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I See London, I See France

First, it was the suave, debonair and sophisticated Dissident Frogman.*

Then, it was Sarkozy, a Crusader and Zionist cowboy, who professes to love America.

Now, the French examine themselves and consider this matter of arrogance. I don’t know what is happening over there. But I could see myself beginning to like these people: 

It may come as no surprise to the rest of the world.

But the French were aghast last night after their own study found they were regarded as arrogant.

French statesmen could do with a dose of modesty rather than lecturing other nations on human rights, the report commissioned by president Nicolas Sarkozy said.

France takes pride in its cultural difference and public opinion has often rewarded leaders who assert its importance on the world stage, as Jacques Chirac did in publicly opposing the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

According to the report, the French have no idea how the rest of the world views them.

“As surprising as it may seem, while our country is emerging from a long period of self-doubt and has under-estimated itself as a ‘medium’ power, it continues to be perceived as ‘arrogant’ in much of the world,” wrote the report’s author, former Socialist foreign minister Hubert Vedrine.

Some of that may have to do with its history and its urge to preach the values of the French Revolution, he said.

“Do we constantly have to say that France is the ‘home of human rights?’” Vedrine added in his report, which dealt with how France should adapt its foreign policy to face globalisation.

“Historically, Britain and the United States could claim that title just as much,” he said, adding: “More modesty would be more in line with reality and would not weaken our concrete efforts in favour of human rights.”

Well, for all that Liberte and Egalite, I thought the values of the French Revolution were pretty much … we took your stuff, now we’ll cut your head off.  Never mind. The first step, as the 12-steppers say, is recognizing you have a problem.  

Anyone want to clue them in on the bathing thing? 

Thanks Theo.** Yeah, he’s got your totty.

* That would be the same DF who was recently a guestblogger here. Swept in, uttered a couple of “oo la las,” and swept the ladies off their feet. Quite pleased with himself, but that’s not arrogance. That’s the pleasure a master craftsman takes in his work.

** Another guestblogger from across the pond, rough plowman lacking perhaps in some of DF’s salon charms, though sharing many of his interests. 

Topics: France

  Posted by Jules Crittenden at 11:51 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2007

5 Responses to “I See London, I See France”

1. saltydog Says:
   September 7th, 2007 at 2:41 am

   Not only were they froggie come lately to human rights, but they didn’t get it right when they tried. How many republics have they instituted again? Within ten years of their revolution, after the slaughter of thousands of their own, they had replaced a king with an emperor.

   The difference is between the ideas of individual rights by Locke, and the pretzel logic of collective slavery as freedom of Rousseau. If ever anyone needed a demonstration of the role of philosophy in history, I couldn’t recommend a more explicit example.

2. Don Surber » Blog Archive » Arrogance Says:
   September 7th, 2007 at 8:06 am

   [...] Crittenden sees London, sees France. Doesn’t mention [...]

3. Right Wing Nation Says:
   September 7th, 2007 at 12:58 pm

   [...] Let me wipe my eyes. Hat tip for this side-splitter goes to Jules Crittenden. Date Posted: Friday, September 7th, 2007 by rightwingprof Categories: Misc Trackback URI [...]

4. RebeccaH Says:
   September 7th, 2007 at 1:06 pm

   You’ve got to give Sarkozy credit. He recognizes the damage that’s been done to France’s reputation and he’s doing the best he can to repair it.

5. MikeH Says:
   September 7th, 2007 at 7:39 pm

   Darn, I went back in time and found myself in August. Well I’ll make the same observation here - Don’t push the red button. You’ve been warned!

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