This site has moved to robert.williamsonline.us.
Translations:
Dig up your garbage, it is fouling our soil.
Rosbeefs (Brits) go home
Saddam Hussein will win and spill your blood
Death to the Yankees
This desecration is at a World War I cemetery in northern France containing around 11,000 graves of British soldiers who died defending France.
You might protest that this is an isolated incident that is condemned by the vast majority of the French. However, the only outrage is over the method used, not the message. Only half of the French even want us to win the war in Iraq.
Steven Den Beste has more.
Posted by Robert at April 02, 2003 12:53 PM | TrackBackThis disgusting article about tensions between France and the United States was a perfect example of the wave of misunderstanding and intolerance of other cultures that occasionally surfaces in the United States -- and elsewhere. Referring only to simplistic stereotypes, the article went so far as to suggest that it feels as if the United States and France are "at war." This is total nonsense.
Some would like to promote the idea that if democratic countries do not agree politically with the actions of the current administration, or if they take issue with other elements of American foreign policy and behavior abroad, then they should be treated as enemies of sorts. It is this attitude that promotes abroad the idea that Americans have imperialistic intentions -- another bit of nonsense, I do hope. Let us not forget that many Americans share the view of French President Jacques Chirac's government about Iraq.
The French are a freedom-loving people with a high quality of life, a rich history, and a sense of belonging to an international community.
Americans, too, are part of an international community. Americans owe it to themselves and to their friends around the world to learn about their cultures, languages and ideas in an open and understanding way.
Thank God for all americans who took a powerful defense of the French. Stop the French bashing; Longtime allies stood tall, paid price in past wars.
The last time America didn't listen to the French, it wound up in Vietnam. And thank you very much Lafayette, your soldiers paid the price in america for American freedom ! Always remember that !!!
This disgusting article about tensions between France and the United States was a perfect example of the wave of misunderstanding and intolerance of other cultures that occasionally surfaces in the United States -- and elsewhere. Referring only to simplistic stereotypes, the article went so far as to suggest that it feels as if the United States and France are "at war." This is total nonsense.
Some would like to promote the idea that if democratic countries do not agree politically with the actions of the current administration, or if they take issue with other elements of American foreign policy and behavior abroad, then they should be treated as enemies of sorts. It is this attitude that promotes abroad the idea that Americans have imperialistic intentions -- another bit of nonsense, I do hope. Let us not forget that many Americans share the view of French President Jacques Chirac's government about Iraq.
The French are a freedom-loving people with a high quality of life, a rich history, and a sense of belonging to an international community.
Americans, too, are part of an international community. Americans owe it to themselves and to their friends around the world to learn about their cultures, languages and ideas in an open and understanding way.
Thank God for all americans who took a powerful defense of the French. Stop the French bashing; Longtime allies stood tall, paid price in past wars.
The last time America didn't listen to the French, it wound up in Vietnam. And thank you very much Lafayette, your soldiers paid the price in america for American freedom ! Always remember that !!!
France was occupying Vietnam when we came to help them there too. The US betrayed Vietname when we allowed the French (our ally) to re-occupy there past outposts in Vietnam. Why is it always up to Americans to learn and accept other cultures. Tell Europe to learn and accept other cultures and ease up on the immigration laws a little.
Posted by: John Frazier on April 29, 2003 11:30 AMa perfect example of the wave of misunderstanding and intolerance of other cultures that occasionally surfaces in the United States
Yes, the article quite clearly indicates the it's the US that has the problem. We're the ones desecrating graves of foreign soldiers who died assisting us.
suggest that it feels as if the United States and France are "at war."
I do not see the suggestion you mention. But it does in fact appear that way, because we are in fact at war. And you lost.
The major battles of the war you lost:
* The US Congress authorized the President to use force against Iraq, with or without UN approval.
* The US decided not to seek an 18th resolution from the UNSC. Ironically, you (France) committed suicide by declaring you'd veto ANY authorization of force against Iraq. If you hadn't, we might have brought it to a vote, and we might have lost. Of course, if we went ahead with the attack anyway, you'd still have lost.
* The fact that we invaded Iraq was the next battle you lost.
* The fact that there was virtually no resistance by the Iraqis was another battle you lost.
* The fact that we've uncovered horrifying evidence of Saddam's brutality.
* The fact that a great number of Iraqis did in fact welcome us.
* The fact that resistance to US occupation has been fairly muted so far, certainly not rising to unexpected levels.
Face it, Rey, you lost. There is a new world order that is not characterized by cowering together in a herd.
Try to understand what the war that you lost was actually about. America is not interested in international opinion anymore. The axis of weasels demonstrated that they were utterly irrational, and ceased to be relevant in American minds. We don't care what you think.
they should be treated as enemies of sorts
If a foreign country is actively opposed to the US seeking its essential self-interests (such as security), then yes, that country is our enemy. Guess what category you and Germany fall into?
