I am planning on ending my sponsorship with Motul and Michelin due to France being the country of origen. This is due to France's cowardess and lack of UN support for the US (the ones who saved them during WWII!). Any one else ready to step up?
Word! I'm with you. Boycott those frickin cowards!
I started boycotting french products weeks ago >:( No french cheese or wine, no french tires or oil. AND GUESS WHAT,,,,, NO FRENCH FRIES EITHER. I call the FREEDOM fries ;D
Make sure you dont eat french toast either.. or croissants!
Dunlop and Silkolene for me I guess.
French people suck
that's bu,,s,,t,
a lot of americans don't believe that W is on the right track.
remember that the french know what war is
compared to what happened in europe during ww2
9-11 wasn't s--t
read your history books !
Quotethat's bu,,s,,t,
a lot of americans don't believe that W is on the right track.
remember that the french know what war is
compared to what happened in europe during ww2
9-11 wasn't s--t
read your history books !
Did you catch my sarcasm....I'm french
Quotethat's bu,,s,,t,
a lot of americans don't believe that W is on the right track.
remember that the french know what war is
compared to what happened in europe during ww2
9-11 wasn't s--t
read your history books !
read your history books? tell me... how many times the Americans bailed the french out during a time of war?
america did not fight ww2 to save french behinds,
only to defeat hitler, and france was the door !
if you want to boycott..don't shop walmart...
DO NOT BY PRODUCTS MADE IN CHINA....
unlike the french, the chinese will go to war with us
the chinese knocked our plane out of the sky, took our american crew hostage,took our plane apart and made us pay to ship it home in boxes
the chinese killed thousands of american soldiers during the korean war
maybe be piss-d at the french..
but hate china!!!!
Normandy was merely a door eh? How many Americans died at Normandy? What did they die for? who gives a crap about china... we're talking about the french not supporting us not about some freaking communist country.
just as i said
the beaches of france was the door to defeat the german army
you better start worring about china before the have your head on a stick
Quoteremember that the french know what war is
yeah... putting up the white flag and waiting for Americans to help.
Time for a little levity, at the expense of the French of course. ;D
(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p560600aeacd8ae09e37c2e9ac4292af2/fc9da010.jpg)
Quoteyeah... putting up the white flag and waiting for Americans to help.
show your bravery, if you are not too old
enlist in the army or marines
combat arms..infantry....
after you kill some of the sob's in iraq
then call the french cowards
Quoteyou better start worring about china before the have your head on a stick
if that ever happens.. i'm sure we'll have to bail out the french yet again.
Thanks Jack !!!!
we all luv ya !!!!
the best photog in the world !!! ;D
Quoteshow your bravery, if you are not too old
enlist in the army or marines
combat arms..infantry....
after you kill some of the sob's in iraq
then call the french cowards
So.. unless I've walked the walk... don't talk the talk right? So I guess you were in France during D day and saw the french fighting so valiantly against the germans eh?
no more french fries, ok i can live with that. no more michelin tires, no problemo. but no more french kisses? no way!
corien
in support of all the cheese eating surrender monkeys of the world ;D
Such a tough call to make, especially after so many Americans wanted someones head on a plate for not having preventatively stopped 9-11 before it ever happened. Now we have the opportunity to act before another catastrophy of even greater magnitude happens to the U.S., terrible things such as a biological, chemical, or nuclear attack on us. These are all weapons of mass destruction that Iraq either has or is seeking to obtain, all of which are at the disposal of a loose cannon of a leader that has decieved the world before and is doing it again. How many lies have already been uncovered and how many do people need to see? The intent of these weapons is not for defense, but for offense. I can only assume that those people that are against preventative action would much rather have one of the previously mentioned weapons used against us before reacting against an aggressor?
We have reached a point in history where one person can kill millions thru their own personal action. Never before in all of history (prior to the 20th century) has any one individual had so much destructive capability. In this type of situation you don't get any real warning or a second chance, just sudden mass destruction out of the blue.
