Sarko is one of the few European leaders to even acknowledge there is a GWOT. With Tony Blair gone, and the TOTUS in charge, Sarko will be, with Bibi Netanyahu, the leader of the Free World.”
- Thanks for pointing this out, Cincinna.
As a European, I willingly admit Europe could do more in the (G)WOT.
However, I feel America somehow must try and get over the Chirac Shock Syndrome.
The civilized part of the world is in a war together, a war that involves a challenge to the very fundamental principles of freedom and civilization as such.
I admit I'm sometimes amused by jokes and sarcasms regarding France, Sweden and other European nations that I read here on Free Republic, but seriously speaking, certain other attitudes trouble me.
France's behavior during the pre-war 1930s as well as during WWII itself is questionable (just like that of my country, Sweden) but likewise is the support Britain and the US gave Hitler prior to the outbreak of this conflict.
This is something few Internet debating, autodidact leisure time historians of American origin wish to acknowledge.
During WWII Sweden sold iron ore, under threat, to Nazi Germany. True. Prior to the war, Standard Oil sold fuel to Luftwaffe. Also true, but for some reason almost completely forgotten in the US.
There's no reason why ordinary Americans, daily, should express their gratitude towards Sarkozy, or why Europeans should praise USA in a similar fashion.
But, we could all start to behave like grown up individuals.
I hate to say so, but far too often Americans have displayed a very sloppy attitude towards fighting wars and towards national discipline in general.
Not speaking of the American heroes serving at the front line, offering their lives in places like Guadalcanal, Hamburger Hill or the outskirts of Bagdad, but the average Joe, an “american” disappointed with his own life who doesn't hesitate to mock France, a nation that has sacrificed thousands upon thousands of her young sons in trenches during the last century, but still won't lift a finger in honor of the Americans who fought in Vietnam.
It hurts to be forgotten.
Think about it.
—
It was a beautiful day in Sweden 2004, 11th of March.
I and my workmates went to a nearby bar at noon, some of us wasted money on slot machines. One guy had a beer. I had a sandwich.
Suddenly, the bar owner turned the TV on and there were reports about scores dead in Madrid.
Guess what that did to our cheerful mood that beautiful Gothenburg day of spring.
IMO, it's a crime not to give Spanish, American, French, British and other troops who are stationed in Afghanistan and such places our moral support.
These people are risking their lives while you and I drive around in nice cars, enjoy Jacuzzis and fancy dinners.
Not addressing you Cincinna, but certain other “intellects” here; If you don't take wars seriously, what kind of a second rate, free rider member of Western Civilization are you?
Americans make good soldiers, the world knows that, still, America of today could learn a lot from studying the morale of the soldiers Europe has produced throughout the centuries.
As a Swede, I don't hesitate to say we have an army tradition to be proud of - and even though we haven't fought a war for centuries, I could exemplify by men that still are alive today.
Look at how well Swedish troops performed during the (by today more or less forgotten) Congo Crises in the early 1960s. Despite being poorly equipped and badly prepared for such an environment, priorly more or less completely unknown to them, the 6 334 Swedes under UN command that served in Congo 1960-1964 made a crucial difference to the situation, even though this part of the world remains a hellhole.
Or have a look at how Finland dealt with Stalin during WWII.
Let's continue to make jokes about each other on both sides of the pond, but let's also honor the brave men and women who risk their lives in the WOT, whether they are American, French, South Korean or whatever and let's continue to give support to their loved ones in NYC, Chicago, Marseille, Hamburg, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Osaka, Adelaide, Vancouver and all the other places on Earth where “freedom” still signifies something more than just another empty word.
You guys kicked but for sure on that one. The Winter War!
I, as an American, hold no grudge against you. You are truely a brave and honest people. Responsible for most of what has made America great. After all, the peoples of Europe were the ones that founded this country.
But much time has passed from then. Seems that things, not of our making, have brought us to this point. Governments, or should I say Socialism, the scurge of humanity, have brought us to this point. I pray it is not a point of no return.