Originally posted by straffo
Short reasonning , and you forgive completly the reason why GB and France didn't do such an intervention : death toll of WWI was so hight that they were very reluctant to enter a war.
Except 3 27 and 27 april 1954 for example or Suez ...
To bad you chose to listen to only one voice.
Do you realy think we need to be erased from the map ?
should I recall that "Badiguet"(*) was a dictator ?
(*) Napoleon III
I understand why France and Britain were reluctant to take Hitler to task in the years immediately prior to invasion of Poland. Indeed, the loss of a considerable portion of an entire generation will certainly disuade a people from war (unless you were German, and were very angry at the circumstances and events immediately following the end of the war).
Personally, I have always enjoyed the French people. In my months of visiting France in the late 1970s, I found them generally friendly and helpful to an American struggling with the language and culture. I had several ancient French gentleman guide me around the battlefields at the Marne, Argonne and Chateau Thierry so that I could visit the actual locations where my Grandfather fought the "evil Hun" in WWI. To them, I am eternally grateful.
As to "French arrogance", I rarely saw any such behavior. Yes, I did experience some in cosmopolitan Paris, but I find the same thing in New York too. However, out in the countryside, people were helpful and generous.
I have no wish to see the relationship between America and France suffer. But, in point of fact, I have not had a favorable opinion of French Presidents going back to and including DeGaulle. However, I can isolate political leaders from the people in general. Likewise, most French citizens like Americans, even if they dislike our political leaders. Indeed, we are not that different in most respects.
Unfortunately, the political fallout stemming from the events leading up to the Iraqi war will be with us for some time. It should be understood by our European friends that Americans are quick to forgive a mistake, but have a very long memory for treachery, be it real or simply perceived. Either way, it may take years to undo the harm that has been done and soothe the bad feelings many Americans have towards the current French Government.
By the way, Napoleon III was certainly a dictator, but he was elected President only to dissolve the legislature and declare himself Emperor. There are some who might argue that Chirac has done France nearly as great a disservice.
My regards,
Widewing
