::: Thumbs ::: Next >> ::: we consistently paid $7E for gas, $10 US equivalent. lots of social programs are rolled into this price........................french healthcare is free and citizens are subsidized with good safety net in hard economic times. stories abound about the rich giving up citizenship after 75% tax rate on earners of over $1 million E per/yr. the french get monthly stipends from the gov for each child. and state retirement in their sixties. sounds real good as long as you can pay for it!