By Marian Wilkinson
Washington
April 19 2003The French ambassador to Washington, Jean-David Levitte, has pleaded for a stop to "French-bashing" by Americans now the war with Iraq is at an end.
Singling out prominent businessman and commentator Richard Perle, who is a close friend of US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Mr Levitte said Mr Perle's "French-bashing is not very useful". He said it had triggered a vicious cycle of anti-Americanism back in France and he hoped it could now stop.
Mr Levitte's remarks came the day after French President Jacques Chirac telephoned US President George Bush and told him he wanted to play "a pragmatic role" in the reconstruction issues in Iraq.
It was the first time the two leaders had spoken since the breakdown of negotiations at the UN Security Council over Iraq and the call was accepted only after repeated pleading by French diplomats, it has emerged.
The US-French relationship faces another challenge soon. The UN Security Council must decide on the role of the UN in the reconstruction of Iraq, specifically whether a US-led administration will get access to the oil-for-food program.
Mr Levitte would not be drawn on whether France would push for a greater UN role in Iraq, but answering critical questions from the audience at Washington's University Club, he rejected claims that France was now anxious to get a share of lucrative postwar contracts in Iraq.
"We don't consider Iraq an El Dorado," said Mr Levitte. "We don't see any cake in Iraq but we see a huge burden."
He was also pessimistic about Iraq's transition to democracy, saying it was deeply divided between Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds and bringing stability and democracy to the country would be a "daunting and long-term ambition".
He explained the divisions between Europe and the US on Iraq as the result of both history and the September 11 attacks.
Mr Levitte was working in his post at the UN in New York on the day of the attack and saw the towers collapse. "Here you are at war," he said. In Europe, the battle with terrorism was more a low-intensity conflict that Europe had struggled with for several decades.
Two centuries of war and fragile borders made Europe more concerned about national sovereignty and opposed to pre-emptive military action.
This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/17/1050172703745.html
Copyright © 2003 The Age Company Ltd
Reply 1 - Posted by: rightman100, 4/17/2003 4:36:05 PM
I'm not bashing, I'm just not purchasing any french wines for my restaurant. That's not bashing.
Reply 2 - Posted by: historybuff, 4/17/2003 4:37:30 PM
No War On France! No Blood For Cheese! Not in my name!
Reply 3 - Posted by: Chance, 4/17/2003 4:37:41 PM
The war with iraq is just about over, but our memories of a useless France are long.
They have a lot of nerve to say they want the abuse to stop. Maybe when hell freezes over.
Reply 4 - Posted by: Orion, 4/17/2003 4:40:30 PM
OK, we'll stop bashing you as soon as you explain all that late-model military equipment marked, "MADE IN FRANCE" we've found in Iraq.
Reply 5 - Posted by: danurve, 4/17/2003 4:41:07 PM
First I would like to thank the LCom staff for helping me correct my access here.
Second F France. They are going to loose money from dealing with saddams regime, and now they will loose money for choosing the wrong side. They just keep on loosing, must be history does repeat itself. They got balls demanding a part in reconstruction of Iraq.
Reply 6 - Posted by: Bad Dog, 4/17/2003 4:43:12 PM
French bashing? Who's French-bashing? Do they have a 'first amendment' right to be luv'd? I don't think so.
Elephants have long memories. Deal with it, OK? Sell your stuff to Syria.
Reply 7 - Posted by: mcg718, 4/17/2003 4:43:57 PM
The reasons to bash the frogs were numerous before the war, and I am certain will remain numerous afterwards. You don't want to be bashed anymore frenchie? Too bad!
Reply 8 - Posted by: shuttlehead, 4/17/2003 4:46:20 PM
And if we don't, I suppose they will attack us with the full force of a strongly worded resolution.
Reply 9 - Posted by: GOPJihad, 4/17/2003 4:46:24 PM
Pretty soon the Frogs are going to file a protest with Lucianne demanding that this thread be stopped. . .
Reply 10 - Posted by: Suenette, 4/17/2003 4:50:38 PM
I've tried to read this whole thread - between tears of laughter that help to temper my temper.
I've gotten some GREAT e-mail material (like the doctors discussing the best patients!!). I LOVE THIS THREAD AND I NOW AND FOREVER WILL HATE ANYTHING FRENCH!!!!!!!
