NationStates Jolt Archive

What do you think about France? I personally like France, because they've helped America so much (even though America basically liberated France during WWII with Britain, Americans haven't quite paid France back because of how they treat Frenchies).

Hey if the US didn't liberate France, the Soviets would of done it just fine!

:sniper:

I like France. Hellavu lot better than Britain.

Problem is, there are a few flaws. France seems to be unable to deal with it's newer, more rebellious, and untraditional generation. I mean, just look at those Students.

So basically, I like France, I just despise it's new "Generation".

Everyone hates the French. It's fashionable. The Brits wanted to make disparaging the French a national sport, but the US got all jealous and snotty, so the idea was scrapped.

Well...yeah, I guess, but that would take a while to get through Europe.

even though America basically liberated France during WWII with Britain
Sure, that was just payback for helping you guys out in the Revolution.

Okay so France won independence for America back in the 18th century but what have they done for the USA since then?

What do you think about France? I personally like France, because they've helped America so much (even though America basically liberated France during WWII with Britain, Americans haven't quite paid France back because of how they treat Frenchies).
I'm afraid Jacques Chirac screwed them royally. If you're being sarcastic I can appreciate your humor, if not I'm afraid most people will disagree with you.

I like France. Hellavu lot better than Britain.

Problem is, there are a few flaws. France seems to be unable to deal with it's newer, more rebellious, and untraditional generation. I mean, just look at those Students.

So basically, I like France, I just despise it's new "Generation".
And even though I'm a socialist, it would be stupid to riot just because some law that allows them to be fired for any reason is passed.

Je l'adore.

Okay so France won independence for America back in the 18th century but what have they done for the USA since then?
They gave us that neat statue. Also they helped us get involved in Vietnam.

I like France, the country.

However, one of their countrypeople is winning away the affections of a girl I like, so it is on! :mad:

there has always been rivalry between Britain and France sort of a few hundred years of cold war with a various hot points but the French aren’t too bad if you ask me its like a brotherhood of nations really:)

also when will you Americans drop WWII?

Okay so France won independence for America back in the 18th century but what have they done for the USA since then?
Kept Britain too busy to seriously re-invade the US when it was just starting out (see: War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars)

I'm afraid Jacques Chirac screwed them royally. If you're being sarcastic I can appreciate your humor, if not I'm afraid most people will disagree with you.
Jacques Chirac isn't exactly the average Frenchie. He's...an idiotic Frenchie.

Anyway, if it helps convince any of you, Thomas Jefferson was a France-lover. But I'm guessing you guys knew that.

I like France, the country.

However, one of their countrypeople is winning away the affections of a girl I like, so it is on! :mad:
Does he have one of those manbags.. I hate those things...

And even though I'm a socialist, it would be stupid to riot just because some law that allows them to be fired for any reason is passed.

I think even most Socialists can agree, Socialism becomes a problem when your economy is crippled, unemployment is skyrocketing, and immigrants are shunt into poor ghetto slums.

Yet, the French "Newer" Generation continues to flaunt itself without doing nothing.

The French refuse to take action. How did the riots last so long? If they don't disperse with rubber bullets, tear-gas, and other anti-riot measures, bring out the tanks. Simple as that.

there has always been rivalry between Britain and France sort of a few hundred years of cold war with a various hot points but the French aren’t too bad if you ask me its like a brotherhood of nations really:)

also when will you Americans drop WWII?
I happen to be Canadian. And we...I mean Americans...will drop WWII when they feel like it just because they're arrogant like that (not sarcastic).

I like France. Hellavu lot better than Britain.

Problem is, there are a few flaws. France seems to be unable to deal with it's newer, more rebellious, and untraditional generation. I mean, just look at those Students.

So basically, I like France, I just despise it's new "Generation".
Doesn't France have something of a tradition of the younger generation taking to the barricades when they think they're getting screwed over? I don't think it's a new phenomenon.

I always wondered why so many Americans disliked France but like the UK.

I mean, France saved America in the Revolutionary War, kept Britain from retaking America, and generally helped America in it's past?

What has Britain done? It's tried to screw over America at almost every turn in it's history while trying to ass-rape everyone else to. America fought them off because the French helped America fight the British.

France seems to be unable to deal with it's newer, more rebellious, and untraditional generation. I mean, just look at those Students.

as opposed to the earlier generation, whose students nearly overthrew the government in '68?

