Yes, the French government recognizes climate change, just like every well-informed, sane human being on this planet. But that doesn't mean they are taking the necessary actions to prevent it. Their goals are not nearly ambitious enough. One quick, shallow example: their list of sponsors. (Just let me know if you want a more complete overview of what is wrong with the climate policies of France and Europe in general.)

Being a part of the Belgian green movement, I can tell you that the events of the last week have been a big blow for the motivation of many climate activists. Cancelling these demonstrations - for which preparations have been ongoing for the last year - has been very unhealthy for the green movement in general. This is at least the case in Belgium, and I suspect in France as well.

By shutting down these demonstrations, the French government has damaged the green movement, a vocal criticizer of their policies. I am no fan of conspiracies, and I am not saying this was their primary motive. But it sure as hell hasn't been disadvantageous to them. The christmas market, with a expected total visitor count of 15 million, is apparently no serious security hazard. Can you tell me with a straight face that you don't find this the least bit conspicious?

Problem is: as far as I know there is no actual choice. I once worked with a guy who used one of these WYSIWYG LaTex editors, and I wanted to edit some of his work. It was the most unreadable code I have ever seen, and thus pretty tiresome to change. I don't know which editor it was, nor do I know if there are better alternatives. Maybe you do?

Oh, and apart from LaTex: nothing I know even remotely compares. But then again, I'm by no means an expert.