That is all.
/rant/capslock
Reply 11 - Posted by: PineTreeGuy, 4/17/2003 4:51:09 PM
When France joins the US in full partnership; when it admits the error of its ways in the UN; when it apologises for being one of the appeasing nations; then...and only then....will I reconsider my personal boycott of French products. Until then, the beat goes on!!!
Reply 12 - Posted by: gabe, 4/17/2003 4:51:39 PM
I don't even think it's necessarily a boycott at work. In business there is a great value placed on "good will". I guess it's too much to expect a bunch of socialists to understand even a simple business concept.
Reply 13 - Posted by: JustinThyme, 4/17/2003 4:53:17 PM
Dear Amb. Levitte:
Your President had his say. We listened. We decided to
take our dollars elsewhere.
If your President would like to say something different,
I'll listen...but he better say in dressed in a plaid flannel
shirt, chaps, a 10-gallon hat, on a quarterhorse, trotting
around the corral.
Reply 14 - Posted by: patriot99, 4/17/2003 4:54:20 PM
We must be the least "PC" bunch in the world.
FRENCH: Crazy Leftists
LUCIANNE.COM: mostly sane Conservatives
Reply 15 - Posted by: pismire, 4/17/2003 4:55:22 PM
I think this guy is afraid his favorite Brie may become difficult to find. We have just touched the surface as far as finding reasons to be angry with the French. This Cox guy is probably right when he says only half of the French truly hate us right now. The other less excitable Frenchmen still have the same level of contempt for Americans that they have always had. Once Chrirac is gone relations will return to normal. Fat, dumb and happy Americans will go back to vacationing in France, and the French will go back to being rude to us and overcharging us like nothing ever happened.
Reply 16 - Posted by: Dandeedon, 4/17/2003 4:55:25 PM
I am not French Bashing, and if any frog accuses me of that, I'll punch the essobee out! It's just that I prefer California wines, Wisconsin cheeses, etc, etc.
Reply 17 - Posted by: Suenette, 4/17/2003 4:58:38 PM
#15 You've got that right!!
My father-in-law told me of absolutely hateful treatment he and his former wife received just checking into a hotel in France - it was their first time there and someone came up and felt it was perfectly acceptable to verbally accost them in French while they were waiting for the elevator to their room!!! He never went back. Ef-em!!
Reply 18 - Posted by: losgatos, 4/17/2003 5:01:11 PM
I won't forget the French bashing ME by bashing MY President. Of course that will only last my lifetime, another 30 or 40 years, so don't worry Frenchie...it'll be over before you know it. By then France will be a muslim slum.
Reply 19 - Posted by: The Chairman, 4/17/2003 5:02:01 PM
He wants the abuse to stop - hey, it has barely started. These ingrates have gone from being our sometime allies to aggressive enemies. Now that the fighting is winding down, it is time to work out and implement a program of harsh punishment. This poster and others have previously listed many things to do against these perfidious frogs, and now is the time to implement them!
Reply 20 - Posted by: Private Joker, 4/17/2003 5:03:31 PM
Dear Ambassador Levitte:
The abuse will stop after we retrieve our honored dead from your toxic soil, their lives given freely so that Vichy France could become the world power it is today.
In other words, the 'abuse' as you call it isn't going to end any time soon.
Now go pound snails up your ample derriere'.
(PFFFFFFFFTT!!!)
I flatulate in your general direction.
Reply 21 - Posted by: crossbow, 4/17/2003 5:05:32 PM
French fries should still be French fries. I like the idea of throwing something French into boiling oil.
Reply 22 - Posted by: amereagle, 4/17/2003 5:07:00 PM
French cars = crappy junk made by socialists (and don't buy Nissan; owned by Renault)
French wine = overrated, overpriced, sometimes filled with animal blood to make its color competitive with better American varieties
French vodka = Grey Goose is a blatant multinational-marketer's attempt to cash-in on the Absolut/Kettle-One craze; overpriced Frog Water
French planes = Government subsidized Airbuses ripped off the 757/767 concept and are, apparently, built to lower standards of quality and design and have been sold at 80% of Boeing prices specifically so Euro Socialists could take American jobs
There were plenty of reasons not to buy French crap BEFORE the war. But now with a bloody dagger sticking out of my All American back, with "Fabrique en France" stamped on the blade, with more American soldiers dead in Iraq than was ever necessary specifically because France made Saddam think he could win at the UN, I will never, ever, knowingly buy a French product again.