Originally posted by Nadkor
Kept Britain too busy to seriously re-invade the US when it was just starting out (see: War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars)
Wasn't intentional though ;) .

Yeah, too many Americans are becoming like John Adams.

And even though I'm a socialist, it would be stupid to riot just because some law that allows them to be fired for any reason is passed.

some socialist then. why shouldn't people revolt when the bosses are grabbing even more power over their lives?

Wasn't intentional though ;) .
Well, neither was getting you bogged down in Vietnam, but we all make mistakes ;)

Vive la France!!!

some socialist then. why shouldn't people revolt when the bosses are grabbing even more power over their lives?

Because if it's impossible to fire people, you can't fire bad workers, and than you can't hire people, because it's imposssible to fire them. Duh.

Kept Britain too busy to seriously re-invade the US when it was just starting out (see: War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars)
I don't think they were ever seriously going to recolonise the US. Didn't they discuss it in parliament after France had been dealt with and determine that it wouldn't have been worth it from a financial perspective, if it had been possible at all?

Originally posted by Nadkor
Well, neither was getting you bogged down in Vietnam, but we all make mistakes
I'm Scottish. I didn't know we were in Vietnam with the French. Damn that Auld Alliance ;) .

Here is why people on the right hate France:
Jack Chirac's government actively supported Saddam Hussein. If France had allied itself with America and Britain and demanded that Saddam stop messing around with UN weapons inspectors and supported though action by the UN, there would have been no Iraq War. Saddam would have backed down. There were some French businessmen getting millions from Saddam in oil-for-food money. There are documents from Saddam's government saying that he was hoping for France and Germany to protect him. tens of thousands more American soldiers died defending France than French died in the American revolution, and now they mock us and write insults on our war graves. France only helped us in the Rev war to stick one to England, and were often times unloyal to us in the war. We need those cheese eating surrender monkies to help us teach the Islamic fundies to surrender.

Here is why people on the Left Love France:
A few hundred Years ago they sent over a small portion of their army to help us win our war of independence, and they did it to stick it to "Evil England." France gave us a statue. France seems liberal with it's banning of Christmas cookies. French culture is superior to all others. The French Empire wasn't as big as the "evil British Empire." France is just perfect in every way, despite what the evil coservatives may say and prove the left wrong on...;)

F*** France, damn cheese eating surrender monkies!

I don't think they were ever seriously going to recolonise the US. Didn't they discuss it in parliament after France had been dealt with and determine that it wouldn't have been worth it from a financial perspective, if it had been possible at all?

You forgot. It's Britain. The minute you turn your back, they'll take a dagger and stab you in the back.

I'm Scottish. I didn't know we were in Vietnam with the French. Damn that Auld Alliance ;) .

didn’t one of your towns fight a war with Russia till about the 1980's

Because if it's impossible to fire people, you can't fire bad workers, and than you can't hire people, because it's imposssible to fire them. Duh.

not allowing businesses to fire young people without a valid reason is equal to not allowing them to fire anyone ever?

I'm Scottish. I didn't know we were in Vietnam with the French. Damn that Auld Alliance ;) .
You should have paid more attention in history ;)




Sorry, just assumed you were USian for some reason

not allowing businesses to fire young people without a valid reason is equal to not allowing them to fire anyone ever?

How can you prove there's a valid reason? You've gotta go to court, and the amount of money spent to fire someone is just so massive, it's financially impossible, even if they're bad.

didn’t one of your towns fight a war with Russia till about the 1980's
Not really, that was something where people noticed a technicality, and failed to notice the technicality had been dealt with before the war even ended.

Wars were declared on behalf of "England, Scotland, and Berwick-upon-Tweed".

When the war ended it was on behalf of "England and Scotland"

Some took this to mean that Berwick was still at war with Russia.

They failed to note that Parliament (I think it was Parliament) changed the way things were done, and passed legislation saying that all further legislation passed for England also applied to Berwick. So Berwick was included in England in the original treaty.

Originally posted by Call to Power
didn’t one of your towns fight a war with Russia till about the 1980's
That was Berwick-Upon-Tweed. I think they've been at war with several places over the years after the rest of us have settled up. It's because the UK declares war as it's constituent parts, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland and England. Berwick is a town on the Scot/Eng border and there has always been a bit of a dispute over which country it belonged to, so it would declare war itself. Unfortunately, in all the festivities after we've (inevitably) won the war, they forget to make peace :headbang: .

