[LaBelleDameSansMerci]

Well I had the pleasure of living there for while--going to school. I think a tour of France may bring out the worst in both parties--American "last remaining superpower-edness" and French cussedness. Day to day life in France is a whole 'nuther kettle of bouillabaisse.

There is also an element of desire in these American/French confrontations. Neither side could live with out them in some strange way...

[grammymoon]

I could most surely live without France.

[NewAmsterdam]

Could the fact that both France and the USA are countries born out of a revolution have anything to do with it? Or that French political thought was implemented better in the US then in France itself?

[GVnana]

There is also an element of desire in these American/French confrontations. Neither side could live with out them in some strange way...

Odd observation. In my experience the Americans can live very well without confrontations with the French. Seems the French thrive on them. But then, it would be a very French point of view to tie such attitudes to an indefinite passion.