Reply 23 - Posted by: THE PHANTOM, 4/17/2003 5:12:07 PM
I went into a local grocery store yesterday and was going to buy a bottle of wine. I looked at one prominent bottle that said, "Old fart". I picked it up read the label it said, "A product of France". I put it back!
Reply 24 - Posted by: Mo Gumbo, 4/17/2003 5:13:01 PM
French battle cry:
No Blood For Freedom.
Reply 25 - Posted by: felina g, 4/17/2003 5:13:46 PM
I just consider French-bashing as urging an underdeveloped backward nation achieve their full potential without doing so at my expense. I am a filthy-rich American and I was going to spend an obcene amount of money in France this year, but have decided to take my family to Jellystone National Park instead.
Reply 26 - Posted by: nihtwael, 4/17/2003 5:26:26 PM
France has made it clear she is, how you say, not wiz us......she is wiz zee terroristes.
Viva la Frankistan!
Reply 27 - Posted by: geo11, 4/17/2003 5:27:48 PM
Who would stoop so low as to bash the French. The smelly, dirty, arrogant, weasly, cowardly, ungrateful, backstabbing, socialistic fools, irrelevant, impotent, and generally just stupid people. Ouside of that the French are OK.
Reply 28 - Posted by: Mother of AL, 4/17/2003 5:32:11 PM
Like it or not, the French will learn that actions have consequences. I don't care how many Frenchies come on Fox and tell me that by not buying French products I am putting Americans in America out of business.
Reply 29 - Posted by: Cavallodifiero, 4/17/2003 5:32:21 PM
Dear Abby:
I am a crack dealer in New Jersey who has recently been diagnosed as a
carrier of the HIV virus.
My father and mother have recently been arrested for growing and selling
marijuana and are currently dependent on my other two sisters, who are
prostitutes in Jersey City.
I have two brothers. One is currently serving a non-parole life sentence in
Attica for murder of a teenage boy in 1994. one is currently being held in the Wellington Remand Center on charges of sexual misconduct
with his three children.
I have recently become engaged to marry a former Thai prostitute who lives
in the Bronx and is still a part time "working girl" in a brothel. We hope to open our own brothel with her as the working manager. I am hoping my two sisters would be interested in joining our team.
All things considered, my main problem is this. I love my fiancée and look
forward to bringing her into the family and I certainly want to be totally
honest with her. Should I tell her about my distant cousin who is French?
Worried About My Reputation
Reply 30 - Posted by: jdmii, 4/17/2003 5:32:53 PM
Make fun of people who eat snails, frogs, and horses. I'm shocked- shocked I say.
Reply 31 - Posted by: gravitas, 4/17/2003 5:34:16 PM
Why? - its so much fun.
Reply 32 - Posted by: Forehand, 4/17/2003 5:34:48 PM
Le Payback, non?
Reply 33 - Posted by: Clark Petrie, 4/17/2003 5:35:41 PM
What do they expect us to do, arrest anyone who says anything nasty about the French? Is that how they handle it in France? Is everyone in France afraid to speak their mind for fear of government imposed sanctions? I thought that was what we just got rid of in Iraq. But then again, we do have those civil rights laws. Better not say "niggardly" or "eenie, meenie, minee, moe" in public or you'll wind up in deep do.
Reply 34 - Posted by: geo11, 4/17/2003 5:40:40 PM
Post#29 Worried about reputation.
If you truly love this girl, do not under any cicumstance tell her of your distant cousin. Some things are best kept secret. Abby
Reply 35 - Posted by: Penney, 4/17/2003 5:43:35 PM
LOL!!!
Reply 36 - Posted by: rightman100, 4/17/2003 5:44:14 PM
Jay Leno has been the most vocal french basher.
Reply 37 - Posted by: Suenette, 4/17/2003 5:45:57 PM
Post #29 For the love of all things holy - NEVER EVER admit to having any French ties - that's ties, not fries.
Abby
Reply 38 - Posted by: Old Dad, 4/17/2003 5:47:29 PM
I agree. It's time to stop bashing and start thrashing.
I, for one, intend to thrash, soudly thrash the next smelly little frog that I have the misfortune to meet.