The amount of help the French gave to America during the Reviolutionary War was far from little. According to W.C. Privy's bathroom guide, there were approximately 29,000 French troops at Yorktown, more than the amount of Americans. I doubt that statistic's accuracy, but I am positive that the French invested many troops into the Revolutionary War after they were pretty sure their investment would be returned...
And...it wasn't.

How can you prove there's a valid reason? You've gotta go to court, and the amount of money spent to fire someone is just so massive, it's financially impossible, even if they're bad.

actually, you'd need to state a reason, and that reason would have to be able to stand up if challenged. it wouldn't go to court first.

in the united states you aren't allowed to fire a person merely for being black. and yet somehow, black people still manage to get fired from time to time. funny, that.

some socialist then. why shouldn't people revolt when the bosses are grabbing even more power over their lives?
France was in economic crisis. In extreme situations, capitalism may occasionally have to be used until the country stabilizes. Why? Well, because capitalism allows power-hungry idiots to strengthen the economy.

Why? Well, because capitalism allows power-hungry idiots to strengthen the economy.
As Lenin learnt with the NEP.

Okay so France won independence for America back in the 18th century but what have they done for the USA since then?

Sold Louisiana?

I like France, they made Democracy fashionable in Europe.

Plus, they're not surrender monkies! Try saying that to the French Foreign Legion! Those guys are cool...

Vive la France! (I think thats it)

also when will you Americans drop WWII?

You talking about that one war where Anglo-American forces liberated France and then they are ungrateful bitch's afterwards? Is that the one??

Originally posted by Anarchic Conceptions
Sold Louisiana?
They've done so much for the USA. Maybe Americans really are ungrateful ;) .

You talking about that one war where Anglo-American forces liberated France and then they are ungrateful bitch's afterwards? Is that the one??

They weren't ungrateful! They just couldn't do much to say thanks. They were so so poor....

You talking about that one war where Anglo-American forces liberated France and then they are ungrateful bitch's afterwards? Is that the one??
Yes, because the liberation of France was the Allies primary objective in WW2.

For some reason i hate France - i dunno why. So pass the Franch fries please! And no FUCKING Mayo!

What do you think about France? I personally like France, because they've helped America so much (even though America basically liberated France during WWII with Britain, Americans haven't quite paid France back because of how they treat Frenchies).
They're pompous assholes. But then, who isn't? I also heard they smell quite bad.

I've got no fight with them.

Sure, that was just payback for helping you guys out in the Revolution.Actually, the French planed to move in after the American Revolution and take over North America from the British and occupy the newly founded United States. As well, the arms they supplied the Americans were not of ‘good’ quality and the real hope that they had was the fighting in the thirteen colonies would weaken the whole of the British Empire to a point where the French could just take over.

Actually, the French planed to move in after the American Revolution and take over North America from the British and occupy the newly founded United States. As well, the arms they supplied the Americans were not of ‘good’ quality and the real hope that they had was the fighting in the thirteen colonies would weaken the whole of the British Empire to a point where the French could just take over.

At least be gratefull! If France didn't help you guys out now we wouldn't have an USA....

I always wondered why so many Americans disliked France but like the UK.

I mean, France saved America in the Revolutionary War, kept Britain from retaking America, and generally helped America in it's past?

What has Britain done? It's tried to screw over America at almost every turn in it's history while trying to ass-rape everyone else to. America fought them off because the French helped America fight the British.

For a sizeable portion of the 19th century a large percent of the population of the United States was fairly hostile to Britain. This began to change near the 20th century and accelerated during World War I (Woodrow Wilson and many other members of the upper class were increasingly supportive of Britain). The U.K. is still viewed as a type of "kin" or predecessor and so it has been favored by the U.S. when it has entered into dire crises.

The dislike of France is partly due to exaggerations however it is also partly linked to a perception of being shunned by De Gaulle and now Chirac. Many people in the U.S. seem to believe that France despise the United States or at least disdains it as being somewhat inferior. I am not saying that this perception is accurate when applied to the French population and most in the government however most Americans just see Chirac.

Goodness me what invective about France.

Nations as a whole are pretty disreputable. I respect France's culture, art, and the people of France. French politicians are just as, if not MORE crooked than American or British politicians.

