Citizen Genet: Redux

"Chirac seeks an American TV network to interview him that he may bring his side of the Iraq story directly to the American People."

It used to be that every American schoolkid learned of Citizen Genet, the representative of the Revolutionary Directorate, who came to America in the 1790's to demand American assistance in the Directorate's wars against England and the other states of Europe. Washington ignored him so he went directly to the people. He, with Jefferson's help, organized rallies demanding intervention and attacking Washington and Adams. Despite this he returned to France empty handed and his efforts led to the Quasi war with France in 1798 and to the Alien Sedition Acts of the same year.

Washington stood on two ideas. America did not want war and a foreign government MUST deal with the American government and never directly with the American people.

When Rather, et. al. rush to see who will interview Chirac Bush must clearly invoke Washington and his response to Citizen Genet. A foreign leader must deal with America's government.While free press rightly prevents a warning to the media, France MUST be warned of consequences!!!

"he returned to France empty handed "
Actually, when recalled at America's request he sought asylum from Washington so he wouldn't have to return to France (and to the guillotine since his Girondists had fallen from power).

President Washington, whom Genet had so foolishly sought to undermine by public opinion, generously granted him asylum here and Genet married the daughter of NY governor Clinton and lived, I believe, to a ripe old age.

The alienation of even such a strong supporter of France as Thomas Jefferson was the most notable outcome of his arrogant attempts to manipulate and defy American policy.

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