The French should be thrilled that the Republicans do not control the Congress because we would certainly see another landmark "Freedom Fries" bill become law after this:

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde said Wednesday that France will slap a one-off 50% tax on bonuses awarded to bank employees next year.

"Banks will be taxed on the bonuses they pay out in 2010," Ms. Lagarde told reporters at the exit of the weekly cabinet meeting.

The levy will apply to bonuses above €27,500 ($39,974). The proceeds will fund the extension of a guarantee on bank deposits, to €100,000 from €70,000, which was decided on earlier this year by the European Union.

  The French hae joined the British in taking this step. And the United States? Not yet.