|
Thursday, March 13, 2003 |
|
Pourquois? Yesterday I read the the Capitol Building cafeteria renamed "French Fries" as "Freedom Fries" on their menu. Last week I saw pictures of demonstraters pouring bottles of frech wine down gutters. In the Chicago area a small chain of grocery stores has removed all french-produced goods from their shelves. I know some of this is done tongue-in-cheek, but is it really wise?
If France is our ally (and she is), then why the incessent bashing from this side of the Atlantic? While I am not in agreement with France's position at the moment, I am glad that France is willing to stand up to the United States on an important principle (I hope it is an important principle and not something else on which she stands). Shouldn't we treat France the same way we would want to be treated if we differed in opinion with her? With respect, dignity, caring, and a willingness to listen?
We need to listen to the French, not because they are neccessarily right, but because she is our ally and deserves to be listened to. We may yet learn from her, or we may yet, by listening, be able to hammer out a common understanding. It can be a frustrating process, it can result in heated discussions, it can lead to temporary separations, but it is also the way to build stronger relationships. 10:23:33 AM 
|
