I worked in Germany.
I worked for two different German companies for over 10 years.
I traveled extensively throughout Europe. Virtually all of my experience, including quite a few in the "Iron Curtain" countries, were great; except for anything and anyone from France!
People are people on a one to one basis but they are also the product of the propaganda they are fed.
You spew hate, they find you hateful
I assume that was directed to someone else?
Of course.
On France and Chirac (and Schroeder), I've been tough. I came close to punching in the nose a currency exchange clerk who was abusing my father in Paris when my parents came to visit while I was stationed in Europe. In fact, on a vacation two years ago, when people asked, Why France?, I responded I was a masochist.
In my opinion, I couldn't have been more wrong. For two full weeks, my wife and I were treated royally. Many credit Jean Tiberi, the former mayor of Paris, with changing popular attitudes that helped his country's tourist industry. There is a lesson here for all of us. I also came to realize that boycotts hurt primarily those with the good working relationships with Americans; that is, those most friendly.
Meanwhile, the fact that Germany, Japan and Saudi Arabia financed the First Gulf War with contributions of $7 billion each, allowing us to claim we made a profit on the war, gets scant mention in the press. Military and economic contributions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and elsewhere are almost never mentioned. Perhaps, they too have learned lessons.