France, at one time, had a reasonably respectable government. That is long past. A typical byproduct of corruption and socialism, the Chirac government is anything but a U.S. ally. Chirac's blind ambition to better the U.S. and become "emperor" of the EU have turned him into what is...he was totally stupid to burn the bridges he did, unless, of course, Kerry becomes President -- then Chirac will be sleeping the Lincoln Bedroom, along with Bin Laden.
"France, at one time, had a reasonably respectable government"
Are you talking about when Charles Martel defeated Abd-er-rahman at the battle of Poitiers in 732AD?