Knocking the French: Why?

NavySEALs.com ^ | July 30, 2006 | W. Thomas Smith Jr.

[SuzyQ2]

But we Americans seem to have short memories.

What else could explain the fact that we, generally speaking, so-often lambaste the French, calling them “cowards” for not allying themselves fully with us in every instance? We constantly throw in their faces the fact that we came to their rescue in World Wars I and II. And we’ve all heard the jokes: “Surplus French military rifles for sale. Never fired. Dropped once.”

[GATOR NAVY]

They were not helping the USA they were sticking their finger in Britain's eye. Different thing entirely.

Absolutely correct. Don't forget how after the war they did their best to prevent Britain and America from signing a peace treaty. It was in their interest to keep things troubled as long as possible.

[dufekin]

The French engaged an annual ritual of surrender toward the Islamic pirates for many decades until the 1830s. Thomas Jefferson attempted to extinguish the Barbary pirates throughout his "millions for defense; not one penny for tribute" presidency, and James Madison carried the United States to its first victory over the Islamic armies in the Tripolitan War (1801-1815). The French naturally sided against the United States, continuously financing our enemies and outfitting their navy. We also defeated the French in several naval battles during the 1790s; indeed, the French threat to American shipping led Congress to commission a navy to defeat them.

But in the current conflict, the French formally surrendered in 1962, allowing millions of Islamofascist Algerians and other similarly inclined immigrants to join the tens of thousands of Islamists already terrorizing the country through the 1950s. Had the French defeated their enemies, Islamofascism today might exist only as a minor undercurrent in a few Arab societies. But the surrender of France only emboldened the Islamofascists, who set about attacking Israel, the Munich Olympics, the Achille Lauro, and numerous airliners. They also took control of Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Libya. This movement flourished into the major world threat that now pesters us today.

Aside from a very brief period in the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks when George W. Bush indubitably frightened them into submission, the French never have released their insistence on surrendering to the terrorists. They encumbered an American air force mission aimed at punishing the terrorist Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Republic, whined and moaned incessantly on behalf of terrorists in the United Nations, subsidized an ongoing domestic Islamofascist demographic explosion, and actively assisted the genocidal terrorist butcher of Baghdad. So yes, the French have lived in surrender for forty-four years--they surrendered even before the United States entered this war.

[Gumption]

It's the whole "Maginot line" philosophy that still seems to dominate their thinking.

Also the whole Libya thing still cranks my shaft.

[xxyyxx]

I think we dislike them because they have a bad habit of stabbing us in the back. Why go to Paris when you can visit Lisbon?

[jemckay19]

I found a statement in a book by Robert Lacey and Danny Danziger "The Year 1000 - What Life Was Like at the Turn of the First Millennium" (on page 30). In the chapter discussing where our modern English language comes from the authors state that the word "surrender " was a French import that came with the Normans in 1066.

I'd say the French have been building their reputation for a long time

[james500]

When I ask a waiter for ice in my coke, I expect it to be done. I don't expect debate. That a French waiter would find conflict in such a request is certainly one reason why some American travellers might find the French obnoxious. Adding insult to injury, last time I checked, the tips in France are included automatically. I cannot withhold my tip as an indicator of my dissatisfaction. I am FORCED to tip that jerk.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

And it is fun! :)

[james500]

"For a bunch of guys that came up with that kick-ass 'French Maid' costume, they sure are a bunch of pricks."
-Comedian Greg Geraldo

[conservativehusker]

Maybe next time you should ask them if they speak German...when they say no tell them they're welcome and walk away.

[knews_hound]

Always remember, in Engineering and Politics, the French copy no one.

And no one copies the French.

Cheers,

knewshound

Latest Column  The Last Normal Day 22 Aug 2006

[danmar]

Knocking the French: Why?

Because they killed the Templars and obliterated the Order!

[Fiji Hill]

The French Surrender at Compiègne, June, 1940

Inset: Hitler in Paris

[KSCITYBOY]

I work with the French - they are arrogant pricks.

[sully777]

The Colonists were not doing very well against Britain's army

---

What do you call Boston, Saratoga, Monmouth, Princeton, Sullivan's War, Cowpens, etc. and the near draw at Germantown and Brandywine. After four years of war against the greatest power in the world with a volunteer army ill fed, ill equipped and ill prepared I think we did a damn good job. And the Brits begrudgingly agreed.

British Navy

---

Jones and the privateers using adaptable finesse/

I point of fact, France was not a military factor until 1779-80 and their help was suspect at best especially in Newport, RI.

[TampaDude]

Why do we knock the French?

Because they SUCK!

[mrsmith]

"Thomas Jefferson attempted to extinguish the Barbary pirates throughout his "millions for defense; not one penny for tribute" presidency"

That was the Adams presidency. The XYZ Affair. The Quasi-war... starring... the French!

(It happens so often I'm becoming curious why so many people are confused about the context of that quote. Of course it's an appropriate description of Jefferson's attitude to the pirates, but it's historically inaccurate to ascribe it to that period. I suspect an NEA conspiracy to protect the French...)

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

France had not been the same since WWI. They fought bravely in that war. When WWII started they just were not prepared or had the gumption to stick it out. France was one of the early united countries in Europe. Spain, England and France were the early countries that were able to unite and have some power. Spain hit its heights during the early colonial period, but after its loss to England (demise of the Spanish Armada) England and Spain were the early powers. Austria came along and later Russia, and finally Italy and Germany, but France was the big continental power during the from the 16th Century until the demise of Napoleon.

France has an inferiority complex vis-a-vis the Anglo-Saxon powers of Britain and the USA. There is a resentment there because we have achieved so much. Their country occupies a keystone location in Western Europe. It's geography guarantees that it is important. However, since the battle of Verdun, France is not know for much but good food, perfume and good looking women that don't shave under their arms. I lived overseas for 9 years and have traveled to France several times. I ran into French rudeness, but also much good. Of course, compared to visiting the UK where I never encountered rudeness, or Germany, where the people are a bit rude in public, but very friendly in private or as friends, France is second rate. Italy is my favorite country to visit. I love the people, history and climate.

[billhilly]

"You can always count on the French to be there when they need you."

Oui.

[Nevermore]

Actually, the USA would not exist today if France hadn't helped us in the Revolutionary War.

I salute the memory of Lafayette & his ilk. This is another generation, as distant from those heroes as Clinton is from Washington. These French are a disgrace to Lafayette. (But let's not sugar-coat it either: those French just loved stickin' it to King George. Shortly after our revolution, they made a horrible mess of things in their own.)

[Valin]

Knocking the French: Why?

Because they invite abuse, and it would be impolite not to provide it.

"I do not dislike the French from the vulgar antipathy between neighbouring nations, but for their insolent and unfounded airs of superiority."
Horace Walpole