Mabey 9-11 didn't give enough of an exclamation point to the intent of individuals wishing to harm the U.S.? Mabey those that oppose Bush's actions would rather let us be attacked again before doing anything about it, but next time will probably kill millions instead of thousands and quite possibly render parts of the U.S. unihabitable for centuries to come.
If Iraq has nothing to hide, do you think they would oppose a U.N. coallition of 1000's to search their country for weapons? I bet they would never allow that to happen even if completely controlled by the U.N.
As far as the deal with France goes, I think that if they want us to fend for ourselves that this is a two way street and I suppose they can fend for themselves in the future, militarily and finacially.
I would love to hear a reasonable explanation as to what is enough of a violation and what isn't? If your caught stealing the court isn't as concerned with what you stole as it is with if your guilty or not. We have already seen violations, what else do we need?
QuoteI am planning on ending my sponsorship with Motul and Michelin due to France being the country of origen. This is due to France's cowardess and lack of UN support for the US (the ones who saved them during WWII!). Any one else ready to step up?
Aprilia belongs to a former axis power of the WWII era that had no problem with Hitler. Michelins work great on big twins. :D :o :P :-/ ;) :) :D :D :( ::) ??? 8) 8) :( :( :o ??? ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
Matt (I love everybody, evil people too) Carr
I appreciate everyone's opinion, but as for boycotting... I'm not going to let local (re:American) business owners suffer because of a country lack of support for a war. I certinitly am not going to get into the whole philosophical discussion of who's right and who's wrong and the virtues of war. That's a debate that has raged before I was born and will long after i'm gone. :-X
I run Michelins, I like Michelins, there's a race in the SW this weekend and I'll be buying Michelins. The person that supplies them at the races (Dale at Racers Edge) would be the one that suffers... not France.
Patrick:
I agree with you. This is the only "fly in the ointment". I do not want to hurt the local business man...but...he should probably also be discontinuing his support of these products as well. Tough call...but its got to start somewhere. The consumer has to speak up when they are unsatisfied...just like the voters.
Call me a pinko commie flag hating traitor, but if someone wanted to give me maybe 20 sets of free Michilins, I'd be running them. France? Can you hear me? ;D
Incidentally, I DID just cancel my order for the Bugatti Supercar that I wanted. I guess I'll just have to get a "Me Too" Ferrari instead... ;)
Robert:
I totally agree. If Dale came to the races this weekend and said, "In support of the US, I'm no longer selling Michelins, I'm selling Dunlops." I'd say "Mount 'em up!"
Michelin was a consideration...no more!
BTW, how many French does it take to defend Paris?
Don't know, it's never been done!
Ever seen a French Tank? Only has 1 gear, Reverse!
Another reason to hate the French, they sold us the worst machine gun ever during WW1.
I can skip French wines and eat Wisconsin Cheeses...other than that I'm not exactly missing much by not buying French products!
Are Ducati's French ?
Screw Iraq, lets bomb France!
Quote Such a tough call to make, especially after so many Americans wanted someones head on a plate for not having preventatively stopped 9-11 before it ever happened. Now we have the opportunity to act before another catastrophy of even greater magnitude happens to the U.S., terrible things such as a biological, chemical, or nuclear attack on us. These are all weapons of mass destruction that Iraq either has or is seeking to obtain, all of which are at the disposal of a loose cannon of a leader that has decieved the world before and is doing it again. How many lies have already been uncovered and how many do people need to see? The intent of these weapons is not for defense, but for offense. I can only assume that those people that are against preventative action would much rather have one of the previously mentioned weapons used against us before reacting against an aggressor?
We have reached a point in history where one person can kill millions thru their own personal action. Never before in all of history (prior to the 20th century) has any one individual had so much destructive capability. In this type of situation you don't get any real warning or a second chance, just sudden mass destruction out of the blue.
