No more French Fries???

[ShawtyCat]

I know everyone is watching US News and the occasional Al Jeezera newscast. Interestingly enough, I was watching my MIL's Greek TV (didn't understand a word) but the war was not shown in a very good light there. Lots of Iraqi wounded shown and lots of angry voices on screen. And every few minutes on CNN you hear "The oil wells are ok." "They are working furiously to save the oil" "Iraqi Oil will reduce the current gas prices by 20%". I wish they would stop talking about the oil already. Im stuck somewhere in the middle. I was not born American, originally from the west indies, but I am American. Hard to explain. I understand why most of the world is angry with America. Ive heard it all my life. "The Americans are arrogant! Always butting in when you don't want them, trying to take over your economy with their companies and treating you like crap when they visit. blah blah blah" I could write a book on all the dissent Ive listened to over the years. I think it comes down to pride. Most countries, who need help, don't want help from America since they believe that there will always be strings attached. And get quite upset when they are forced to accept help from America, whether they like it or not. It all comes down to pride and poor people have more than their share of that attribute.

As someone explained it to me, which I find more believeable than Bush's explanation, is that the Gulf War was never over. It was just a cease fire between the US and Iraq, which was conditional. Iraq was supposed to comply with the UN weapons inspections etc. etc. etc. Since Sadaam was flagrantly disregarding the cease fire conditions, we did not neccessisarily need the UN approval to go in to Iraq. So, in laymans terms, it was a breach of contract.

As for helping people who later don't like you. That happens everyday, from Kindergarten up. I once gave a homeless woman half of my paycheck (I was in high school) because she had kids and I wanted to help. I am not going to look at her and say "She may get back on her feet, get a good job, might one day interview me and not offer me the job. I can't let that happen." No one does that, you just help. If you can't look into the future and anticipate what will occurr in the future, you cannot expect the politicians to do so. I may not agree with Bush's methods and reasoning regarding this war, I may think it a bit petty and ridiculous to be boycotting french food especially when our economy is in a decline, but I support our troops. That's my cousin out there on the front lines and my family could receive a visit from the service at anytime. If he dies, I will not stand over his body and say "You're an idiot."


I really should turn off CNN...it really isn't making me feel better but its the only way to feel that you know they are ok.

[ShawtyCat]

By the way...does anyone get the feeling that the pres and co are doing a "Well, it worked in Afghanistan...." thing?? And if anyone wants to correct my bit of heresay regarding the cease fire with Sadaam, please do so.


Pongi,

Do you know anything about the missing Italian journalists?? Has anyone heard from them??


PS

Can't believe that one of the POWs is actually a cook!!

[Pongi]

Chef1x,
apparently the story of Luigi Fortebraccio is the simple truth. I've done a quick online search and it's mentioned in many Italian music sites. They also speak of another outstanding "italian" musician, called Beniamino Buonuomo, whose performances were often broadcast by the Regime radio
Although unbelievable, it must have been the only way to cheat a censorship that banned, between many other things, also the "Negro music"...

Shawtycat,
those Italian journalists seem to be alive and well, as it has been announced on TV by another Italian correspondent. They cannot contact their families as their cellular phones have been confiscated, but they're waiting for a permission to leave Iraq.
Thanks for asking!

Pongi

[chrose]

Shawtycat,
Very well said, in my opinion. A unique perspective and a welcome one.
Thanks.

[holydiver]

The thing is it didn't work in Afgnanistan read the news from around the world about what is going on there. We hold a city and a couple bases and nothing more I believe we have taken big losses there and are not being told. They beat the Russian bear in the 80's they certainly can beat us people in these countrys know how to fight guerilla warfare they have been fighting this way since before Alexander the great. Against guerilla tactics technology is null and void Russia found that out we are finding that out in Iraq ask the English and French and Spanish about trying to occupy countries that hate you to the core and will do anything to repel you. Vietnam,Morroco,Afghanistan,Algeria,Somalia,etc... ..........

[phoebe]

A friend of mine is living in Lyon for a year and this is a comment from her about the American boycott of all things French:

"I’m sure the American media is full of stories of Americans being mistreated by the French. We’ve heard some wonderful anecdotes on this end. Our friend Paul, who manages one of the fanciest restaurants in Lyon, told us that, aside from the vintners, the French are delighted with the American boycott of French wines. Many wines that are normally only for export are now available to the French. Restaurant owners are rubbing their hands, stocking their wine cellars, and wondering if maybe there’s a way to get the Japanese to boycott as well!"

And the beat goes on.

And hey Jodi! Where have you been? I've missed reading your posts.

[Pinarello]

I agree that even if America took over Bagdad that the fighting won`t stop, even if Saddam is killed it won't stop. Bagdad is the holy city for Muslims. We just don't belong there.

[chef1x]

Phoebe, I believe the word is "betrayed," as the French are not capable of mistreating the U.S. ( and I am only referring to the government).....
Personally, if the French people are happy with us not buying their wine, and I am happy with the far superior American wines, I don't see any reason for any animosity . It will only help our own economy, non?

Holyd, man, you need to come in from the cold and take a few more history lessons, that kind of attitude can't be healthy!

Pongi, thank you for more of that, do you have more? My own father lived for Benny Goodman during those days, he still does...

Shawty, thanks for giving a reasonable and balanced viewpoint.....remember that any "world" power is always hated and the object of envy...as are you and I by people less fortunate....

Pinarello,
Many credible "people" also argued against the wisdom of occupying cities such as Berlin, Tokyo, Rome, Paris, Belgrade, Panama City,.....it's always risky, and in the above cases, somewhat successful and progressive. Saving thousands and thousands of lives, year after year....
In order that thay may enjoy a good meal, prepared by a grateful chef!

Time for me to enjoy my cup of "freedom" roast coffee purchased from my local French bakery, operated by an American master chef!

[ShawtyCat]

Pongi,

I am so relieved to hear that! I'll feel even better when they are out of Iraq and back home with their respective families.



Chrose,

Thank you.



Pheobe,

Ive been sending off my relatives. Most of my family is either:

US Army
US Airforce
US Coast Guard
Police Officer
Security Guard
EMT
and the odd computer hacker interspaced.

I actually tried to join the reserves but the Army wouldn't let me in. I was a single mom of a 11mth old baby girl. Oh, well. Isn't it weird? My family comes here and immediately joins the US Army & Airforce directly out of high school. I think it is a bit funny, but atleast we get to fight with our other relatives in the British & Canadian Armies. Wouldn't leave a relative to fight alone. Other than that, Ive been hanging out on eBay selling cookbooks.


HELLO CT! I'VE MISSED ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE!!!

[soussweets]

germany, france , russia and china,,, the main oposers to the war all own multi billion dollar oil opperations in iraq,,,, Hmmmmmm wonder why they oppose the people of the country getting a share.

[IronChefATL]

I have a funny one about the whole freedom frie thing. Our classes menu the other day called for Pommes Frites. This kid that wrote the menu put freedom fries on the menu board. Unfortunately our regular chef is out this week with a family crisis. He is french, I would have loved to have seen his reaction.