Reply 39 - Posted by: erp, 4/17/2003 5:57:33 PM
To paraphrase a fellow American, they ain't seen nothing yet. Wait 'til this summer when the French won't have to be annoyed by ugly Americans cluttering up their country and they can practice their superciliousness on each other. If you feel you must go to Europe, try Spain. It is in every way a far better vacation.
Reply 40 - Posted by: hillarymckinney, 4/17/2003 5:59:38 PM
This ugly American will not go near France ever again.
Reply 41 - Posted by: Double Dog Dare, 4/17/2003 6:01:13 PM
Part 1
French Products and Companies to Boycott --
** Air France. Air Liquide. Airbus. Alcatel. Allegra (allergy medication). Aqualung (including: Spirotechnique,
** Bank of the West (owned by BNP Paribas). Beneteau (boats). BF Goodrich (owned by Michelin). BIC (razors, pens and lighters). Biotherm (cosmetics). Black Bush. Bollinger (champagne).
** Car & Driver Magazine. Cartier. Chanel. Chivas Regal (scotch). Christian Dior. Club Med (vacations). Culligan (owned by Vivendi).
** Dannon (yogurt and dairy foods). DKNY. Dom Perignon. Durand Crystal.
** Elle Magazine. Essilor Optical Products. Evian.
** Fina gas stations and Fina Oil (billions invested in Iraqi oil fields). First Hawaiian Bank.
** George Magazine. Givenchy. Glenlivet (scotch).
** Hennessy. Houghton Mifflin (books).
** Jacobs Creek (owned by Pernod Ricard since 1989). Jameson (whiskey). Jerry Springer (talk show)
** Krups (coffee and cappuccino makers).
** Lancome. Le Creuset (cookware). L'Oreal (health and beauty products). Louis Vuitton.
** Marie Claire. Martel Cognac. Maybelline. Méphisto (shoes and clothes). Michelin (tires and auto parts). Mikasa (crystal and glass). Moet (champagne). Motel 6. Motown Records. MP3.com. Mumms (champagne).
** Nissan (cars; majority owned by Renault). Nivea. Normany Butter.
Reply 42 - Posted by: spahrkl, 4/17/2003 6:03:07 PM
Once again misplaced blame. The french business men/women and countrymen need to put the pressure on their representatives first.
In addition, many Americans and people from other countries, who have been treated so very rudely when visiting Paris/etc., have been looking for a real good way to let these people know that poor manners, etc., are not appreciated. So it looks like the French are in for a dry spell......
Ha,ha,ha. Who said the public has a short memory.
Reply 43 - Posted by: drakskepp, 4/17/2003 6:05:59 PM
If the french want us to stop abusing them, then they must stop abusing themselves first....
Reply 44 - Posted by: mulhaven, 4/17/2003 6:06:00 PM
I can't stand these pussies who love to dish it out, but get on their knees when things backfire. Not only do they lack honor, they have no dignity. Grovelling for dollars, pathetic.
Reply 45 - Posted by: Double Dog Dare, 4/17/2003 6:06:42 PM
Part 2
French Products and Companies to Boycott --
** Parents Magazine. Peugeot (automobiles). Pierre Cardin. Playstation Magazine. ProScan (owned by Thomson Electronics, France). Publicis Group (including Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising).
** RCA (televisions and electronics; owned by Thomson Electronics). Red Magazine. Red Roof Inns (owned by Accor group in France). Renault (automobiles). Road & Track Magazine. Roquefort cheese (all Roquefort cheese is made in France). Rowenta (toasters, irons, coffee makers, etc.). Royal Canadian.
** Salomon (skis). Sierra Software and Computer Games. Smart & Final. Sofitel (hotels, owned by Accor). Sparkletts (water, owned by Danone). Spencer Gifts. Sundance Channel.
** Taylor Made (golf). Technicolor. T-Fal (kitchenware).
Total gas stations.
** UbiSoft (computer games). Uniroyal. Universal Studios (music, movies and amusement parks; owned by Vivendi -Universal). USFilter.