Mabey 9-11 didn't give enough of an exclamation point to the intent of individuals wishing to harm the U.S.? Mabey those that oppose Bush's actions would rather let us be attacked again before doing anything about it, but next time will probably kill millions instead of thousands and quite possibly render parts of the U.S. unihabitable for centuries to come.
If Iraq has nothing to hide, do you think they would oppose a U.N. coallition of 1000's to search their country for weapons? I bet they would never allow that to happen even if completely controlled by the U.N.
As far as the deal with France goes, I think that if they want us to fend for ourselves that this is a two way street and I suppose they can fend for themselves in the future, militarily and finacially.
I would love to hear a reasonable explanation as to what is enough of a violation and what isn't? If your caught stealing the court isn't as concerned with what you stole as it is with if your guilty or not. We have already seen violations, what else do we need?
There is no reasonable explanation as to what is enough. These flower picking liberal morons will always find reasons to protest. That's what they do... protest everything and anything. Remember... McDonalds is the reason people are fat in this country. Only in this country do you hold others responsible for your actions. The same people that oppose the U.S taking action against IRAQ are the same idiots who spit and cursed at the Vietnam vets. They seem to think that sitting down with Saddam and talking it out will resolve the issues we have. They will also have you believe that the primary reason for the military action is oil when in fact less than 7% of our oil comes from there. These same people would have been against the U.S going to war against Hitler and the boys during WWII. Hell if we listened to them then... maybe there would be no France.. but we'd all be speaking deutsch instead of English. Sorry about the babbling... I'm just annoyed. >:(
Kevin, was that a serious question? :o
BTW, the real reason the French are against the war has nothing to do with any moral position...they are tied into Iraq'a economy like stink on, well, you know.
In fact, the French have been selling and shipping weapons systems and parts to Iraq even in the past few weeks. >:( The Germans, as well, will be embarrased as hell when the US starts going through all the Iraqi documentation that proves German engineering expertise in almost everything Iraw has built.
I wouldn't be surprised if we "accidently" took out the French embassy...as happened in Libya and to the chinese in Belgrade lol
Boycott seems fair, our Michelin guy sells Pirelli as well.
QuoteAre Ducati's French ?
Uhhhhhhhhhhh...are Harley's German?
QuoteUhhhhhhhhhhh...are Harley's German?
I heard that Harley uses or used in the past German electronics on there bikes!?
Maybe I am being too serious on the subject, but why are the French cowards just because they don't support our resolution for war?
Is it that when someone doesn't agree with the US they are automatically cowards? Last Time I checked each nation is still its own, and their people have their own wills and no one's opinion is more right than the others.
If the US go ahead with a war without the support of the US, then the US is defeating the purpose of the UN, which the US helped to establish. We are but 1 nation of the world, if we can go against the will of the nations (UN) and act alone, then we should be sanctioned, aloneside Iraq.
Iraq is be said to be evil and needed to be taught a lesson, because they are not following UN resolutions and therefore against will of the nations. So that would put the US in the same boat if we go ahead with a war. Unless, of course, we all believe we are the USA and we can do no wrong. The world is wrong for not supporting us...
Dare I say it, it is the above mentioned attitute and more that makes the rest of the world NOT like Americans. If you ever travel abroad as much as I do and get to know both side of the story quite well, then you will realize American foreign policy is a joke, and much of the problems today could be avoided if we had taken a different approach to things. Our government I should say.
French people don't suck, they just happen to see a different picture than our leader does. And as a country of democracy and free will, that is what they believe in, and that counts just as much as our country's opinions.
Thats why they were granted a vote in the security council with veto power. So no nation's will can be stronger than others, to keep a balance in the world.
I suppose we all, from our leaders down to many of Americans, don't care about that, really.
the French aren't cowards because they're opposed to our resolution but because of what history tells us.
QuoteIf the US go ahead with a war without the support of the US, then the US is defeating the purpose of the UN, which the US helped to establish. We are but 1 nation of the world, if we can go against the will of the nations (UN) and act alone, then we should be sanctioned, aloneside Iraq.