Americans have imperialistic intentions -- another bit of nonsense, I do hope
Very nonsensical. We are the anti-empire. We could easily conquer much of the known world, but don't. Who would stop us? You and your aircraft carrier? We don't want an empire. We're perfectly happy to just be left alone. America has a strong isolationist tendency, but 9/11 demonstrated to us that we cannot be isolationists. So we aren't.
many Americans share the view of French President Jacques Chirac's government about Iraq.
Not true. Most polls showed a 70% support for the war, with or without UN (French) approval.
60% of Americans (including me) don't even care if we ever find WMDs.
The French are a freedom-loving people with a high quality of life, a rich history, and a sense of belonging to an international community.
You have a rich history, that's for sure. And you have a sense of an international community belonging to you - does "they missed a good opportunity to shut up" ring any bells?
Freedom loving? High quality of life? Hah! You have oppressive laws restricting freedom of speech and religion, gun ownership, and so on. Your brilliant labor laws cause double-digit unemployment and a pathetic economy. C'est la vie.
Longtime allies stood tall, paid price in past wars...thank you very much Lafayette, your soldiers paid the price in america for American freedom ! Always remember that !!!
America is, and always will be, profoundly grateful to Lafayette and the noble French of long ago who actually were honorable friends and allies.
We mourn the death of Lafayette's spirit and the French honor of that time. De Gaulle killed Lafayette. Chirac spit on his grave. (Figuratively, I mean). France, you were a great and honorable nation - once upon a time.
America would fight and die by the millions to support our friends. We are an intensely loyal people. We will never forget the unflagging, sacrificial support by the Aussies and Brits (and I know I'm leaving a whole bunch out). We will particularly never forget Tony Blair.
Conversely, we will never forget the despicable betrayal of our so-called "allies" and their leadership.
This disgusting article about tensions between France and the United States was a perfect example of the wave of misunderstanding and intolerance of other cultures that occasionally surfaces in the United States -- and elsewhere.
WHAT??..YOU ARE BLAMING THIS DESECRATION ON AMERICANS?...IT SURFACED IN THE UNITED STATES?...LOOKS TO ME LIKE IT SURFACED ON THAT MEMORIAL WITH RED PAINT! IN FRANCE! ELSEWHERE?...WHERE ELSE HAS THIS VANDALIZING OF SOLDIERS GRAVES WHO SAVED THE FRENCH HAPPENED?
Referring only to simplistic stereotypes, the article went so far as to suggest that it feels as if the United States and France are "at war." This is total nonsense.
NO ITS NOT NONSENSE..WE ARE AT WAR...AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE AT WAR WITH YOUR PRESIDENT.AND YOUR POLICIES OF SUPPORTING SADDAM HUSSEIN AND YOUR AFRICAN MASSACRES AND IMPERIALISM!
Some would like to promote the idea that if democratic countries do not agree politically with the actions of the current administration, or if they take issue with other elements of American foreign policy and behavior abroad, then they should be treated as enemies of sorts.
I WOULD FARE TO SAY THAT PAINTING SWATISKAS ON THE GRAVES OF SOLDIERS WHO DEFENDED YOU WAS A LITTLE MORE THAN "TAKING ISSUE".
MAYBE YOU SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO FRENCH FOREIGN POLICY AND ITS ATROCITIES AND TAKE SOME ISSUE WITH THOSE POLICIES IN AFRICA AND IN IRAQ TOO.
It is this attitude that promotes abroad the idea that Americans have imperialistic intentions -- another bit of nonsense, I do hope.
SWATISKAS IN VANDALISM IN FRANCE PROMOTES THE IDEA THE AMERICA HAS IMPERIALISTIC INTENTIONS? WHA??? YOU MAKE NO SENSE.
YOU HOPE? WHY DONT YOU STUDY SOME HISTORY..DID WE TAKE FRANCE OVER?????????? OR GERMANY???? OR JAPAN??? THE ONLY WAY FRANCE WOULD HAVE LOST WHEN WE FOUGHT THE NAZIS THERE,WAS IF FRANCE WOULD HAVE ACTUALLY WON..THEN YOU COULD BE UNDER NAZI IMPERIALIST RULE..BUT OF COURSE BY THE LOOKS OF THE VANDALISM MAYBE THATS WHAT YOU WANTED..AND WHY YOU GUYS ARE SO MAD AT AMERICA..WE RUINED WHAT YOU ACTUALLY APPROVED OF..NAZI IMPERIALISM.
Let us not forget that many Americans share the view of French President Jacques Chirac's government about Iraq.
NOW THATS A LAUGH...YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT IN TOUCH WITH AMERICANVIEWS.YOU HAVE BEEN READING THE LIBERAL AMERICAN PRESS TOO MUCH IT SEEMS.
YOUR ABOVE STATEMENT IS JUST BLATANLY FALSE.
The French are a freedom-loving people with a high quality of life, a rich history, and a sense of belonging to an international community.