Most Americans do not understand how formal French society is. You do not walk up to an older gentleman in France and call him Jacques. Unless you are a friend in long standing with him, so you would call him Monsieur le President Chirac. In the US it is not uncommon for a person to be called by their first name within minutes of meeting each other.

So our rather gauche manners and (in the eyes of the French) inappropriate familiariaty and informality is viewed quite poorly.

We (Yanks) frequently mistake this formality for aloofness and arrogance.

I have never had a single problem dealing with anyone from France as long as I remembered my formal manners.

There are a great number of high profile Francophiles in US History; Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin were notable in their love of French culture, food and wine.

Once you show respect to a person, regardless of nationality, you will get respect back.

I think it is high time we Yanks understand that we are NOT the center of the world and we need to show due courtesy to people. This Amerocentric view of the world is sheer arrogance and damned foolish pride.

Pride goeth before the fall.

I hate France, but more so the average French person. I think the government is full of selfish sissies, but government policies aside, they have some of the rudest people I've ever met. Those from the French country side are very kind people but the city people are absolute ass holes who have no respect for anybody but themselves. They treat foreigners horribly, whether they be American or European, and their youth are unbelievably lazy.

Then again, there are worse people.... Estonians, eugh...

Culturally, I enjoy their food and the country itself. Like my country, they have a lot of history and they have done interesting things in the past.

Yes, because the liberation of France was the Allies primary objective in WW2.

Thought it was defeating the Nazi's and Jap's

They weren't ungrateful! They just couldn't do much to say thanks. They were so so poor....

They got women don't they?! ;)

Thought it was defeating the Nazi's and Jap's
I believe that was sarcasm...

I hate France, but more so the average French person. I think the government is full of selfish sissies, but government policies aside, they have some of the rudest people I've ever met. Those from the French country side are very kind people but the city people are absolute ass holes who have no respect for anybody but themselves. They treat foreigners horribly, whether they be American or European, and their youth are unbelievably lazy.

Then again, there are worse people.... Estonians, eugh...

Culturally, I enjoy their food and the country itself. Like my country, they have a lot of history and they have done interesting things in the past.
Hmmm...and you've actually been to France and interviewed a random sampling of their population to see what percentage of people are arrogant snobs? Interesting...

Je l'adore.

Oui, d'accord. Moi aussi.

But how can you not like the French? They've got style and a neat language! It gets on my nerves how people seem to dislike the French just for the fact that they are French. I mean, hey, I'm from North America, and I don't hate them!

Hmmm...and you've actually been to France and interviewed a random sampling of their population to see what percentage of people are arrogant snobs? Interesting...

No, but I studied French in Paris for a month and seeing how every single Parisian I met was a complete and utter asshole, I think I have the right to make a general opinion. Then again, I make my opinions from experience so I don't really care if you don't like it.

France gave America the Statue of Liberty, sold us Louisiana, and helped us during the revolutionary war.

We saved France in WWI and WWII.

I think it's about even. And have conservatives who hate france ever thought that maybe France thinks its helping us more by NOT supporting the Iraq war?

Hey if the US didn't liberate France, the Soviets would of done it just fine!

:sniper:
Indeed. ;)

I like France...I take french...if they could clear up the political and labor issues, everyhting would be cool.

I think one of the main reasons the US came into the war was it was declared war on by Japan and Germany..... (note Germany declared war on you not the other way round)

secondly france fought very hard against the Nazis (admitadly not all of them (most of them just left things alone and some of them kissed so much arse they got brown lips...))

thirdly even after pearl harbour there were parts of the population urging america to either stay neutral or side with the nazis (some even thought that pearl harbour was a british/soviet/jewish plot to get the US and Japan fighting...)

The US had a lot to gain by supporting the allies as it got bases in british teritory (which they still have) as well as getting access to the british colonial trade (which until then had been a closed system pretty much)

The CCCP did most of the fighting agains the Nazis and the Chinese under Mao did much of the damage agains the Japanese (by having a massive war of attrition with them in Manchuria)

Very quickly after the war you stopped lend lease which meant that rationing of food got worse after the war then at any point during it (to the point of rationing of potatoes which had gone unrationed through out the war)

You then proceded to threaten the world with immenent and total destruction, set up Israel one of the worst evils to hit the world since hitler and stalin, destroyed and repressed democracy supporting dictators such as batista, pinnochet and saddam to name but a few, then when you get attacked you go psycotic on the world.