Iraq is be said to be evil and needed to be taught a lesson, because they are not following UN resolutions and therefore against will of the nations. So that would put the US in the same boat if we go ahead with a war. Unless, of course, we all believe we are the USA and we can do no wrong. The world is wrong for not supporting us...
Dare I say it, it is the above mentioned attitute and more that makes the rest of the world NOT like Americans. If you ever travel abroad as much as I do and get to know both side of the story quite well, then you will realize American foreign policy is a joke, and much of the problems today could be avoided if we had taken a different approach to things. Our government I should say.
WWI...WWII... Could they have been stopped? Nazi Germany was under sanctions from the first World War. No one supported Wilson's League of Nations. Regardless, Nazi Germany built it's military.
History does have a way of repeating itself.
The United States had always kept to itself...isolationist. That time passed after we bailed everyone out of the Second World War. It was the United States that supported the Allies, and it was the United States that forgave those debts. Debts that were paid with American lives, American tax payer money, and American work.
The UN has a job, but it is pretty much ineffective. Were it not for again for our economic might, which benefits from peace, the UN wouldn't have the ability to do a whole lot, now would it?
As for "Europeans" disliking us... I defer to our support above. No good deed goes unpunished...right?
Indeed, it would be good to have UN approval. Most of the countries that are blocking us have billions of dollars at stake with Saddam...Russia, Germany, and France. What moral ground do they stand on? On the side of a butcher? I call that one like I see it, and I guess I'd like to see anyone show me otherwise...
So, the United States is "bad" because we are going to go in and smash up the stuff that wasn't supposed to be there. The UN told him to stop twelve years ago, then he kicked out the UN. Iraq gives us a list of what they have, but more stuff that wasn't on there keeps showing up. Wow, isn't that a revelation! How do I put that for practice and suspension...doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity... It's pretty obvious what Saddam wants. He isn't going to give it up.
Freedom is not free. Which one of our wars do we need to use to show that? Although it is horrible, combat might be necessary to maintain peace. I believe that this is the case.
Will the Iraqi army fight? Some might. Most probably won't.
Is the world wrong for not supporting us?
We have spent twelve years trying to do this diplomatically. We have been attacked. Another attack could happen. Saddam has not complied. Yes, we cannot tie bin Laden directly to Saddam, but there is a relationship between their organizations. It's a breeding ground and training center harbored in Iraq. Anyone disagree?
Any former military people here as afraid of biological and chemical weapons? Hey, Saddam used them on people in his country!
I don't see any high moral ground that someone can take by NOT supporting action. Should we wait longer? I think that we've waited long enough. Another week or month will not show any dramatic change in twenty years of Iraq's history.
And for that, I believe that the people and countries that turn their heads away from the killing, murdering, torture, and oppression should be turned back to their homes to sit in shame for what they have done. By not stopping it, they only support it.
To do nothing is cowardice...
To take action is heroic...
Doing the morally correct thing is never easy. And I think this is not easy.
However, it is easy to be like some of the other nations in the world.
QuoteMaybe I am being too serious on the subject, but why are the French cowards just because they don't support our resolution for war?
Is it that when someone doesn't agree with the US they are automatically cowards? Last Time I checked each nation is still its own, and their people have their own wills and no one's opinion is more right than the others.
If the US go ahead with a war without the support of the US, then the US is defeating the purpose of the UN, which the US helped to establish. We are but 1 nation of the world, if we can go against the will of the nations (UN) and act alone, then we should be sanctioned, aloneside Iraq.
Iraq is be said to be evil and needed to be taught a lesson, because they are not following UN resolutions and therefore against will of the nations. So that would put the US in the same boat if we go ahead with a war. Unless, of course, we all believe we are the USA and we can do no wrong. The world is wrong for not supporting us...
Dare I say it, it is the above mentioned attitute and more that makes the rest of the world NOT like Americans. If you ever travel abroad as much as I do and get to know both side of the story quite well, then you will realize American foreign policy is a joke, and much of the problems today could be avoided if we had taken a different approach to things. Our government I should say.
