French Protests Turn Violent

    If you haven't heard, there are protests going on in France and all you need is some beer, hippie pants and be able to skip school to participate. Apparently, its mainly students and youth who are protesting the increase of the retirement age by two years to the age of 62. Sounds weird, I know, but they actually have good reasons.  The protesters also include anybody who wants to protest against President Nicolas Sarkozy.
    If you were to rate the effectiveness of the protests, it seems like they are doing really well (in terms of protests). They have managed to shut down oil refineries, two of which are the main suppliers to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.  They have also stopped 12 reactors, forcing France to import energy along with oil. Oh, and they were able to cut power to 15 town halls controlled by Mr. Sarkozy's UMP party. Thats a good one. Today, the protesters transformed the city of Lyon into a flashpoint of violence. All of this just because of the retirement age.
     Will these protests really change anything though? If they do, maybe the U.S. could use them as an example. Here are some articles showing you different views of the protests in France:

Article #1: What I Saw At The Austerity Protests In France 
Article #2: In France, Pension Protests Spark Oil Shortages
Article #3: Sarkozy warning as French strikes hit power supply 
Article #4: Fresh clashes as French protests continue
Article #5: French Strikes Escalate as Sarkozy Remains Defiant
Article #6: Are the French a bunch of lazy slackers?
Article #7: “The French are a peculiar people” 
Article #8: French Press Review 20 October 2010