French Student Visitors Get the Cold Shoulder

NY Times ^ | July 4, 2003 | ALISON LEIGH COWAN

[FairOpinion]

First it was French wines. Then French fries. Now it's French exchange students who are getting the cold shoulder from American families still smarting over France's opposition to the war in Iraq.

"I start talking about exchange programs and they say, `Great.' And when I say they're all from France, end of conversation."

She finally became so exasperated that she drafted an open letter to prospective hosts that was more cri de coeur than letters from the lovelorn.

"Are we so self-serving that we've lost touch with the true meaning of America?" it went on. "Are our lives so busy that we can't open our hearts and homes to children who want to learn about our culture? Or perhaps we're still in the anti-French mind-set?"

Though it was not the response she hoped for, her letter drew an immediate reply from John Vogler, a retired machine operator in Syracuse. "Where was France when we needed its support to back us in the war on terrorism against Iraq?" he wrote to his local newspaper. "As far as keeping Franco-American friendship alive, it died six months ago."

[FairOpinion]

We need to keep it up. Friendship is a two-way street. France behaved as our enemy and they are surprised we don't treat them as friends anymore.

[pgobrien]

Guess whose flag is missing at Normandy?

http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/dacha/000185.html

[FairOpinion]

"Guess whose flag is missing at Normandy?" http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/dacha/000185.html

===

Good think he actually took pictures. It's a disgrace.

[Search4Truth]

American and British sons have died in Iraq because of the French. When those sons are rejoined with their loved ones, then we can reconcile with the French.

This article gives good insight into what the French really are.

French first lady encourages run by Sen. Clinton for U.S. presidency ^

[weck34]

Please tell me those have been altered in Photoshop so my blood stops boiling...

[JoeSixPack1]

The BS meter is pegged.

At any given time since their exchange program started did they ever have 100% placement? I think not.

The NYSlimes attempt at turning anti=americanism into a pity ploy for the innocent strikes again.

[McGavin999]

They seem to disapprove of everything American so I'm sure it's not too much of a disappointment to them. Let them go to Canada, they'll feel right at home, right down to the America bashing.

[FairOpinion]

Go to the link, it was posted by pgobrien.

I just posted the pictures from there. I don't think they have been altered, I think it's real. Seem to recall reading about it elsewhere too that the French removed the US Flag from Normandy.

===
"Guess whose flag is missing at Normandy?

http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/dacha/000185.html


2 posted on 07/03/2003 9:09 PM PDT by pgobrien"

[Becki]

"Are we so self-serving that we've lost touch with the true meaning of America?"

No, but the French are. That is why they deliberately undermined us every step of the way.

If she were raped, would she invite the man over for tea the next day? Would she invite him ever?

Becki

[CWOJackson]

"If she were raped, would she invite the man over for tea the next day? Would she invite him ever?"

Nationally, France not only would...they have. One of the most decorated German (Waffen) SS units of WWII was made up entirely of French volunteers.

[baseballmom]

Go to the link you provided. The Dissident Frogman was mistaken on why the flags were not there.

The USA flag pin was SOLD OUT.

The flag pole never flew the American Pole.

He has apologized to all concerned. Please read it and don't continue to pass on false stories.

[FairOpinion]

Thanks for mentioning it, after reading your post, I read the article in WND, which mentions these.

It's at:

Angry American e-mails invade Normandy

But somehow some of the French explanations don't impress me. They are explaining that they NEVER flew the US Flag, and this is supposed to make us feel better?

"But there is a simple explanation, insisted Magalie Bignon, spokeswoman for the mayor of Bayeux. Bignon told WorldNetDaily the empty pole is reserved for the flag of the Sherwood Rangers, the British regiment that liberated the town from the Nazis on June 7, 1944. "

[SengirV]

Please provide more information so I can research this a bit. Many thanks.

[CWOJackson]

Okay, but don't hold me to the proper spelling.

The Charlemein (spelling ???) Division of the Waffen SS, deployed on the eastern front.

[Becki]

Nationally, France not only would...they have.

Well, then they can't cry when they get raped again. I think they call it being pragmatic. I call it shameful.

Me, I have more self respect than that. I believe most Americans do, too.

At least, I hope they do!!

Becki

[CARepubGal]

I really loathe the French. My very liberal aunt would pop a vein if she saw the "respect" those cheese eating surrender monkeys show her deceased husband who died rescuing those smelly ingrates from Hitler.

[paul51]

Or perhaps we're still in the anti-French mind-set

There you go. Now you're catching on.

[Jorge]

"Are our lives so busy that we can't open our hearts and homes to children who want to learn about our culture? Or perhaps we're still in the anti-French mind-set?"

No...we just think French children who want to come to America to learn about our culture should be punished for what their creepy leaders do.