John Kerry & France

[MissMaCo]

Hi FYMers !

I've just heard that John Kerry was a France lover but he hides it so as to have more chances to be elected.

Who can tell me more ?

Thanks !

 

[Tomer]

John Kerry could tell you more

 

[MissMaCo]

apparently he has a cousin, Brice Lalonde who is a French politician.

I'd like to know more.

 

[Tomer]

i dont

 

[verte76]

The only thing I know is that Kerry speaks French, spent some of his childhood in Europe, and perhaps feels more affinity with the place than Bush does. His foreign policy is *supposed* to be more "Europe-friendly" than Bush's is, but what that is isn't really that clear to me.

 

[Sherry Darling]

Why does this matter, Miss?

sd

 

[verte76]

Why does this matter, Miss?

sd

She's from France!

 

[Sherry Darling]

Ah--yes, I see that now. Thanks Verte!

Mmm...I've heard he speaks some French. ?? I remember a "news" story on Fox about this somehow being a bad thing. I'm afraid that's about all I know.

I do know that some Americans harbor a lot of resentment against France for not joining the coalition in Iraq. I suspect that associating Kerry with France is a way for the Reps. to continue to convince folks that Kerry is more concerned about this "global test" that American security. It also allows the Reps. to not have to talk about actual issues, but that's a whole other thread.

That's about all I've got!

SD

 

[najeena]

Being smart enough to learn a second language detracts from his ability as a leader?

 

[A_Wanderer]

Bush knows how to speak Spanish, I would say that that is more of an asset in modern American politics than French,

 

[verte76]

You're probably right A_Wanderer. But it's insane that they're picking on the fact that Kerry speaks French. I think the ability to speak any other language is a plus for anyone.

 

[nbcrusader]

You're probably right A_Wanderer. But it's insane that they're picking on the fact that Kerry speaks French. I think the ability to speak any other language is a plus for anyone.

But this issue is whether Kerry is down playing his ability for the sake of the election....

 

[Sherry Darling]

NBC, in light of a controversial war, global terrorism, failing schools in some areas, 45 million with no health insurance, and the US Census reporting more living below the poverty line than 4 years ago...HOW IS THIS AN ISSUE?

It's GOP manufactured nationalist prejudice and it's disgusting. Think what you like about Chirac's admin--I'm no fan of his. Support the war in Iraq if you feel you should, we can agree to disagree on that. But please, don't go along with the party line on this one. It's beneath you.

sd

 

[verte76]

I don't like Chirac either. But I really don't think Kerry's French speaking ability should be an issue. The real issues are terrorism, the deficit, health care, the war in Iraq and others that have nothing to do with anyone's linguistic talents and capabilities.

 

[MissMaCo]

Thanks everybody for your replies, I'm glad I didn't start this thread talking about THAT issue I was just curious about Kerry's French skills.

... and I'm not a Chirac fan neither !

 

[kobayashi]

But this issue is whether Kerry is down playing his ability for the sake of the election....

 

[oceane]

I just heard yesterday from someone who had talked in French with Kerry in the past that he spoke it very well, like pretty much fluently. I don't think Bush can speak Spanish fluently, according to what I heard from him on TV.

 

[hiphop]

Some Bushists use terms like "french frogs". Apparently they have no manners.

Today they play Fahrenheit 9/11 on TV. I saw a piece and I wasn´t that impressed. Bowling for Columbine was hotter. But I will have to watch all of Fahrenheit and then make up my mind.

 

[hiphop]

I don't think Bush can speak Spanish fluently

For that matter, I think he isn´t very fluent in English either.

 

[nbcrusader]

NBC, in light of a controversial war, global terrorism, failing schools in some areas, 45 million with no health insurance, and the US Census reporting more living below the poverty line than 4 years ago...HOW IS THIS AN ISSUE?

It's GOP manufactured nationalist prejudice and it's disgusting. Think what you like about Chirac's admin--I'm no fan of his. Support the war in Iraq if you feel you should, we can agree to disagree on that. But please, don't go along with the party line on this one. It's beneath you.

sd

The issue for purposes of this thread.

MissMaCo asked a question. I was attempting to reframe the question once the thread got off track.

 

[MissMaCo]

For that matter, I think he isn´t very fluent in English either.

BTW I'm French and I've never ever eaten frogs. And know nobody who has ever eaten some.

 

[U2Traveller]

I don't think Kerry liking France has been an issue at all, and frankly, I don't see many Republicans who hate France.

 

[MissMaCo]

frankly, I don't see many Republicans who hate France.

I don't see many French who hate America neither.

 

[U2_Guy]

I don't see many French who hate America neither.

Now that's a lie!

 

[hiphop]

BTW I'm French and I've never ever eaten frogs. And know nobody who has ever eaten some.

I know I always loved France, ummm, Paris excluded.

Mais oui, c ´est vrai.. j´aime les gens francais et la litterature .. Est-ce-que tu connais Philippe Djian?

 

[nbcrusader]

I don't see many French who hate America neither.

Cool! When can we come over?

 

[MissMaCo]

I know I always loved France, ummm, Paris excluded.

Mais oui, c ´est vrai.. j´aime les gens francais et la litterature .. Est-ce-que tu connais Philippe Djian?

Philippe Djian ? I used to read his books a lot when I was in high school. Plus I love people speaking French. Your French sounds very good actually.
Have ever seen the film 37.2 Le Matin ?

 

[MissMaCo]

Cool! When can we come over?

You'll be welcome in our warm place NBC !