** Veritas Group. Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Vittel. Vivendi.
** Wild Turkey (bourbon). Woman's Day Magazine.
** Yoplait (The French company Sodiaal owns a 50 percent stake). Yves Saint Laurent.
** Zodiac Inflatable Boats.
Reply 46 - Posted by: rightnowbubba, 4/17/2003 6:12:01 PM
we love the French,really we do.hahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahhhhh
Reply 47 - Posted by: steveW, 4/17/2003 6:13:10 PM
After decades of snotty anti-American arrogance the French now can't take a fraction of what they're still dishing out? Wussies.
Reply 48 - Posted by: mulhaven, 4/17/2003 6:15:15 PM
re#33 "Better not say "niggardly" or "eenie, meenie, minee, moe" in public or you'll wind up in deep do."
Actually the French are now saying, "eenie, meenie, minee and Yves" because they don't want no mo'.
Reply 49 - Posted by: greyhoundpals, 4/17/2003 6:15:19 PM
My hope is that France and Germany won't be able to collect on the big debts owed to them by the Sadaam regime. And if the reconstruction contracts go to coalition countries (this would be a good way to rebuild Iraq, and also help east Eureopean coalition countries strengthen their economies), that's fine with me.
By the way, there is no need to buy French wines, especially if the dirtbags are putting animal blood into their reds. There are many good Australian wines (a coalition partner)at reasonable prices. In the US, many California wines are good (just avoid the jug wines). Oregon is good for Pinot Noirs, and Washington is great for Reislings and Merlots.
Reply 50 - Posted by: SoSensible, 4/17/2003 6:18:31 PM
Loved this thread - just reading the posts got it out of my system!
Italy and Spain are far better than france for wine, touring, $$ value and being treated nicely. I was really taken aback on my first visit to Paris when I spoke to a taxi driver in fluent french and he pretended he couldn't understand the word La Louvre.
Ils pouvons baisser mon derriere. Merci.
Reply 51 - Posted by: jasmine, 4/17/2003 6:21:30 PM
This disgraceful nation contributed to the deaths of US soldiers by working to undermine our war efforts. Many WANTED the US to lose this war, which would have left Iraqis at the mercy of a brutal regime. They didn't care. The French need plenty of time to think about their lack of courage, lack of conscience,and lack of gratitude to the country saved their sorry rear ends more than once. French products will not be on my shopping list again for a long time,if ever.
Reply 52 - Posted by: SoSensible, 4/17/2003 6:24:47 PM
DoubleDog Dare - thanks for the list!
Reply 53 - Posted by: cisco, 4/17/2003 6:25:22 PM
No More French Whines!!!
We have heard enough.
Learn the same lesson as the Blixie Chicks, Susan Sarandon and others - we have the right to support whom we please with our own money.
You do not have a "right" to continued support at previous levels when you PO your support base by working against their interests.
Reply 54 - Posted by: Texan Tory, 4/17/2003 6:37:19 PM
The negatives regarding France are very obvious now, and yes, she will be eternally shamed by her hasty capitulation to the Germans in 1940. But there was a time when France was truly a great source of scientific achievement (i.e. invention of photography by Louis DaGuerre, rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur, understanding of radiation thanks to Pierre and Marie Curie), as well as literary achievement (i.e. Jules Verne, Victor Hugo). It seems that most of great scientific contributions from France were in the 1800s or early 1900s, a golden period for France in many ways. It truly pains me to see France going down in so many ways. I'm not ready to write France off just yet, and I'm still grateful for the Statue of Liberty (and don't ever forget Lafayette). I too am very angry at France right now, but as most of the rest of you hate and mock, I truly am heartbroken for what's now happening to her.
Reply 55 - Posted by: greyhoundpals, 4/17/2003 6:40:30 PM
Great boycott list from Double Dog Dare.
By boycotting Danone (makers of Dannon yogurt) you can get a twofer and strike a blow FOR the 2nd Amendment as well. Danone was a major supporter of the Million Mom (aka moron) March during the dark ages of Clinton.
We're a rich country, so let's fight with a powerful weapon: our wallets.
Reply 56 - Posted by: ET, 4/17/2003 6:44:38 PM
I will give up my Chivas Regal Scotch, but don't even thing of asking me to give up Capt. Piccard.
Reply 57 - Posted by: dopidad, 4/17/2003 6:55:01 PM
Anybody ever put a frog in a micro oven?
