Why? You have amply demonstrated that you in fact know nothing about Europe.
No, I haven’t.
Everyone on Earth knows at least a little about Europe, save a few isolated tribes in S. America and Africa.
So, which National Geographic issue was it that covered poor French plumbing and dirty Frenchmen, Clint?
It was the same issue thast covered ignorant Americans and our “Cowboy” President.
It’s not seeing “eye-to-eye”, it’s “ignorant & prejudiced-vs-informed”.
How can you interpret defending something against your loud-mouthed, ignorant assumptions as “snobbish”? It’s nothing of the sort.
And how can you interpret defending something as an implicit criticism of your country? Unless you’re horrifically defensive. Nobody in this thread has done anything of the sort, either. I have spent many years visiting and living in your country (yes, even your state! I saw a tornado! Clichéd, but true), and it’s magnificent. Though there’s a few cubic feet of Wichita that I probably wouldn’t like.
Maybe the people of France get a bad rap because of French politics, but it’s their duty to see to it that such folks don’t gain power in their country. Socialism?
My first post on this thread was exaggerated, of course, but it was inspired by someone who was going on about how lovely every aspect of France and the French people are, but Americans, on the other hand.:rolleyes:"
I will refrain from making generalizations about the French people.
The French government is still fair game, however.
Agreed! 
Educate yourself, Clint. Chirac is a Gaullist. Assuming you don’t know what a Gaullist is, I’ll let you in on a secret: Gaullists are not socialists.
May Americans get a bad rap because of American politics, but it’s their duty to see to it that such folks don’t gain power in their country. Democracy?
There’s a better form of government?
Why do I get the feeling that you just picked fly shit out of pepper?
What, you think it’s not significant that the president of France is actually not a socialist, whereas you kept blaming the shortcomings of current French politics on that exact ideology?
I said, "Why do I get the feeling…" because I don’t know much about that form of govt. and I can’t look it up right now. If I’m way off base, I apologize, although the Chirac’s politics don’t necessarily reflect on the entire French govt.
For once I agree gasp with TwistofFate
Clint, Ireland is a gorgeous country, and you’re a fucking imbecile.
I said, "Why do I get the feeling…" because I don’t know much about that form of govt. and I can’t look it up right now. If I’m way off base, I apologize, although Chirac’s politics don’t necessarily reflect on the entire French govt.
Sorry about that…things got a little heated, at least on my end. I’m sure Ireland would be nice to visit, if that’s your cup of tea. I think Amsterdam, Rome, London & Venice would be pretty cool as well, as far as major cities go.
However, I’m not an imbecile. I won’t budge on that!
Why, France is a democracy, dear Clint. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty much the mold with which many European democracies were formed. 1789, and all that. Look it up when you have the time.
The French government can indeed be (predominantly) Socialist, as it has been in the past. The make-up of the current Assemblee Nationale (parliament) can be seen here. As you can see, the RPR (Gaullists) is the largest party in parliament now. As for the government, it is currently led by Prime Minister Raffarin, who is of the Democratie Liberale party.
To confuse you some more, the Head of State is the aforementioned Gaullist Chirac, acting as President.
I know, it’s hardly a clear-cut two party system with a flat organisation structure. But it’s definitely not a Socialist government per definition.
Thanks for the link.
Clearly Chirac isn’t stupid. His stance on Iraq (IMO) is either motivated by complete insanity, or France’s economic ties to Hussein. My guess is the latter. Same goes for Germany, Russia, and China.
These govts. are all in bed with Hussein IMO. They don’t want us to gain proof that they are, nor do they want to lose billions owed to them by the current Iraqi govt.
They would compromise our safety in the name of cash…the very thing they accuse Bush of threatening to do!!
There you go again, Clint. Read some more. Then form opinions.
Damn! Now I’m agreeing with everything you’re saying!