[SOC] France and USA

[Carlos J Caro]

> 
> One thing which strikes me is the role of France as an USA ally OR, 
> as a British enemy [depending upon your view].
> 
> Arguably, France played a strategic role in these events which 
> ultimately led to the American republic.
>
No question about it, but please don't think that they did it out
of love for us. Just a few years later they were ready to attack
New Orleans and sieze the lower Mississippi to lock America to the 
east bank. A French king was just extending his war against the 
British as they did during the French and Indian war before the 
revolution. We were just a battle ground as far as France 
and England were concerned. With no regard to our status
as an independant nation.
 
> Now fast forward some 200+ years to 2003 and on many lists, 
> elsewhere, in public and, whatever you can think, Americans 
> have recently vilified the French back last March / February.
> 
Don't go that far, remember 1945 to 1949, and into the late
50's Europe was still building itself back up after the war, so 
why expect Iraq to be up and running after a few weeks ??

> I can remember the tasteless jokes re surrender etc.
> 
> Isn't it time someone apologised?
> 
Tasteless jokes are not exclusive to Americans I see no reasons
to apologize to anyone.

> Especially since the French and others have since been proven 
> comprehensively right.
> 
Wrong, the problems with Iraq did not spring up overnight and 
will not be settled in a few months.

> I don't recollect an apology to the nation of La Belle France 
> anywhere.

None necessary 

> [/my opinion]

Mine also

Carlos, SOC#91