no one ever took Dati seriously enough because she was a woman and/or she was beautiful and/or she was of North African descent? What if she realized that the only way to get ahead was to manipulate men with her looks and charm, and beacuse of that she never had to face the rigors through which other young bureaucrats learn their trade? What if she had no intention of ever having a child, but got pregnant by mistake, and for whatever reason she chose not to abort the child? What if she so fears for her job that she had to drag herself out of bed and get back to the palace to defend her territory. Maybe her environment had a little to do with the way that she turned out.

I have allot of empathy for Dati right now. I imagine that she is sitting at her desk exhausted, trying to do her job, with an ache in her stomach and feeling those biologicaly induced pangs of longing and guilt that a mother feels when separated from her children. I'll bet that all she wants to do is cry.

[razatork]

don't like her at all, she's a front member of the sarkozy bling squad; with the other idiot , carla bruni, i wish we saw a lot less of them.

[Fernandez]

BTW, despite what some have claimed, the U.S. has the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which allows both men and women to take up to 4 months off for new babies (natural or adopted) and/or an ill spouse or parent. Some State laws are broader. (And, if you get a doctor to write you a note, you can take more time off under the Americans with Disabilities Act).

[Christopher Muir]

The episode so far brings to mind the film title "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie."