Many European ( former) Allies have condemned current USA
policies and questioned the legality of the Iraqi invasion.
Some have chickened out completely, but the French contribute to the force in Afghanistan ( considerably ).
But the friendship seems to have cooled so much, even though
it dates back to the American revolution, that I wonder if the Statue of Liberty the French people presented as a gift of
friendship ought to be demolished and returned.
That would seem to be the appropriate and honest thing to do
considering the prevailing attitude.
Or should the torch be replaced by two stretched out middle
fingers welcoming us European immigrants and visitors to reflect the
prevailing mood in the USA today.
I'm sorry but here in 'Old Europe' friendship does not mean you
tell somebody exactly what he wants to hear, if we think a friend is wrong you ought to tell him. We're old fashioned.
The French are very proud people, this rift might take years
to close again.
2007-04-27 15:31:23 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Blue Steel and Lace there are many sources but this was the most recent update.
www.ambafrance-us.org/atoz/defence.asp
1000 troops in Kabul and about 1500 personnel supporting the UN effort currently.
This means UN and not under American
command! an important difference.
Probably why it doesn't get much attention your side of the pond.
2007-04-27 16:16:49 · update #1
Great and Glorious, you made some great points and the debt of WW1 and 2
cannot ever be repaid and versailles was indeed a major factor in the rise of
Hitler in Germany as the conditions the
vengeful French demanded ( impossible
damage payments ) were far to harsh.
But it is still not the point, why the French
in particular.And don't get me wrong I'm
not defending them.I'm Dutch, we have
Germans to the east,British west and French to the south of us.
Don't even start about the wars and arguments we've had with these far bigger neighbours in the course of history.
2007-04-27 16:43:22 · update #2
G & G I just could not help but notice that
the French bear the brunt of 'Europe Bashing' on the pages of Yahoo but they
are certainly not the only NATO country
not supporting the US, yet the others never get mentioned. I'm just curious !.
2007-04-28 11:14:12 · update #3
If I am not mistaken, many of France's neighbors (England and Germany mainly) are not exactly close. Why? Well, centuries of warfare, trying to conquer one then another country, Napoleon subjugating many Europeans, snottiness, etc. Statue was a gift of freedom, not alliance.They saved us in Revolutionary War, we more then repaid in WWI, and then rescuing them from the Nazi occupation forces. Though France is to blame for the harsh conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, which led up to WWII. Just my two cents.
If you are not defending them, then why the question? (not sarcasm by the way)
2007-04-27 16:26:56 · answer #1 · answered by Chase 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The French government (many high ranking officials) were getting the under table money from Saddam in the oil for food program. THAT, AND ONLY THAT WAS THE REASON THE FRENCH were against the Iraqi invasion. Other nations were getting a piece of the pie also. but they where not WORKING WITH THE TERRORISTS against us, as the French were doing. The French are already too far over-run with Muslims and their nation will never be the same as it has been.
2007-04-27 23:12:38 · answer #2 · answered by just the facts 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The way I see it is someone always has to be the "whipping boy," right? For the last few years France was chosen. I, like you, feel that there should be honesty between friends, but I think we are being lied to on a daily basis by our governments. I don't feel that the statue of liberty should be returned. Many of us in the U.S. still love the French people and they have contributed much to our culture.
2007-04-27 22:46:08 · answer #3 · answered by worldwise1 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We seem to dislike people who are only Friends in Good
Times,The French spit on us, while making money selling
armament to our enemy, them have the gall to critique us.
They talk about the American Revolution, and The Statue
of Liberty, yet fail to mention WWII When our men spilled
their Blood to Free France from.German occupation. That
part of History is always left out. Proud Old Europe, yes I
guess that means return to Vichy French Govt.
2007-04-27 22:50:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Many Americans love and respect the French,
and the "gift" given was to celebrate Freedom,
not international
ideologies or alliances.
2007-04-27 22:45:43 · answer #5 · answered by V B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The french are as a whole very rude and better than thou.They only like us when we are giving them money forgiving their debt after WW11.But they have low regards for any other country but theirs.I personally will never step foot into France.All of our soldiers buried over there to defend them and they act this way?Shame on a Narcissist Country
2007-04-27 22:43:00 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ Mel 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Which force do the French contribute to in Afghanistan, and how and what do they contribute?
Not trying to be contentious but what are your sources?
2007-04-27 22:40:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Soon the statue will be demolished by Halliburton for a no bid contract.
2007-04-27 22:39:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I love France and the French, those who don't are jealous of their culture and great food.
2007-04-27 22:49:48 · answer #9 · answered by neddie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are bang on the money. If it's friends can't tell the USA it is making a mistake, who can?
2007-04-27 22:40:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