YEAH YOU WANT TO BELONG TO AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY...READ--THE U.N...BECAUSE ITS ONLY PURPOSE IS TO WEAKEN AMERICA...YOU'RE ALL FOR THAT....HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE AND RICH HISTORY--THIS TRANSLATES TO ME AS " WE ARE MORE CULTURED AND CARING THAN YOU ARE AMERICA"..WHICH IS TOTALLY UNTRUE TOO..FRANCE CARES ABOUT FRANCE.
Americans, too, are part of an international community. Americans owe it to themselves and to their friends around the world to learn about their cultures, languages and ideas in an open and understanding way.
YEAH WE SURE ARE A PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY..WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WHO LIVE HERE AND ARE GIVEN A CHANCE AT FREEDOM AND WE LIVE "INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY" EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES JUST BY WALKING OUTSIDE OUR DOORS.
WE LEARN ABOUT OTHER CULTURES AND LANGUAGES AND IDEAS BY WALKING OUT OUR DOORS ONTO THE AMERICAN STREET EVERYDAY.MAYBE YOU SHOULD LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF AMERICA.
Thank God for all americans who took a powerful defense of the French.
NO,THANK THE FAR LEFT--WHO WISH AMERICA WAS A SOCIALIST OR COMMUNIST COUNTRY--THEY ARE THE ONES THAT DEFENDED YOU.
Stop the French bashing; Longtime allies stood tall, paid price in past wars.
YOU STOOD SMALL ON THIS ISSUE...PETTY!AND CARED ABOUT MONEY AND YES OIL,YET BLAME AMERICA FOR WHAT YOUR TRUE REASON FOR STICKING UP FOR SADDAM WAS.HYPOCRITICAL TO THE EXTREME...AND WHAT WILL FRENCH CITIZENS DO WHEN ALL THE DIRTY DEALING COMES OUT..AS IT IS SLOWLY TRICKING IN AT THIS VERY MOMENT.
HOW ABOUT STOPPING THE VANDALISM WITH SWATISKAS IN FRANCE FIRST? NOT TO MENTION THE ANTI-SEMITIC CRIMES THAT ARE RAMPANT IN FRANCE...YET FRANCE TRIES TO COVER THEM ALL UP..BUT GUESS WHAT? WE KNOW!
AMERICA PAID A VERY VERY HIGH PRICE FOR FRANCE..AND LOOK WHAT WE GET IN RETURN..NO ONE IN AMERICA DESECRATES LAFAYETTE...IN FACT WE NAME OUR CITIES AFTER HIM...ANY CITIES IN FRANCE THAT SO HIGHLY HONOR OUR SOLDIERS SACRIFICES..OH OOPS..THE SWATISKAS..YEP..THANKS FOR THE HONORS FRANCE!
The last time America didn't listen to the French, it wound up in Vietnam. And thank you very much Lafayette, your soldiers paid the price in america for American freedom ! Always remember that !!!
YOUR FUNNY...AND YOU NEED TO STUDY YOUR HISTORY A TAD MORE CONCERNING VIETNAM.
AMERICA EARNED HER FREEDOM,WE DIDNT SURRENDER AND THE FRENCH CAME AND SAVED US AND AMERICA REALISES
SHE MUST ALWAYS EARN IT,WE HONOR OUR ALLIES,AND WE REALISE OUR ENEMIES AND WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT...GOOD LUCK WITH THE TERRORISTS AND THE ISLAMO-FASCIST TAKEOVER IN FRANCE...CHRIAC WILL SIT BY AND LET IT HAPPEN..AND THEN WHERE WILL YOUR PRECIOUS FRENCH CULTURE BE..AND WHAT RESPONSE FROM AMERICA WILL YOU GET WHEN YOU ASK US TO HELP YOU AGAIN?
WE ASKED FOR YOUR HELP AND YOU DESERTED US AND ACTIVELY WORKED AGAINST US...HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO FRANCE IN THE FUTURE?
FRANCE EXPECTS OUR ALLIGANCE TO IT ALOT MORE THAN WE EXPECT YOUR ALLIGANCE TO THE U.S....YOU EXPECT IF ISLAMIC FASCISTS TAKEOVER YOUR COUNTRY THAT AMERICA WILL COME TO YOUR RESCUE AND HAVE OUR SOLDIERS DIE FOR YOU, BECAUSE IF WE DONT YOU WILL CALL THE U.S. NAMES?
YOUVE ALREADY TRIED TO CORRUPT AMERICAS INTENTIONS SO WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO AMERICA WHAT YOU SAY OR DO NOW?
BUT OF COURSE AMERICA WOULD DEFEND YOU AND ACTUALLY DOES DEFEND YOU RIGHT NOW BY TRYING TO RID THE WORLD OF ISLAMIC-FASCISM..WHICH IS IN FRANCES INTEREST TOO..IN FACT MORE THAN AMERICAS,BY THE LOOKS OF THE SWATISKAS,AND FRANCE KNOWS THIS..AND ABUSES AMERICA,BECAUSE THEY KNOW IF THEY REALLY REALLY NEEDED US,WE WOULD BE THERE.
SHAME ON YOU FRANCE..SHAME!