Reply 58 - Posted by: jamnjelly, 4/17/2003 7:07:14 PM
as Rush put it today, they have a right to say anything they want,,,
but they do NOT have a right to be heard..
we get to decide that..
so long dixie chicks...go whine to Earl
Reply 59 - Posted by: TX2STEP, 4/17/2003 7:15:16 PM
Reply 60 - Posted by: richdet, 4/17/2003 7:16:15 PM
Have I got this right -- the French say stop the abuse? Per the Marquis de Sade, didn't the French invent abuse? Don't they own the copyright on abuse? Isn't abuse the French national pasttime, like baseball is here? I detect some subtle Gallic subterfuge here, which I am too provincial to unravel. In the meantime, I say we abuse 'em.
Reply 61 - Posted by: gop_guys, 4/17/2003 7:17:37 PM
I vote with my check book frequently.
No movies of Baldwin, Sarandon, Garafalo, etc..
No French wines. No French water.
No staying at Red Roof or Motel 6, owned by the French.
No Dixie Chicks or Barbra.
No West Wing.
No alphabet networks or cnn or their sponsors.
Absolutely no Clinton books or any books that promote the liberal lifestyle.
Isn't liberty wonderful!
Reply 62 - Posted by: longrw, 4/17/2003 7:19:45 PM
A LITTLE SONG
A LITTLE DANCE
A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE
DOWN THEIR PANTS!
OOHA!
Reply 63 - Posted by: LAW428, 4/17/2003 7:19:45 PM
The arrogant French have been looking down their long European noses and mistreating American tourists for years. They have stepped over the line with their "under the table" sales (contrary to UN resolution) of military equipment to Iraq, which were being used to kill our troops.
Reply 64 - Posted by: hillarymckinney, 4/17/2003 7:22:01 PM
Thanks Double Dog.
Reply 65 - Posted by: TX2STEP, 4/17/2003 7:23:05 PM
I also saw the French woman on Fox during the Cavuto spot. She made a very veiled threat that French boycotting would have a domino effect. She stated that she was acutally the only French employee and because of the downturn in her business, caused by the economy as well as the boycott, she had recently had to lay off two American employees. When she was asked if she thought Chiraq was accountable she hemmed and hawed and finally said ( I will paraphrase) that she was perhaps not pleased with his outspokeness but that she felt both men (Chiraq and GW) were both hotheaded and maybe they should both go to marriage counseling. Well, I was not amused!
Reply 66 - Posted by: Vimvig, 4/17/2003 7:30:39 PM
I will have to give up staying at Motel-6 when I travel. This won't be hard for me personally but my two German Shepards might
not like sleeping out.
Reply 67 - Posted by: Viking2002, 4/17/2003 7:30:43 PM
Make the Vichy pigs squirm until they beg. Then make them squirm some more.
It's called 'tough love'.
Reply 68 - Posted by: compassionatecarolinagirl, 4/17/2003 7:44:32 PM
No. I will not forget.
Reply 69 - Posted by: udanja99, 4/17/2003 7:47:35 PM
I'm not sure about the spelling and I hope that this won't get me banned, but it has to be said, so here goes...
Hey, France, baisez vous!
Reply 70 - Posted by: smokey_sr284, 4/17/2003 7:58:39 PM
STATEMENT FROM FRENCH'S MUSTARD Manufacturing Company...
The makers of French's Mustard made the following recent statement:
"We at the French's Company wish to put an end to statements that our product is manufactured in France. There is no relationship, nor has there ever been a relationship, between our mustard and the country of France. Indeed, our mustard in manufactured in Rochester, NY.
The only thing we have in common is that we are both yellow".
Reply 71 - Posted by: Humonster, 4/17/2003 8:02:26 PM
I love being an American. If I owned a retail operation that sold French imports, you can bet your butt I would exercise my right to take commercial advantage of the situation to start importing from Australia, Spain, Italy, etc, or (heaven forbid!) start selling domestically produced goods.
Any retailer in America who can't figure this out deserves to be out of business. It is only unfortunate that American employees should suffer for someone else's lack of business sense.
Reply 72 - Posted by: mitzi, 4/17/2003 8:05:10 PM
For those of you who are boycotting French wine . . . don't substitute wine from West Virginia.
Take my word for it.
Reply 73 - Posted by: LAW428, 4/17/2003 8:16:58 PM
Hahahahaha!
