For those who might have missed French President Nicolas Sarkozy's address to Congress, here are some excerpts (taken from http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_110707/content/01125111.guest.html).
SARKOZY(via translator): We need France to be stronger. I am determined to carry through with the reforms that my country has put off for all too long. I will not turn back. I will implement all of them, because France has turned back for all too long. I have come to present to you today a France that comes out to meet America, to renew the covenant of friendship and alliance that Washington and Lafayette sealed in Yorktown. Together, let us be true to their memories. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I say this to you on behalf of the French people: Long live the United States of America. Long live France. Long live French-American friendship! (applause)
And here I thought that all Europeans hated and despised America because of Bush. Obviously, those that trumpeted this were off the mark just a tad.
SARKOZY (via translator): America liberated us, and this is an eternal debt we owe America. (applause) Every time, whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France. I think of them -- (applause) -- and I am sad as one is saddened to lose a member of one's family.
Isn't it great to hear this?
SARKOZY (via translator): The America that we love throughout the world impedes this extraordinary ability to grant each and every person a second chance, another chance, because, in America, failure is never the last word. There is always another chance. Here -- in your country, on this soil -- both the humblest and the most illustrious citizens alike know that nothing is owed to them and that everything has to be earned. That is what constitutes the moral value of America. (applause)
I think the translator missed on the word she translated as impedes (probably "gives" was what was meant). Regardless, this is great stuff.
SARKOZY (via translator): To the millions of men and women who came from every country of the world and who -- with their own hands, their intelligence, and their hearts -- built the greatest nation in the world, America did not say, "Come, and everything will be given to you." Rather, she said, "Come, and the only limits to what you will be able to achieve will be those of your own courage, your boldness, and your talent." (applause)
Why can't our politicians say things like this?
I realize that he cannot be our president (he is kind of busy and there's that Constitutional issue), but this kind of attitude is sorely lacking from our current crop of candidates - particularly on the Dem side.
Thank you, Mr. Sarkozy, for your kind words.
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Comments: 18
Canada, France, Germany... the world is becoming less and less Anti-American by the day
Personally, I like Sarkozy. I have seen several interviews that he has given, and I was impressed. I also liked the way he shut down that woman from 60 minutes when she started questioning him on his personal life. That was exactly the right thing to do. Too bad Bill Clinton wasn't smart enough to do this (not an endorsement of Bill Clinton).
But, don't expect him to send troops to Iraq. That was a mistake that Bush should not have made. And, for all the wrong reasons.
Translation: "Give me billions, like you give to Musharaf, and I'll say anything you want. Stick your butt right up to my face, I will kiss it so long as you help me stay in power."
What an easy crowd... all he has to do is pay lip service to history and you wing nut morons fall all over yourselves.
Uh, have you checked the official French position on Iraq lately? Any changes there? Didn't think so.
Yeah riiiiiight !!!!!
Sorry.
Have you checked the official French position on Iraq lately? Or how about France's economic ties to Iran. Between 2000 and 2006 the two countries exchanged more than $30 billion in trade.
So, where the rubber acutally meets the road (as opposed to meaningless platitudes and empty rhetoric), I'd say you really, truly "don't get it."
I can't believe I actually have to point that out to you.
I'm well aware of who the new French president is. And I am equally aware that their position on Iraq has not changed one whit and that they continue to do a brisk business with Iran.
No matter to you, apparently. All he needs to do is thank us for saving France's arse 60 odd years ago, and everything else is irrelevant.
The fact that we have differences does not diminish the way he spoke since he wasn't addressing those issues. You never heard Chirac speak like Sarkozy, so the difference in tone and content is something to be applauded.