It is July 4th here in the United States. This, of course, means eating until you are ill and watching fireworks. The fireworks I can understand. We won our independence from the British after several years of hard fighting and to commemorate that we blow stuff up. We are Americans. We like it when things explode.
However, this blog is neither about eating nor fireworks. It is about being nice to the French. Why, you may ask, we saved their butts in two World Wars? The answer: they saved our butts during the Revolution. Not only did they quietly finance our Revolution (which sent them into debt and helped bring about the French Revolution), they also contributed troops and most importantly, a navy.
It was this navy that won the Battle of Chesapeake and bottled Cornwallis up at Yorktown, forcing him to surrender. This pretty much won us the whole shooting match.
I realize it is has been politically correct lately to bash the French, but on this, our Independence Day, we should give a nod to an ally across the water. Sure they baffle us and seem pointlessly contrary at times, but arguably, we would not be celebrating a 4th of July without them.
So, if you happen to know a Frenchman, shake his hand and say thanks. If you happen to know an attractive, single French woman, give her my number :)
Salut,
-Jason
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Here's a toast to my friend Phillipe, from Avignon. I must remember to send him Bastille Day greetings. :)
I'm sure most French regret that decision. Though I can't really blame them. I like France. I like French culture, food, language. I don't like assholes. None of the people alive from either side had anything to do with our Independance. Respect is earned, not given. Thank you for the history lecture, however. I do enjoy history.
I agree with you that respect is earned, however, friendship and politeness are free. I just wanted to remind people that the French were our friends (and technically still are) a long time ago when we needed them. Arguably, we have paid them back, but who knows when we might need their help in the future? So it costs little to be polite and extend a hand, but that can be worth a lot down the road.
Say 'salut' to Philliipe for me :)
Post a Comment