French people don't suck, they just happen to see a different picture than our leader does. And as a country of democracy and free will, that is what they believe in, and that counts just as much as our country's opinions.
Thats why they were granted a vote in the security council with veto power. So no nation's will can be stronger than others, to keep a balance in the world.
I suppose we all, from our leaders down to many of Americans, don't care about that, really.
r6-philly....very insightful and well written
i wish that i could have said it as eloquently
the following was posted on msn.....
what should we do next....send back the statue of liberty ? ???
Banning French Fries
You want "freedom fries" with that?
By Timothy Noah
Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at 1:43 PM PT
Henceforth, french fries and French toast will no longer be served in the cafeterias of the House of Representatives' three office buildings. Instead, the cafeterias will offer "freedom fries" and "freedom toast." It has been so decreed by Rep. Bob Ney, an Ohio Republican who chairs the committee on House administration. No word yet on whether the House similarly plans to adopt the neologisms "freedom horn," "freedom doors," "freedom kissing," and "freedom tickler."
Rep. Ney's action (urged on by Rep. Walter Jones, a North Carolina Republican) is meant to demonize France for its exasperating refusal to support a war against Iraq. It's an echo of the propaganda frenzy against Germany during World War I, when Americans renamed sauerkraut "liberty cabbage," dachshunds "liberty dogs," hamburgers "liberty steaks," and German measles "liberty measles." Beethoven was banned outright. In retrospect, this demonization of all things German seems ridiculous. But it wasn't as ridiculous as Ney's current demonization of France. Germany, after all, was America's enemy, whereas France is America's NATO ally. If chauvinistic warmongers want to start renaming stuff, it should be Iraqi stuff. There's probably not much point in going after Iraqi food such as masgoof (barbecued fish) and pacha (sort of an Iraqi haggis) because Americans don't eat them. A better idea would be to tear out every page in the Bible that features an Iraqi place name, such as Babylon, Babel, the Garden of Eden, Nineveh, and Ur. The Christian right will object, but we all have to make sacrifices during wartime.
Not insightful, typical leftist rhetoric...
Ignores the indisputable fact that the French are still selling weapons to Iraq. Weapons that they will try and use to kill US soldiers. What is the left wing defense for that?
Europe doesn't "like " the US in the same way Larry Ellison doesn't like Bill Gates, pure competition and jealousy. Or, the same reason Max Biaggi doesn't "like" Valentino Rossi.
Perhaps the world would prefer to have another North Korea on its hands ::)
QuoteNot insightful, typical leftist rhetoric...
;D
No problem...I just say when Saddam attacks us because we listened to the French and gave him more time to prepare ( I mean comply), we'll just move and kick their pansy asses out of their country and live there. Then we'll let them go stay with Saddam since he's so wonderful. If you don't support our country and what we do to try to protect our great nation, go travel abroad and fricking stay there. If things are so great everywhere else, why is everyone trying to live here? If you don't like it, beat it! Just my .02.
QuoteNot insightful, typical leftist rhetoric...
Ignores the indisputable fact that the French are still selling weapons to Iraq. Weapons that they will try and use to kill US soldiers. What is the left wing defense for that?
Europe doesn't "like " the US in the same way Larry Ellison doesn't like Bill Gates, pure competition and jealousy. Or, the same reason Max Biaggi doesn't "like" Valentino Rossi.
Perhaps the world would prefer to have another North Korea on its hands ::)
Tell me US didn't sell weapons (small arm) to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, various African countries who is in civil war right now, and dare I say it, who trained Osama???
learn your US foreign history facts.
American foreign policy is not the root of all evils, but it should made a lot of enemies and accomplished less.
QuoteNot insightful, typical leftist rhetoric...
Ignores the indisputable fact that the French are still selling weapons to Iraq. Weapons that they will try and use to kill US soldiers. What is the left wing defense for that?
