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BS: Why do Americans hate France?
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST,danindenver Date: 08 Aug 06 - 12:42 AM [I don't think there was any anti-Francophone problem in the US, except among those looney right wingers] You mean the looney LEFT wingers on the Prairie Home Companion (radio show) who regularly ridicule the rudeness of the French, don't you? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Les from Hull Date: 07 Aug 06 - 03:05 PM If the USA did take the colours of its flag from the French, doesn't it show remarkable prescience? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST,JTT Date: 07 Aug 06 - 02:36 PM No, not a troll. I was just puzzled by (a) a thread called something like "who should we (we?) invade next" and (b) an answer suggesting France. Oh, and (c) constant anti-French statements on various forums online. By the way, the US flag did take its colours from the Tricolour, which was not, of course, at the time the national flag of France, but the flag of revolution, equality, liberty, and fraternity. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: JohnInKansas Date: 07 Aug 06 - 01:01 AM In the spirit of the first troll: In this week's Parade roto mag accompanying my local newsrag: [QUOTE] Intelligence Report News From Abroad: By Lyric Wallwork Winik Brits Attack France Asked to name the world's "most unfriendly nation," 46% of the 6,000 Brits surveyed chose their neighbor, France. The French also were rated most ungenerous" and "most boring." Germany ranked second in all three categories, while Italy won for "best cuisine" and "most cultured." As for the U.S., Brits say we're the "most unstylish" and have the "worst food"—ironic considering Britain's onetime reputation for dull cuisine. [END QUOTE] As the farmer hauled another load away, You could tell by the smell it wasn't hay. John |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: bobad Date: 06 Aug 06 - 07:26 PM "Honi soit qui mal y pense!" The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an English order of chivalry with a history stretching back to mediæval times; today it is the world's oldest national order of knighthood in continuous existence and the pinnacle of the British honours system. Its membership is extremely limited, consisting of the Sovereign and not more than twenty-five full members, or Companions. Male members are known as Knights Companion, whilst female members are known as Ladies Companion (not Dames, as in most other British chivalric orders). The Order can also include certain extra members (members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs), known as "Supernumerary" Knights and Ladies. The Sovereign alone grants membership to the Order; by convention the Prime Minister does not tender binding advice as to appointments, as he or she does for most other orders. Thus, membership of the order is regarded as being the Sovereign's gift. Except for the grants of supranumerary membership, awards are only made for those with an exceptional record of service to the United Kingdom. As the name suggests, the Order's primary emblem is a garter bearing the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (Old French for, "shame upon him who thinks evil of it") in gold letters. The Garter is an actual accessory worn by the members of the Order during ceremonial occasions. It is also depicted on several insignia, including British coins. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Garter |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: 8_Pints Date: 06 Aug 06 - 06:37 PM Honi soit qui mal y pense! Bob vG |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: artbrooks Date: 06 Aug 06 - 06:35 PM I don't hate the French. I like the French. I just don't understand why all of the nuts on bicycles made in France are 1mm different from those made by every other manufacturer in the world! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: catspaw49 Date: 06 Aug 06 - 11:06 AM Okay Frank.....I'll bite. I like France myself but how would someone who hates France be unpatriotic? Is there some sort of list or something? I'm not big on Taiwan. Should I beware the FBI? Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton Date: 06 Aug 06 - 10:39 AM There are certain people who call themselves Americans that purport to "hate" France. I question their patriotism. Frank |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Dave Hanson Date: 06 Aug 06 - 02:27 AM The way to any womans heart [ or mans for that matter ] is straight in through the chest with a sharp implement. eric |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Alba Date: 05 Aug 06 - 09:31 AM I'm partial to a chunk of Strong Scottish Cheddar myself and love a very nice Goat's Cheese made in the Burren in Co Clare by a Friend of mine. I also really enjoy a nice piece of crumbly Chesire Cheese. In the Fromage area I could eat an entire cheeseboard containing a good few slices of Chèvre d´Argental, Picodon and a crusty loaf with some Saint-Marcellin. All munched while sipping a cold bottle of Cheverny or a real treat (for me anyway) a bottle of Jadot Chardonnay. (or two bottles...*smirk*)hic! Aye there is many a good thing about enjoying the Cheeses from both sides of the Channel. The way to this Scottish woman's heart is with good cheese (and good wine helps too:) Best to all, have a happy satin urn day! Jude (I have made myself feel hungry now writing this post..lol) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Paul from Hull Date: 05 Aug 06 - 09:00 AM Cotherstone....Hmmmm. Not tried that (or even HEARD of it). I DO like a bit of Wensleydale though, but I like most cheeses. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Dave Hanson Date: 05 Aug 06 - 07:53 AM Very subjective, best is purely a matter of opinion, after all some people think nitrokeg lager is better than proper beer. eric |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: DMcG Date: 05 Aug 06 - 03:04 AM CHEDDAR is widely accepted [ except by you apparently ] as being the worlds most popular cheese Richard is a lawyer I believe, so you risk being reminded you that he said 'French cheese is the best in the world'; and have it followed up with a explanation of the difference between 'best' and 'most popular'. Have you tried Cotherstone? (A relative of Wensleydale) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Dave Hanson Date: 05 Aug 06 - 02:47 AM Richard Bridge, I've told you once, CHEDDAR is widely accepted [ except by you apparently ] as being the worlds most popular cheese, it's ENGLISH FFS eric |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST,sorefingers Date: 04 Aug 06 - 08:46 PM The entire thing began with the 'freepers'/ noe-con anti European Union lobby. They preached that the EU is the anti-something and a beast of the end times, mentioned in the Bible. Sort of like 'global warming isn't happened becaus Rush said so.... thing. Next when GW got elected these lunatics got funded and so they sent their little trouble makers to Europe - England too - to see what they could do. And do they did. So effective had they become - remember the Irish NO vote to some EU referenda ?- that European Governments began to take notice. Then these US CIA/NSA Eurobomb squad went underground. Later when they finaly got their act together over the EU Constitution among other things, their presence among European populations became un-noticed. So when the Dutch and French referenda rejected the Constitution nobody paid any attention - except a few eurowatchers here in the US. The next stage is the anti-France campaign aimed at destroying the EU alltogether by stirring things up in the UK, Germany and anywhere else it will take hold. See Israel for example. If you are having difficulty with these ideas, read again skipy's putative UK posting... better still copy and paste it into Google and see what comes up... then go figure. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Peace Date: 04 Aug 06 - 08:14 PM France does what's right for France, nothing more and nothing less. Like most countries in that regard. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST Date: 04 Aug 06 - 08:09 PM France makes a stand against American overseas policy. The Limies just do what Bush tells. I admire them, not keen on Limies. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: kendall Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:59 PM They're rioting in Africa, They're starving in Spain, There's hurricans in Florida And Texas needs rain. The whole world is festering with unhappy souls The French hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch, AND I DO'T LIKE ANYBODY VERY MUCH. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Peace Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:38 PM 'Third, I once rashly let a barrister order the wine (for a client's account, I am happy to say) at Fouquettes and the bottle was over GBP 500!"' Hey Bridgie . . . . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: bobad Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:36 PM "First the assiette des fromages at Fouquettes (corner of Avenue George V, has a reputation)was not up to expectations. Second the food at the George V was bland. Third, I once rashly let a barrister order the wine (for a client's account, I am happy to say) at Fouquettes and the bottle was over GBP 500!" Pity - how does the saying go "A fool and his money are soon parted" ? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:33 PM Actually, no one has hit the nail yet. I believe this is a legitimate question that simply needs rephrasing. "Why did American politicians feel it necessary to demonize France in the wake of 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq?" Prior to the Bush regime, I don't think there was any anti-Francophone problem in the US, except among those looney right wingers who are mentally ill and running the country these days. SERIOUSLY. They are mentally ill. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Peace Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:27 PM "RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France?" I have yet to see proof that Americans--by which I take the poster to mean 'most' Americans--hate France. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Richard Bridge Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:13 PM Big Mick "I am amazed at Americans that expect to use US currency instead of Canadian." - yet you still wonder why I ask the question (not make a statement) why people are amazed to see Americans treated as cultural imperialists, when it is plain that many Americans do expect just that. I think it is you who should feel rebuffed. I do not copy Americans. Some here have fallen victim to American cultural imperialism. I gather that Helen Kirwan-Taylor writes for the Daily Mail. That suggests she is only marginally more coherent (if at all) than a cuckoo clock. Thanks all for your accolades to my confident assertions. The benefit of a public school education. If you have a candidate for cheeses better than the French, do please set them out. I like very rare steak, but other than that, what has American cuisine to offer? I have been dined there by film people, in New York and LA, and been underwhelmed (as I am by American wine, and the American habit of non-alcoholic lunches). In Paris on business I have had some fine meals, but I have had three shocks. First the assiette des fromages at Fouquettes (corner of Avenue George V, has a reputation)was not up to expectations. Second the food at the George V was bland. Third, I once rashly let a barrister order the wine (for a client's account, I am happy to say) at Fouquettes and the bottle was over GBP 500! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Little Hawk Date: 04 Aug 06 - 07:03 PM They don't! They loooove Jerry Lewis. No, wait...that's the French in France who love Jerry Lewis. Hmmmm. Lemme think about this for a bit, eh? ;-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST Date: 04 Aug 06 - 06:44 PM Why do French Canadians hate everyone ? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Scoville Date: 04 Aug 06 - 03:09 PM Just after I graduated from college (I went to school in Iowa) and came home to Texas, I was out running errands and parked nose-to-nose at the grocery store with a car that had plastic "deer whistles" on the bumper. You never see deer whistles in Texas but they're extremely common in the Midwest, although I have no idea if they work or not. Sure enough, the license plates were from Linn County, Iowa (Cedar Rapids vicinity, where I have family). The elderly lady and gentleman in the car were studying one of those close-up map books very intently so I tapped on the window and asked if they needed directions. They did. Luckily, I knew where they were trying to go and told them how to get there. We talked about Iowa for a few minutes and I found out that they lived across the park from my aunt and uncle, and that their granddaughter had had my aunt for an English professor. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: catspaw49 Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:57 PM One time I was up there Kendall and I stopped in a police station around Wells Branch, just south of Kennebunkport. I asked the guy there for some directions. We had a nice talk talk for about 20 minutes and neither one of us had any idea what the other one was saying. Maybe the guy you spoke to also speaks Maineish. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST,Gilles Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:56 PM Désolé c'est l'autre façon environ. Nous n'enfonçons pas nos nez dans les autres affaires de comtés et nous n'intimidons pas de gens et nos propres gens viennent premièrement. It is the other way around. Because we do not put our noses into other peoples affairs and we did not bully others. We put our people first. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Amos Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:55 PM In the border zone American money is used as readily as pesos. The economy migrates fluidly between the two cultures. In the large centers of tourist travel, you will often find people accepting dollares even in the interior, but not in the small tiendas or cafes. A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: kendall Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:50 PM The other day I walked by a car with an Ontario plate. The man was sitting there with the window rolled down, and I said "Welcome to Maine." He was visibly surprised and very pleased. His reply "Well, thank you sir." That didn't cost me a cent or a minute. Whenever I travel to foreign countries I always go out of my way to be polite, and I like to think of myself as an ambassador at large. As far as I know, I'm welcome everywhere I've been. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: bobad Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:36 PM In Mexico French Quebecers are called "Los Tabarnacos" bobad, ex-Quebecer. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Little Hawk Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:29 PM Tabernac! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Metchosin Date: 04 Aug 06 - 02:05 PM Also Old Guy, in the province of Quebec, roughly 60% of the population are not bilingual. In case that is not clear to you, they are not fluent in English, French is their only spoken language. It sometimes helps to do a bit of research regarding your destination before travelling, as Don Firth aptly posted. You'll certainly get a warmer reception, even in areas where the inhabitants are not primarily "working for the Yankee dollah". |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Scoville Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:58 PM I didn't think anyone in the U.S. took Canadian money. We don't take Mexican money here in Texas. I assume they don't take U.S. currency in Mexico, either (never tried it, though). Why would they? It's not their money. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Big Mick Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:53 PM I spend a fair amount of time in Toronto. I am amazed at Americans that expect to use US currency instead of Canadian. I must say that I haven't seen that in the States. I am reminded of the time I went to the Guinness Fleadh. It was the first year it was in the States, held on Randall's Island, NYC. A young friend really wanted to go, and I told him that I had a room already, and a car, if he wanted to go he was welcome to share my accomodations, all he had to worry about was airfare and entry. As we were getting off the plane at LaGuardia and walking out to catch a shuttle to the car rental, he asked me if NYC'ers were as rude as he had heard. I told him that there weren't any different than folks anywhere else. As we are standing at the curb, I asked a fella for a light for my cig. He said, "Do I look like I have a fucking light????" My young friend, who had asked his questions not more than a minute earlier, raised his eyebrows. The next day, while we are standing in line for a Guinness at the Fleadh, we are laughing about this, and a guy in front of us turns around and says, "People like this give our city a bad name, let me buy your Guinness. I'm sorry this happened to you, and I hope you don't think that's what we are like here". Another true story. Generalizations just don't hold water. Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: GUEST,Bee Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:26 PM Sorry, Mick. I could just see people, as they do, skipping over the positive remarks and saying, "yeah, Francophone snobs, they all speak English, just don't to be rude". But I understand your point, of course - people are rude or not everywhere on the planet, depending presumably on how their parents brought 'em up. And to the comments on American money in Canada, adequately addressed by others, but may I add that even most Banks in US cities won't take Canadian money, as I found when visiting Boston a few years back. You have to find one that does foriegn exchange. Bostonians, OTOH, were wonderful, friendly, generous. Total strangers in Irish and Welsh themed bars bought me beers and invited me to musical events (mind you, while giggling at my 'r' pronouncing Maritime accent). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Joe Offer Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:25 PM Why do Americans hate the French? ...because they think the French hate Americans. This perception cf animosity is probably the basis of most international misunderstanding. -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Don Firth Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:23 PM About fifty years ago, a subsequently well-known—and all too often, appropriate—phrase came into existence. It was a book title: The Ugly American. The book had to do with American foreign policy. But it was quickly applied to a lot of American tourists who behaved in the kind of thoughtless and arrogant manner that Old Guy seems to espouse: when traveling in other countries, expecting clerks and waiters to speak English, and if they don't understand when you speak to them, you just talk louder, and when they still don't understand, you treat them like children or idiots; expecting them to take American money instead of being properly prepared by exchanging the currency yourself (a restaurant is not a bank); such things as asking for a bottle of ketchup in a four-star restaurant in Paris; and generally pissing, moaning, and bitching when things are not the same and people have customs different from those back home in Schenectady. Of course not! If you wanted things to be the same as they are at home, then why did you go there? You should have bloody well stayed home and not inflicted yourself on the citizens of other countries. Rick Steves, the travel writer, has his own television show on PBS channels and a weekly radio program on NPR. He says a great deal about getting the best out of one's travels, and two of his major principles are 1) "Go there for a new experience and to learn. Become a "temporary local'"; and 2) "If things don't meet your expectations, change your expectations." Some quotes from the above linked site: "I would like travelers, especially American travelers, to travel in a way that broadens their perspective, because I think Americans tend to be some of the most ethnocentric people on the planet. It's not just Americans, it's the big countries. It's the biggest countries that tend to be ethnocentric or ugly. There are ugly Russians, ugly Germans, ugly Japanese and ugly Americans. You don't find ugly Belgians or ugly Bulgarians, they're just too small to think the world is their norm."An ancient Greek once said to a young man who claimed to be well educated, "As to your education, don't tell me where you took your schooling; tell me where you have traveled." Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Paul from Hull Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:09 PM You'll not stop him, 'Spaw...mocking the French is a hobby only 2nd to mocking Lancastrians with Les. It will be excuciating puns all evening now... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: catspaw49 Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:03 PM Les, do want me to come over there and slap you around some? LMAO..........Now STOP IT !!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Les from Hull Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:59 PM If it's name is Sacre is it a bit like gruyere - a holy cheese? I don't think I could eat a hole one. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Les from Hull Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:45 PM Sacre bleu - don't think I've had that one, but I'm not too keen on blue cheeses anyway. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Big Mick Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:44 PM Spaw, once again you beat me to it. This guy responds to a thread about broad generalizations with a broad generalization. How's this for one, Richard? If you think we are cultural imperialists, your own Helen Kirwen-Taylor this morning made the comment that Brits are all trying to copy Americans. If you all disdain our culture so much, why are you all working so hard to copy it??? Amos ...... I shouldn't have to warn you about "empty mouth before reading" rule. Really man, you are perpetuating the "ignorant American" stereotype. Spaw ..... I have to go lay down. Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Little Hawk Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:38 PM You DARE to question the unrivalled supremacy of French cheeses, Spaw????? Sacre bleu! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: catspaw49 Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:34 PM Richard Bridge, you crack me up man..........You state totally subjective and unsubstantiated opinions as if they are FACT. The wonderful thing is that in most cases you do it with such supreme aplomb and confidence that no one seems to object........LMAO on a regular basis. I look for your posts as they continually give me large smiles and chuckles...even the occasional guffaw. "French cheese is the best in the world".........yeah, right......LOL........ Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Little Hawk Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:33 PM Why do dachshunds hate raw onions? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: JennyO Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:27 PM LOL, Amos! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Metchosin Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:21 PM Old Guy, some merchants in Canada, particularly those close to the American border will perform the service of a bank and exchange US currency as a courtesy to tourists. A few merchants in the US, close to the border, will even accept Canadian money at par at times, in an effort to induce cross border shopping....a loss leader so to speak. However, that does not change the fact that American currency is still not legal tender in this country. Canadian money is not legal tender in the US. Try paying for goods with Canadian money beyond 50 miles inside the US border and imagine how "arrogant" a US merchant will become. LOL We are polite to US tourists to a point, as we expect a few to be ignorant or lazy about exchanging their currency at a bank before entering the country. We also expect a very few to be downright beligerant and react accordingly. You pays yer money and you takes yer chances. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Why do Americans hate France? From: Amos Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:06 PM Here's another: Why does EVERYBODY hate negative generalizations? A |
