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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Apr 12, 2009 - 04:35pm PT
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Don't diss the French - if it were not for French support in 1776 - 83 and 1812 - 15, and the ideals promoted by French philosophers in the 18th century, the U.S. might not exist in anything like its present form. That statue in New York harbour is a handy reminder for those US citizens who forget their history, or were never really taught it.
Believe it or not, France is a strong ally of the U.S That doesn't imply blind unwavering agreement with the U.S. agenda - all countries look to their self-interest first. It may wow the simpletons to say "If you're not with us, you're against us", but the world doesn't work that way. And France also has a military to be reckoned with - the only other E.U. country with an equally credible military is perhaps Britain, although some smaller countries are pretty effective with what they have.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
Monrovia, CA
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Apr 13, 2009 - 02:00am PT
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Yes, Anders, I was going to say exactly the same thing. I am soo tired of ignoramuses belittling French courage and resolve. It just shows a pathetic paucity of historical awareness. French commandos have freed two French yachts in just the last month or two. I will say that it doesn't say much for the intelligence of the yachts' capitaines to be in those waters though, n'est ce pas?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
Monrovia, CA
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Apr 13, 2009 - 02:21am PT
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Skippy,
The French won WWI. They didn't lose the initial stage of WWII because of cowardice. On the contrary they exhibited incredible courage using greatly outdated arms. The subsequent history of the Underground is beyond reproach as many rescued British and American airmen can attest to. Vive la France!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
Monrovia, CA
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Apr 13, 2009 - 03:33am PT
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Skip,
Agreed. I wasn't saying they didn't make mistakes just that they were not cowards, except for the Vichy. I've no doubt we would have had our version of the Vichy if it had ever come to that.
Now, with tongue firmly in cheek, was one of their messes which we 'cleaned up' Viet Nam?
Thank heavens we have had the luxury of geography to spare us a lot of 'messes'.
Also agreed: Sarkozy is a huge improvement.
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corniss chopper
Mountain climber
san jose, ca
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Apr 13, 2009 - 05:08am PT
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acting as a pirate must be looked upon the same way as pointing a firearm at a LEO. The pirate has just legally consented to be killed by any means.
Thankyou Mr President! and the Navy Seals!
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rockermike
Mountain climber
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Apr 13, 2009 - 08:08am PT
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Pirates are no different than lawyers; let someone else do the hard work, then you come in and take the loot.
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matisse
climber
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Apr 13, 2009 - 06:53pm PT
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They need these LRAD's on commercial ships, and maybe a firehose wielding Brit who's uber-pissed off.
My brother in law is the master of a British registered ship which is currently operating off the west coast of Africa. He tells me that they have had to knock would be pirates off the vessel with fire hoses on a number of occasions.
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