The French perspective Locally, residents differ on native land's stance

Richmond Times Dispatch ^ | 3-19-03 | JEREMY REDMON

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Paul Elbling, a French native who owns La Petite France, is eliminating the French connections from his Richmond restaurant. A U.S. citizen for 28 years, Elbling says he is protesting French President Jacques Chirac's stance against war in Iraq.

French native Paul Elbling stands solidly behind President Bush and his plans for war in Iraq. So don't ask the chef for any French foie gras.

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"Now, when I say I'm half French, people raise their eyebrows and they will say things like, 'So, are you scared?'

I would ask, Does that mean you shave one armpit and leave the other hairy? Does the same principle apply to deoderant?"

"It is strange. I'm really hoping it blows over."

And I'm hoping I'm not downwind.

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FREEP POLL PLEASE

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If this Frenchman puts tasty food on the tables in his restaurant that's all that counts.

Why should a small businessman be made to pay for the stupidities of Jacques Chirac's government?

Grow up America!

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It's French foreign policy that needs to be more mature.

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"Anaelle Bourguignon, a friend and fellow French student in Richmond, agrees and defends Chirac." "I think he is right to defend peace," she said. "Chirac listens to the majority of the population of the world. Maybe it would be possible to disarm Iraq without such suffering that war can bring."

A product of a Liberal American Education. If the majority of the world were able to vote. They would vote the U.N. attack us. But since the majority of the world is ruled by despots, dictators and monarchs, I won't lose any sleep tonight over that.

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Why should a small businessman be made to pay for the stupidities of Jacques Chirac's government?

What did I say bad about the resturant man? He says he's an American, pulled down the Frog flag, and quit serving the Frog wine. His business hasn't dropped off at all. I only bashed the Frogette.