Europe doesn't "like " the US in the same way Larry Ellison doesn't like Bill Gates, pure competition and jealousy. Or, the same reason Max Biaggi doesn't "like" Valentino Rossi.
Perhaps the world would prefer to have another North Korea on its hands ::)
which bring up a good point - why isn't our govenment focusing on Korea? does it really take a country who HAS weapon of mass destruction, and who IS threatening to use them, to take our focus away from a program to DEVELOP weapon of mass destruction?
North Korea is a MUCH bigger threat, its leader a much crazier man. Lets deal with Korea first, before it destroys South Korea and Japan.
no one like US because of competition? get over yourself and go see the world a little more. no Europe, Europe will not fight us and harm us. Look at all the third world countries. Have you ever thought about why those little crappy countries always hate the USA so much as to attack it? Because our aggressive foreign policy. But what has that accomplished? Conflict is still everywhere, war going on in different parts of the globe.
I believe there is a way to discuss a situation without calling other's opinion Rhetoric. OR maybe all oposing voice are Rhetoric. Then we wouldn't be able to have a converstaion, such as the case of the UN.
I am saying, if US helped establish UN as a world governing body, then US itself should abide by UN's rulings, even if it goes against our judgements.
And Steve, I never said Iraq shouldn't be stopped. If you read what I wrote instead of just skipping over the "Rhetoric" you might realize that I only disagree with the push for war against UN, and calling French Cowards. No mention of war on Iraq is BAD.
Please understand my statements, and understand the situation before calling someone leftist... it is unjust
QuoteNo problem...I just say when Saddam attacks us because we listened to the French and gave him more time to prepare ( I mean comply), we'll just move and kick their pansy asses out of their country and live there. Then we'll let them go stay with Saddam since he's so wonderful. If you don't support our country and what we do to try to protect our great nation, go travel abroad and fricking stay there. If things are so great everywhere else, why is everyone trying to live here? If you don't like it, beat it! Just my .02.
Saddam have to smuggle a weapon to our shores to attack us.
North Korea can fire off missles with multiple warheads at its disposal, and their missles can reach USA's west coast.
Who should we fight a war against? Who should we pay attention to?
:'( sad to say....this is a subject ( politics and religion) that can easily cause a rift between family and friends.
One thing that we can all agree on is our love of racing and this bonds us together
LETS GO RACING !!! ;D
Quote:'( sad to say....this is a subject ( politics and religion) that can easily cause a rift between family and friends.
Though I believe this may be the case, if people just stand by and ignore what is going on then they really have no right to complain about any results - good or bad.
Dafan,
First of all, you will not "outhistory" me on facts. Let's not even go there.... ;)
Sure we sold weapons to all those countries, at one time or another, in the past . We have also fought wars and sold weapons to Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, to name a few and quite a few other countries in the past . Does that have any bearing on our policy toward them now?
Different times and situations call for different policies. It's true that the US has been inconsistent with various small countries...but why shouldn't the US pursue policies in its own best interests, whatever they may be at that time? How else is the US supposed to formulate policy???
As for the French, since that was the original subject, still no word from you on their continuing to supply weapons to our enemies . this alone is reason enough to eat "Freedom Fries" :)
North Korea should not be a US problem alone, it should be a Chinese, Russian, US, S Korean, Japanese, etc.. problem. The US, correctly so, refuses to make it a 1 on 1 situation, or be bullied by a crazy 3rd world dictator, nuclear weapons and million person army notwithstanding. If the US did give in to their demands, then the lesson for the world would be to develop WMD and huge armies for no other purpose than to shake down the US for more aid. So, the US stance is MULTI_LATERAL talks.
Hey dudes,
I will not try to "outhistory" anybody or take any official stand on this subject of war. All of your opinions are worth consideration. As the graphics on the back of my leathers illustrate, the earth will soon be blown up. We should enjoy our times with loved ones and friends and continue to race and have fun together. HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET SOME RACING IN BEFORE THE FIRST NUCLEAR WARHEADS REACH THE MIDWEST.