After all that you wonder why people don't like you

there has always been rivalry between Britain and France sort of a few hundred years of cold war with a various hot points but the French aren’t too bad if you ask me its like a brotherhood of nations really:)

also when will you Americans drop WWII?


So let me see if i have this right......


Talking about WWII is bad.....

Talking about a cold war hundreds of years old is good

So let me see if i have this right......


Talking about WWII is bad.....

Talking about a cold war hundreds of years old is good

I think that if America expects France to bow down to their every whim because of any war, regardless of when it takes place, is a bad thing.

I believe that was sarcasm...
You believe correctly.

People from Paris aren't known for kindness, just as people from LA/NYC aren't either. Does that mean you judge an entire country by one city? No, of course not.

France gave America the Statue of Liberty, sold us Louisiana, and helped us during the revolutionary war.

We saved France in WWI and WWII.

I think it's about even. And have conservatives who hate france ever thought that maybe France thinks its helping us more by NOT supporting the Iraq war?


I agree France is helping us by not being in Iraq.

I believe that was sarcasm...

Likewise...:)

People in most big cities are usually deemed to be ruder, regardless of what country they are in. Sometimes it's true, sometimes it's not. I've been to New York three times and all the New Yorkers i met were perfectly nice and helpful, they're just honest, they don't stand on pretense. They also have a tendency to just mind their own business unless it's obvious you need some help. I personally like that, others think it's rude. It's really about perception. Never having been to France i can't speak for them. Life is faster paced in cities though and people don't always have time to stop and do the things for us we may need them to. It takes longer to get anywhere, there is more traffic, they can't always afford to be as laid back.

I like France alot. Hell, if I don't get accepted into any good colleges and it looks like my only future is in flipping burgers, I'ma ship off to France to join the Foreign Legion.

I like France alot. Hell, if I don't get accepted into any good colleges and it looks like my only future is in flipping burgers, I'ma ship off to France to join the Foreign Legion.


Prepare to put down some 3rd rate African armies!

France made AP European history fun, unlike the British, who baisicly sat around drinking tea for about 200 years and did nothing interesting.

Prepare to put down some 3rd rate African armies!

It's better than putting down some billion angry Chinamen, or a billion angry Muslims.

hey I resent that

here in wales we drank lots of alcohol, had sex a lot and built loads of chapels

hey I resent that

here in wales we drank lots of alcohol, had sex a lot and built loads of chapels

None of which I studied in European History. Now the French, on the other hand, drank lots of alcohol, had sex a lot and overthrew thier goverment at least three times. After the Glorious Revolution, Britain is not as exciting as France.

I think one of the main reasons the US came into the war was it was declared war on by Japan and Germany..... (note Germany declared war on you not the other way round)
The American public was isolationist, but Roosevelt knew that the US would eventually be dragged into the conflict. By 1941 we were essentially in an undeclared war with Germany. American destroyers were sinking German submarines, American transports and destroyers were being sunk by the Germans... American policy had stated we would not trade with any belligerent nations, yet we were sending supplies and equipment over to Britain, China, and the USSR... even if Japan hadn't attacked, the US would have entered the sooner or later.

secondly france fought very hard against the Nazis (admitadly not all of them (most of them just left things alone and some of them kissed so much arse they got brown lips...))
Yeah, but they still gave up after only a month of fighting.

thirdly even after pearl harbour there were parts of the population urging america to either stay neutral or side with the nazis (some even thought that pearl harbour was a british/soviet/jewish plot to get the US and Japan fighting...)
Since when? As far as I know, most of the population was calling for revenge against Japan, and probably the only organization calling for us to side with the Germans was the German-American Bund.

The US had a lot to gain by supporting the allies as it got bases in british teritory (which they still have) as well as getting access to the british colonial trade (which until then had been a closed system pretty much)
Greenland and Iceland were occupied by Britain after Denmark fell, and then they were handed over to the US. After the war, Iceland became independent and Greenland was given back to Denmark. The only British territories I was aware of us receiving were Bermuda and the Bahamas, both which were given back to Britain after the war. The Bahamas became independent in the 1970s. I've never heard of this colonial trade thing.

and the Chinese under Mao did much of the damage agains the Japanese (by having a massive war of attrition with them in Manchuria)
Wrong. When the Japanese invaded China, Mao and the Communists were holed up in the Yannan province, and didn't have very much impact on the war. Chiang Kai-Shek and his Guomintang forces, as well as several of the Warlord provinces, bore the brunt of the Japanese invasion and did most of the fighting. When the Communists won the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Mao re-wrote the history books so that the Communists did most of the fighting while Chiang Kai-Shek just took a back seat, when in reality it was the other way around. Also, Manchuria was a couple hundred miles behind the front lines and firmly in Japanese hands for virtually the entire war; the only fighting that occured there was when the Soviets invaded in the week before Japan surrendered.

