As I write at my desk on May 10, the French National Assembly
sits in an emergency session to vote on a bill that will
determine the future of shale oil drilling in France. Outside
the parliament building, Palais Bourbon, on the Left Bank of the
Seine and across the river from Place de la Concorde, protesters
have been gathering since early morning, many having travelled
all night from southern France, where drilling permits have
already been issued to gas and oil companies.  Among the
protesters, the "stars" of France's environmental protection
movement stand out: Jose Bove, France's most famous paysan or
peasant, known for his droopy mustache and his strong stands on
all environmental issues; Nicolas Hulot, a television
personality whose programs on nature conservation have earned
him nationwide fame, and Eva Joly, a former judge and a
presidential hopeful vying for the top spot on the Green Party
ticket in the 2012 elections. They are surrounded and supported
by the members of more than 100 anti-shale gas