Matt
P.S. I might be a little bit of a flower picker cause I try not to prevent pollution or leave to "deep of a ecological footprint", but I love wringing the neck of a racebike and discharging toxic emmisions into the air. The Rev even let's me come over to his conservative pad to watch racing! :)
A wiser man than me said very recently "going to war with france is like going deer hunting with your accordian" i happen to agree
Here is how I see it.
We gotta go over there and do that, so we can do this.
QuoteSaddam have to smuggle a weapon to our shores to attack us.
Thats easier than you think.
QuoteThats easier than you think.
Well, not as easy as North Korea can...
QuoteDafan,
First of all, you will not "outhistory" me on facts. Let's not even go there.... ;)
Sure we sold weapons to all those countries, at one time or another, in the past . We have also fought wars and sold weapons to Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, to name a few and quite a few other countries in the past . Does that have any bearing on our policy toward them now?
Different times and situations call for different policies. It's true that the US has been inconsistent with various small countries...but why shouldn't the US pursue policies in its own best interests, whatever they may be at that time? How else is the US supposed to formulate policy???
As for the French, since that was the original subject, still no word from you on their continuing to supply weapons to our enemies . this alone is reason enough to eat "Freedom Fries" :)
North Korea should not be a US problem alone, it should be a Chinese, Russian, US, S Korean, Japanese, etc.. problem. The US, correctly so, refuses to make it a 1 on 1 situation, or be bullied by a crazy 3rd world dictator, nuclear weapons and million person army notwithstanding. If the US did give in to their demands, then the lesson for the world would be to develop WMD and huge armies for no other purpose than to shake down the US for more aid. So, the US stance is MULTI_LATERAL talks.
Actaully we are getting sidetracked on to this issue...
the only problem I have with the current call for war is the fact that Bush openly announced that UN's decision doesn't matter. I totally support the call for war, and think that Iraq should be occupied and made into a oil supply territory, but I just think there should be another way to go about this.
And as it stands tonight, I am glad Bush had backed down from pushing on that resolution, and maybe is willing to work with the rest of the world on disarming Iraq and rid that maniac.
I hate to see that we take apart the Statue of Liberty and send her back to France in little pieces ;D
...except for one minor point, the MICHELINS on MY bike are MADE in SPAIN!!! I beleive they are one of the US's greatest allies if I'm not mistaken. I will continue to run SPANISH MADE MICHELINS ON MY RACEBIKE!!! If you boycott Michelin you will be hurting an American ally. GP
But I will NOT be buying anymore "Made in France" AFAM sprockets. I do personally believe France is no longer a USA ally and as an American, I will not support a country that outwardly and forcebly undermines Americans safety. GP
most reports that i have read, even those from our own cia, state that an american attack on iraq will only increase the odds of terrorist attacks in america.
i also read that france has been one of america's staunchest allies in our fight against terrorism
Quotemost reports that i have read, even those from our own cia, state that an american attack on iraq will only increase the odds of terrorist attacks in america.
Though I believe that the likelyhood of a retalitory attack on the U.S. (if we attack Iraq) is a definate possibility, I also believe that if we do nothing that the U.S. or it's Allies will still be attacked in the very near future. France does not have the current defensive interest in eliminating terrorists that we do and therefore if they choose to not only not get involved, but ultimately stand in our way by veto power, they will show that they do not object to the actions of people like Saddam and are not worthy as targets of terrorism themselves in the future (therefore protecting there own butts). Unfortunately if we take advantage of this luxury of looking the other way we will probably still be attacked by people that Iraq supports.
This morning on Fox News they were talking about Mexico's lack of backing the U.S. in our present situation with Iraq and why the media has not also jumped on them like they have the French. Some of the reasons for not jumping down Mexico's throat were really lame. They included; the proximity of Mexico to the U.S., the number of people in the U.S. of Mexican decent, and business relations with Mexico. Not long ago Mexico stated that they were the #1 backer of U.S. policy and stand behind our actions, but where are they now?