Reply 74 - Posted by: geo11, 4/17/2003 8:19:32 PM
West Virginia wine? Why is it yellow?
Reply 75 - Posted by: aquilegia, 4/17/2003 8:27:36 PM
I have never been treated rudely in France. I have stayed both in Paris and in small towns, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and I have NEVER been treated with anything but helpfulness and smiles.
Yes, Spain and Italy are wonderful places to visit as well. But France is incomparable. Paris at twilight, from the Eiffel Tower, when the city turns pink. The breathtaking castles in the Loire Valley and the history they evoke. The cathedrals are beyond description. The Louvre museum is unmatched. Wonderful food and wine. The brightly colored houses in Provence. Wine fields. The Camargue horses. Tiny villages. Little French grandmas, dressed in black, cuddling their little dogs. School children in their uniforms. How can you hate France? It's just not possible.
Reply 76 - Posted by: geo11, 4/17/2003 8:37:53 PM
Post #75 Such an idealic picture. Ahh, the French so lovely. You ask how can one hate the French. Speaking for myself, pretty ff'n easily.
Reply 77 - Posted by: semigoofy, 4/17/2003 8:43:16 PM
I hereby resolve to get over my hatred of the French in 30 years.
Of course, since I'm in my 50's, I might die hating them or in 30 years be too senile to remember to stop hating them. But, put me down to start respecting the French in 2033 (unless of course they keep screwing with us, then all bets are off.)
Reply 78 - Posted by: yoniyodeler, 4/17/2003 8:48:09 PM
I have run this through a robust computer based system analysis and have been advised that I will begin to love the froggies in the year 4907.
Reply 79 - Posted by: rts, 4/17/2003 8:48:57 PM
#75
You are so wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can, have and will continue to!
Reply 80 - Posted by: Humonster, 4/17/2003 8:50:54 PM
72, you must have spent some time in Braxton county. Used to be at least you could get good 'shine there.
Reply 81 - Posted by: teegore, 4/17/2003 8:54:52 PM
I thought those silly Frogs didn't care what we all thought?
Haaahaaahaaahaaaaaa!
I still would rather buy California wine, and eat American made cheese.
Reply 82 - Posted by: bassfire, 4/17/2003 8:57:23 PM
I have to admit my great,great grandfather was named Napoleon, but at least he had the sense to leave that hell hole and come to America! By the way Mr. Levitte, there's a great COWBOY saying: "SMILE when you say THAT" makes your groveling a little sweeter!
Reply 83 - Posted by: Coral Pink, 4/17/2003 8:58:35 PM
They sold weapons to Iraq during both Gulf Wars against us. They sold Exocet missiles to Argy during the Falkland War against the UK.
Paris, we have a problem...
Reply 84 - Posted by: OBW, 4/17/2003 9:03:51 PM
Payback is a female dog!!
Reply 85 - Posted by: Double Dog Dare, 4/17/2003 9:22:53 PM
Aw,yes....french women....hairy arm pits...hairy legs...wonder where the phrase "smells like a french whorehouse" came from?
Reply 86 - Posted by: convert, 4/17/2003 9:33:15 PM
The French seem to think this is some momentary fit of pique, a little "lovers quarrel" that will end soon. This is yet another monumental miscalculation on their part. The world has shifted for many Americans. We now know who our real friends are. And we won't forget.
Reply 87 - Posted by: richdet, 4/17/2003 9:38:52 PM
Without a doubt, France is indeed incomparable. Its contributions are endless: the arrogant sneer, the hasty retreat, the guillotine, clandestine Iraqi oil deals and visas, and the beret -- all served up these days in a cheesy whine. We owe it so much: post-structuralism's ruinous influence on our literature, the empty ironies of contemporary culture, the banality of its intellectualism, and the ethical ideals of the Clinton administration. How can we hate France? C'est possible, big-time.
Reply 88 - Posted by: Bonaman, 4/17/2003 9:39:05 PM
Payback is a "Hillary"
Reply 89 - Posted by: plaid, 4/17/2003 9:39:57 PM
I've always loved the Inspector Clousseau Pink Panther movies. Now, after watching the French government and it's people for the last 6 months, the Clousseau movies ain't funny anymore more. They seem like docu-dramas. Weird.
