I know, I remember all of them. That is why I don't understand the gleeful attitude. Riots are ugly things.
some FReepers are saying "you deserve it France" just like many after 9/11 said "America, you deserve it".
Not good. Riots are ugly indeed.
I would say that the gleeful attitude comes from seeing the poulets come home to roost. As the French have looked down their noses at us they've allowed this to come to fruition with their PC attitude. Remember this is the country that cradles Arafats family and gave him an alibi in death. So on one hand they welcome Islam that kills Jews but they don't like the ones that just might kill some French folk.
Perhaps the "gleeful" attitude stems from the son of a bitchery the French government perpetrated against us in the run up to the war, which made things harder for us and perhaps cost the lives of some of our men.
It might have something to do with the French supplying the Hussein regime with hard currency and weaponry during the embargo.
Or perhaps it was the indignation of many Americans who see the white crosses at the Cemetery in Normandy, and know that because of the sacrifice of those men lying in repose there, that the French can enjoy coffee at their sidewalk cafes without the annoying sound of jackboots.
I suggest the glee emanates less from the spectacle of riots in that country, but more from the ironic exercise of seeing the French government hoisted on its own petard.
There are a lot of good, decent people in France. However, the American reservoir of goodwill towards that country in general has been drained quite a bit by the actions of their leadership.
That's where I think the "glee" comes from.
Maybe just maybe it could be that it is the muslims who are doing the rioting on French soil that is causing the glee. The French are finally having to face reality.