Very quickly after the war you stopped lend lease which meant that rationing of food got worse after the war then at any point during it (to the point of rationing of potatoes which had gone unrationed through out the war)
Wrong again. The Lend Lease stopped after the war because there was no longer any need for it. The U.S. then donated $13 billion in aid (about $130 billion today) to Western Europe to help re-build after the war in accordance with the Marshall Plan, starting in July of 1947. Britain, France, West Germany, and Italy were the four largest recipients of aid. Aid was offered to Eastern Europe and the USSR but Stalin refused.

You then proceded to threaten the world with immenent and total destruction, set up Israel one of the worst evils to hit the world since hitler and stalin, destroyed and repressed democracy supporting dictators such as batista, pinnochet and saddam to name but a few, then when you get attacked you go psycotic on the world.
Fine, maybe we did threaten to the world with imminent and total destruction, but only because the Russians were threatening the world with imminent and total destruction, too. Also, the US didn't create Israel; Britain and the UN did. And, yeah, Israel is most certainly an extremist totalitarian state responsible for the deaths of several million people like Hitler and Stalin. In most cases, you'll find that the only reason America supported certain dictators was to prevent those countries from falling to Communism. The one main exception was Saddam, because we felt we were supporting the lesser of two evils in the Iraq-Iran War. We were doing everything within our power to depose the new Iranian theocracy that had overthrown the Shah (who was pro-US), and one good way to try and do that was by giving weapons to someone who was at war with them.

After all that you wonder why people don't like you
Yeah, actually, I do. Maybe we do have an idiot for a president, and certainly many Americans act like pig-headed morons, but I would really like to see a legitimate reason as to why everyone hates the US. I mean, who would you rather have as an overbearing world power: Nazi Germany, the USSR, or the US?

I have nothing against the French, and I think the anti-French prevalence in North America is silly. Then again, my grandmother claims we're descended from French aristocracy, so I may just be a tad biased.

I can't wait to go back to Nice this fall, Lovely country, lovely people, but not a big fan of their food.

Fine, maybe we did threaten to the world with imminent and total destruction, but only because the Russians were threatening the world with imminent and total destruction, too. Also, the US didn't create Israel; Britain and the UN did. And, yeah, Israel is most certainly an extremist totalitarian state responsible for the deaths of several million people like Hitler and Stalin. In most cases, you'll find that the only reason America supported certain dictators was to prevent those countries from falling to Communism. The one main exception was Saddam, because we felt we were supporting the lesser of two evils in the Iraq-Iran War. We were doing everything within our power to depose the new Iranian theocracy that had overthrown the Shah (who was pro-US), and one good way to try and do that was by giving weapons to someone who was at war with them.

Excuse me, WE OVERTHREW the Shah by undermining his support and what did we get? Ayatollah Khomeini and a long line of reactionist mullahs, capped off with the current democratically elected hard liner. We forgot that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (which we now basically ignore the list of signatories) included the nation of Iran. Under the terms of the NNPT any signatory may develop nuclear energy. Now, naturally we don't like the guy and the government in control of the nation...but that does not change the fact that they ARE a signatory to the NNPT and the government in control was democratically elected. Do I think Iran is a danger? Yes, absolutely. I thought we should have been paying attention to Iran and North Korea and left Hussein and Iraq alone. He was "dictator in a box," he was hemmed in and frankly NO DANGER to the US. But, little Georgie had to have his war and act all big and bad...moronic twit.


Yeah, actually, I do. Maybe we do have an idiot for a president, and certainly many Americans act like pig-headed morons, but I would really like to see a legitimate reason as to why everyone hates the US. I mean, who would you rather have as an overbearing world power: Nazi Germany, the USSR, or the US?

