>>>I was actually considering that the US should return the statue of liberty, since it comes from such a nation who won't jump into any new wars without a cause. Tsk, tsk, tsk...
>>
>>We paid for it.
>
>So what? There are so many things around here that are treated as privilege even though they are fully paid.
>
>> Ever been to Normandy?
>
>Nope, haven't seen any of Europe west of the Adriatic - Vienna - Amsterdam line. You'll tell me why this is important, I presume.

http://www.americansinfrance.net/Attractions/American_Military_Cemeteries.cfm

All kidding aside, I love France and the French. I have the same frustration with their politicians and poseur intellectuals that I have with ours ( much as they find our politicians and cultural jingoists unbearable. ) Oh, and I do find it hard to forgive them for Derrida and LeCorbusier. ( and for all the snobery, I bet the average Frenchman eats a lot more MacDonalds than I ever have <s>)

but I love the place and find the French charming. I certainly don't fault them for not getting behind the Iraq war - one must act in what one perceives to be one's own national interest. I do notice there have been some changes in France since, so I don't think we are too far apart on the big things and I think it would be a very bad mistake for our mutual enemies to doubt that. I am told by people I think know that in the war against the Gottbedrunken crazies they are completely on board and often play rougher than we do.