I think most Americans would be happy to find common ground with the French people of today, but we are disappointed that the opinion leaders of France seem to think so little of us, and that they seem blind to the threats to Western civilization that we all face.
Despite the history of the Resistance, it does not seem that the French of today believe there is anything worth fighting for. Where are the ideals of the early pre-Marat revolution? The French seem fair weather friends but are missing in action when there is real dirty work to do - as is the case right now. Americans ask "Who WILL face the Islamic enemy, if we do not?" The answer appears to be "Not France". I say this with sadness as a man who loves France, the nation and its history.
I'm grateful for Therese of Liseux and Joan of Arc, anyway.