Because we arrogantly stick our nose into everyone's affairs. The United States may be more gentle than the other two options, but that is not saying much. Clinton was respected by Europe. He engaged the Europeans and actually asked advice and sought consensus from our allies in the EU. Clinton worked hard on advancing the peace process in the Middle East and did so with hard nosed, but fair diplomacy with Israel and Palestine. Peres, and Bibi Netanyahu actually cooperated and worked toward a hard won agreement with Arafat. He also engaged Sinn Fein (Gerry Adams) and the IRA to start drawing down their weapons and started what might be a solution to the Irish matter after well over a century of feuding. Neither of these peace negotiation processes were easy, but Clinton worked very hard at Foreign Policy and certainly was a better President on handling foreign affairs than the current bozo-in-chief. Bush says we are going to do this and screw everyone else, he has hired the WORST person in the world as SecState, her Foreign Policy command is absolutely awful, and represents the worst possible mish-mash of neoconservative philosophy and extraordinarily questionable approaches to National Security. I think Dr. Rice is by far the least independent SecState in the past six administrations.

You combine the self-centered arrogance of this President and no moderation of his dangerously ignorant foreign policy by the one Cabinet Officer that could basically tell him he was wrong and make it stick, along with Rumsfeld as SecDef, another arrogant, self-centered evil bastard and you wonder why the US is reviled? Jack Straw is taken more seriously than Don Rumsfeld...and this is the worst Labour government in the last century...and barring Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Blair is the worst Labour PM in the past century and a quarter.

Perhaps Mr. Brown may save Labour...but I think the muddy Parliamentary politics in the UK will clarify into the same model of closely divided minority governments that Canada and Italy currently have. My prediction that the Tories will lead the next government from the minority unless hard changes are made by Labour.

At least the pendulum finally seems to be shifting here in the US, but I am not holding my breath.

I have a minor in French, have taken French for many years, have visited France, my family has hosted a French exchange student, but I would say I just "like" France. I really didn't like Paris at all, but places like Vichy and Nice are very wonderful and the people are very nice. Despite this, I don't take French for France's sake--I take French because Médecins Sans Frontières is looking for emergency care nurses who speak French to work in Francophone Africa.

I have allegiance to the language and sometimes it gets me tormented by anti-French people, but whatever. I'm going to be using my French for something much greater than whatever they'll be using their English or Psychology or East Asian Studies degrees for, so I don't feel bad at all :D.

vous etes que des singes qui mange du fromage. :p

Figure that one out....

Well, while France is a nice country, they have some problems. The Parisien Metro system, for one. Not to many places where you can get crushed by the things checking your tickets before entering...

vous etes que des singes qui mange du fromage. :p

Figure that one out....You got "mangent" wrong...

I like France, it's a decent country. There's far better and there's far worse places to be.

My primary problem is with the incessant French cultural conservatism, and when I say that, I don't mean in the fashion of American republicans or something. Instead I'm referring to a cultural resistance to change and adaptation.

The French invented the crepe. They can't be that bad.

They also created Le Cite du Science et L'Industrie, a wonderful science museum outside Paris.

I like France. The country and some of its people, not the government.

You talking about that one war where Anglo-American forces liberated France and then they are ungrateful bitch's afterwards? Is that the one??
By becoming America's biggest trading partner, staunch ally and buying into American pop culture?

i like france because it's not britain but it's near enough that i can just nip back if i get homesick. not that i've ever got homesick.

France made AP European history fun, unlike the British, who baisicly sat around drinking tea for about 200 years and did nothing interesting.

*sighs*

Do you not learn about the creation of a welfare state, or the various conflicts back when we had an Empire and such?

And American history is also quite boring.

What do you have... urmm... genocide, some slavery, a couple of wars that were started under false pretences and the Wall Street Crash and the following New Deals...

Crikey... a laugh and a half.

*edits*

Oh yeah, and to that chap who said that Tories were in the minority - they actually won the elections in England (albeit with a tiny majority) and all that saves Labour were the votes from Scotland and Wales.

If only the Lib Dems weren't in such a shambles, I'd vote for them.


Oh and France is quite good, and you'll find that most French people are very polite if you make a good first impression (using 'tu' rather than 'vous' is a schoolboy error, especially if the person you're talking to is older than you).

Their food is excellent, their wine is too, and their government is only as crooked as the US and UK governments.

France is OK. Better weather, more sensible drinking culture, but idiot politicians, just like over here, and they've got massive problems enforcing their laws on secularism and the unemployment's crazy. Conclusion: :confused:

Good points: France has got ski resorts, croissants, pretty cool language. Bad points: No sense of architecture. Screwy farmers. Jacques Chirac. Cool language hard to learn (for me:( ) Riots. Conclusion- Croissants makes up for it all.

