A Slander on France (French response to charges of anti-semitism)

Washington Post ^ | June 22, 2002 | Francois Bujon de l'Estang

[jalisco555]

The recent upsurge in acts of violence against my Jewish countrymen is a matter of great concern in France. The French authorities and people as a whole share the shock and distress of our Jewish community. Anti-Semitic acts in France have caused understandable emotion in the United States as well, but they have also elicited some offensive, even outrageous, remarks.

[jalisco555]

It's only slander if it's a lie.

[Ukiapah Heep]

Is it possible to slander France?

[dennisw]

"Now for the facts: A series of inexcusable assaults -- physical, material and symbolic -- has been committed in France against Jews over the past 20 months. Nearly all were perpetrated by poorly integrated youths of Muslim origin who would like to bring the Mideast conflict to France."

At least the ambassador said this much.

[Honorary Serb]

Now for the facts: A series of inexcusable assaults -- physical, material and symbolic -- has been committed in France against Jews over the past 20 months. Nearly all were perpetrated by poorly integrated [sic] youths of Muslim origin [sic] who would like to bring the Mideast conflict to France.

A bettter way of putting it would be: "A series of inexcusable assaults -- physical, material and symbolic -- has been committed in France against Jews over the past 20 months. Nearly all were perpetrated by extremist muslim youths, who don't consider themselves French at all, but are active fifth columnists working against the French people, whether Jewish, Christian, or secular-humanist."

[mewzilla]

Monsieur de L'Estang, Oui ou non: The French diplomat who referred to Israel as an expletive-deleted little country still has his job.

[monkeyshine]

Precisely. Le Pen was pilloried in the French Press for his statements, but the French diplomat was defended by the French government and media alike.

Someone should tell Pepe Le Pieu that what comes around goes around.

[FateAmenableToChange]

Is it possible to slander France?

Sure. "Other countries would surrender faster if they were invaded."

"Los Angelites are way more offensive and arrogant than the French."

"California winemakers are probably more pretentious than French winemakers."

This is too easy. Except, in writing it's libel, not slander. Oh, and for French people who would consider suing me in French courts if I ever bothered to visit, this is humor. Get it? Humor. Say it with me . . . .

[elephantlips]

You are right about the perpetrators, however, what did the French authorities do about it? Was there a hue and cry from the French citizenry as to the assailants? Apparently not loud enough.

[Phillip Augustus]

...and who should driven out of France (and all of the Continent, for that matter), Charles Martel-style.

[Clive]

"France has a long tradition of tolerance and respect for freedom of religion . . ."

Comme l'affare Dreyfus

" . . . It also has a tradition of fighting for international peace and justice.

Comme la milice de Vichy.

[section9]

Yah, sure.

"France has a long tradition of tolerance and respect for freedom of religion . . ."

" . . . It also has a tradition of fighting for international peace and justice. "

Of course it does!

Juifs a la Port!

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[liberallarry]

The French have a terrible problem with the Muslims - Marseilles is now an Arab city.

[liberallarry]

That's the Germans invading Paris. What does it have to do with French tolerance?

[Nonstatist]

Whether the perps are French Chrisians or French Muslims.. whats the difference? They were invited in, so why should we need to diffrentiate?

[Phillip Augustus]

Who invited them in?

[danmar]

I have been dismayed by these comments

Well, why the french people,french gov and other assorted entities have not distanced themselves right from the beginning, as associates to the arab terrorists. It looks like they are a tad retarded to understand the global threat the Al'Queida and their ilk posses to the civilised world.

Than again what do you expect from the french...they are so dense that they can find their asses with both hands on a bright sunny day.

[timestax]

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