Reply 90 - Posted by: cougar, 4/17/2003 9:55:07 PM
After having to put up with Jacque*ff SheIraq and Demonique deBedpan, and their superior attitudes for the past several months I think that we are entitled to at least 1 more year of "Froggie Bashing".
Jacque*ff SheIraq and Demonique deBedpan...We've upped our standards...UP YOURS!!!
Reply 91 - Posted by: delta dave, 4/17/2003 10:00:15 PM
It not "bashing" .... it a matter of principle and survival. Either you are with us in the war on terrorism and the states that underwrite terrorist organizations, OR you are against us. The frenchies have proven to be on the side of those states that support terrorism.
I suspect the frenchies don't appreciate the depth of anger, I least my anger, regarding those people, organizations and nations that believe they have the right, if not the duty to attack my country, my fellow citizens, and the symbols of my great country.
As far as I am concerned it won't be over between the frenchies and me until the war on terrorism is over and we have eliminated the problem....including french-state sponsored terrorism.
You see, I feel their relativism of their pain, but they can't feel absolute depth, breath, and width of mine.
Reply 92 - Posted by: sanspeur, 4/17/2003 10:04:16 PM
Boycott stuff is nothing new.. consider the Boston , NY and Nj Tea Parties . The founders had serious non import ideas to hurt the brits. as in trying to make stuff at home , find substitutes or do without ... . During WW2 the US German community was very affected by a boycott of all things german.. Our actions will impact la belle france.. I am not relenting .
Reply 93 - Posted by: nihtwael, 4/17/2003 10:08:17 PM
Hah, #75...!
It is VERY possible to hate the French, in fact, nothing could be easier!
Here's a little line I think about in case my French hatred level subsides:
"Dig up your garbage--it's soiling our land!"
Oh yeah......it's EASY to hate the French.
Reply 94 - Posted by: lagunatic, 4/17/2003 10:13:44 PM
Sounds like the French have made a mistake, and are going to PAAAAAAAAAAAAAY for it! Can't wait till the summer travel season begins, to hear their serious whining! LOL!
Reply 95 - Posted by: ivehadit, 4/17/2003 10:21:15 PM
I'm practicing socially responsible investing/purchasing-
It is socially irresponsible for me to invest in/purchase ANYTHING french.
Got it?
Reply 96 - Posted by: historybuff, 4/17/2003 10:25:02 PM
# 54 check your dates and compare: All the good and brave Frenchmen died in the first world war.
Reply 97 - Posted by: Patman, 4/17/2003 11:07:10 PM
#96 Brave Frenchmen? No such things the only ones that got shot probably got hit in the ass as they were in fast retreat. Can you say Vichy? Can you say collaborator? That is the essence of the French. Who waited for us as we landed in North Africa? The French fighting with the Germans. The only good Frenchie is LeBeau from Hogans Heros.
The French are basically a socialist cowardly lot. We should pretend they do not even exist. Who needs them? Not I
Reply 98 - Posted by: bukeye1, 4/17/2003 11:22:54 PM
If they want the abuse to stop, then they should stop playing with themselves.
Reply 99 - Posted by: uno, 4/17/2003 11:31:09 PM
Here's a real dilemma for you. Let's say you're the President of the
United States. NASA tells you that a large meteor is heading straight for
Earth. It will strike France. It will hit at 20 a.m. one month from today.
Jacques Ch-Iraq calls and begs you to use your entire available arsenal to
save his doomed country. You know that by doing this it'll take away from
the effort to rebuild Iraq. It will also hurt our War on Terrorism. But if
you don't, France is toast. How would you resolve this dilemma? Would you
stay up and watch it live, or tape it to watch in the morning?
Reply 100 - Posted by: Islamaphobe, 4/17/2003 11:44:16 PM
It is true, I suppose, that the French perfected the development of the perfume industry because of the infrequency with which the local populace bathed their hirsute armpits and other portions of their bodies. I believe, however, that we should, in the current vernacular, cut them some slack. Their economy is stagnant, they have recently shortened the national work week in order to spread the work around, they have an enormous number of people who have retired, and the native population is rapidly aging. They have to import Muslim workers so as to tax the hell out of them and keep the "transfer payments" flowing. They also need to generate all the income they can from selling goods and services to Muslim countries. You know, useful things like helicopters, armor-piercing antitank guns, jet fighters, etc. Show a little understanding you people.
