May 16, 2003

In a recent radio interview (May 16th) the French Foreign Minister, de Villepin stated he wants the lies about France to stop. He says news reports have distorted the truth and claims the United States government is part of a disinformation campaign against France. He also targets both the British and American press for their stories, which he claims are based on rumors and untruths. He goes on to say that France can no longer accept criticism of France.

His feels France is being picked on unfairly and just wants to be friends with the Americans and British. He also claims the United States and France are allies and their relationship must be base of frankness and truth.

Give me a break!  France is no friend and this sounds like more lies and French whine. This tantrum will go no where.

France also sent a formal letter to the United States government about this and have instructed their diplomats to monitor the United States news media for "French disinformation" and to count the untrue accusations in the press.

Yikes! This sounds like Fascism or Communism. It also sounds like censorship.
All these things are un-American but very French-like!

Lets not give in to this tantrum. Do what you would do with your child: Do not "buy into" the emotional fit of rage and isolate them until they are ready to come back to civilized society. To that end, this is what we should do for the next 100 years or so:

Boycott French products.
Don't visit France.
Resist any French censorship of the American press.