I like France, but in previous trips there I noticed a lot people urinating right by the side of the road (not even hiding it). Is this some kind of French equivalent to a Chav?

France is nice :D
There's lots of good things coming from France like e.g. croissant (I love those!), and besides us they were the only country smart enough not to participate in that braindead Iraq war http://assets.jolt.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif
Ok, Chirac isn't the smartest guy ever and does some retarded crap sometimes, but that's not their fault.

France has long been our allies in the past, and it would be idiotic for us to drop them because we happen to disagree right now.

I have no idea why so many americans hate france.
They would still be a british colony if it was not for france.

I absolutely love France. Beautiful country, nice enough people when you know how to talk to them. I love the language (I'm a French major at university) and would love to live over there for a few years.

also when will you Americans drop WWII?

The current American mindset was formed by the Cold War and WWII. I'm convinced that a lot of conservatives hate liberals because the conservatives believe that the "War on Terror" is their chance for something like WWII. They desperately want the sort of national unity and sacrifice that WWII caused on the homefront. Remember, we didn't suffer the sorts of things that Europeans did during the war. Anyway, they hate liberals because they see the liberals as trying to take away their chance at something like WWII.

*sighs*

Do you not learn about the creation of a welfare state, or the various conflicts back when we had an Empire and such?

And American history is also quite boring.

What do you have... urmm... genocide, some slavery, a couple of wars that were started under false pretences and the Wall Street Crash and the following New Deals...

Crikey... a laugh and a half.



I never said American history wa interesting either. I learned U.S. history at a younger age, though, where teachers were allowed to and had time to make things interesting with games and projects. To get through all we need to in European History in time for the AP exam, most classes were lectures.

Also, we did learn about those things, and they aren't as interesting as, let's say, the Paris Commune.

I like France. The French revolution is an important moment in world history and probably influenced history a lot more than commonly thought. I like French language too. I wish India had been a French colony...I would have been speaking French now...lol..:p

France is how politics should be. They have no interest in silly concepts as expediency, tactfullness, and political corectness. They enjoy being provocative. Pick a modern issue, look at what every other country did, France did not do that. France does things like sink greenpeace ships, tear gas students, and arrest people with black ops teams as a show of force. France doesn't believe in sensitive issues, like banning the muslim students in public schools from wearing their headscarves. They just do it. Or just declaring all young people have no rights at work. I love that! Conversely, the French people know that the government won't defend their rights, so they riot. It's awesome.
Admittedly, I am glad I am not in France, or French, but I still love them.

Oh yeah, and to that chap who said that Tories were in the minority - they actually won the elections in England (albeit with a tiny majority) and all that saves Labour were the votes from Scotland and Wales.

I am that chap. I was actually aware of that, no excuses. But since Wales and Scotland are part of the United Kingdom, Labour managed to eke out a victory (not a large one mind you). What likely cost the Tories the election, although I am certainly no expert, is that Mr. Howard was a bigger dunce than Mr. Blair (frightening, eh?).


If only the Lib Dems weren't in such a shambles, I'd vote for them.

It is rather frustrating to have a Parliamentary system and yet only two parties that get the attention. The Lib Dems will eventually get their act together, but they need a new party leader, I expect.


Oh and France is quite good, and you'll find that most French people are very polite if you make a good first impression (using 'tu' rather than 'vous' is a schoolboy error, especially if the person you're talking to is older than you).

Their food is excellent, their wine is too, and their government is only as crooked as the US and UK governments.

I totally agree. There will certainly be some hi-jinks when the next election is held and much entertainment will be had by all with a twisted sense of humor.

JC

I mean, who would you rather have as an overbearing world power: Nazi Germany, the USSR, or the US?
CANADA!!!!!

I like France. Hellavu lot better than Britain.

Problem is, there are a few flaws. France seems to be unable to deal with it's newer, more rebellious, and untraditional generation. I mean, just look at those Students.

So basically, I like France, I just despise it's new "Generation".

ach... The french Youth have always been uppity. And dont knowck it. Its better than the apathy that seems to signify British youth.

*sighs*

Do you not learn about the creation of a welfare state


The country to start first on that was Germany, not Britain.

i don't mind France, it has never done anything against me!!!!! ;)