I also saw an interesting statement that I would like to pass along that came out of the White House recently, it was in reference to the U.S. wanting to invade Iraq because of it's oil. They said; "If we were interested in getting cheaper oil from Iraq all we had to do was drop our sanctions that we've had against them for the last 12 years and we could be getting oil from them for alot cheaper. Our goal is not to get cheaper oil, but to give Iraq the ability to become a Democratic nation as Afghanistan is doing, and rid the world of people like Saddam who use terror as a daily tool against his own people.". And in response to the current rise in oil prices they attributed that to the circumstances currently in South America's oil production and showed figures that Iraq provides less than 10% of our oil.
Quote Though I believe that the likelyhood of a retalitory attack on the U.S. (if we attack Iraq) is a definate possibility, I also believe that if we do nothing that the U.S. or it's Allies will still be attacked in the very near future. France does not have the current defensive interest in eliminating terrorists that we do and therefore if they choose to not only not get involved, but ultimately stand in our way by veto power, they will show that they do not object to the actions of people like Saddam and are not worthy as targets of terrorism themselves in the future (therefore protecting there own butts). Unfortunately if we take advantage of this luxury of looking the other way we will probably still be attacked by people that Iraq supports.
This morning on Fox News they were talking about Mexico's lack of backing the U.S. in our present situation with Iraq and why the media has not also jumped on them like they have the French. Some of the reasons for not jumping down Mexico's throat were really lame. They included; the proximity of Mexico to the U.S., the number of people in the U.S. of Mexican decent, and business relations with Mexico. Not long ago Mexico stated that they were the #1 backer of U.S. policy and stand behind our actions, but where are they now?
I also saw an interesting statement that I would like to pass along that came out of the White House recently, it was in reference to the U.S. wanting to invade Iraq because of it's oil. They said; "If we were interested in getting cheaper oil from Iraq all we had to do was drop our sanctions that we've had against them for the last 12 years and we could be getting oil from them for alot cheaper. Our goal is not to get cheaper oil, but to give Iraq the ability to become a Democratic nation as Afghanistan is doing, and rid the world of people like Saddam who use terror as a daily tool against his own people.". And in response to the current rise in oil prices they attributed that to the circumstances currently in South America's oil production and showed figures that Iraq provides less than 10% of our oil.
The oil prices are not set by the US and even if Iraq produces 3 times the oil, we wouldn't see an decrease in oil price. At least not much.
By the way, if no one noticed, China didn't support the resolution and also threatened veto as well. Does that mean some of you resolve to not buy anything that is made in China?
I believe a country is allowed to "save its own butt" we are not all playing "Following the USA" here, or maybe some of you believe the world should really be, 200+ states of America?
Idealist:
Boycott every product from anyone that disagrees with me ::)
Realist:
Targeted Boycotts ;D
Right now, France is in the boycott crosshairs, Turkey has lost their $15 billion + financial aid package, and Hussein is about to be deposed.
I talked with Dale keifer this past weekend: he said that he hasn't seen any drop off or heard of any problems selling Michelins in spite if the French thing.
I feel like a hipocrit, because I like Dale and have good results using his products, but I want to do the "right thing". Maybe I will have to rethink this thing...I don't want the small business middle-man to suffer. That wouldn't be fair!
Not only would the middle man suffer, but also the originator of the tires MADE IN SPAIN.
QuoteBy the way, if no one noticed, China didn't support the resolution and also threatened veto as well. Does that mean some of you resolve to not buy anything that is made in China?
I try not to buy things from China because money that goes to China directly supports the People Republic Army which oppresses the people of China.
Quotethe only problem I have with the current call for war is the fact that Bush openly announced that UN's decision doesn't matter. I totally support the call for war, and think that Iraq should be occupied and made into a oil supply territory, but I just think there should be another way to go about this.
How about we send some people over to your house and decide that it should be a grain bin and that you should work in it for nothing? Iraq is its own free standing community. Why would you even dare to put your will on another community and take it's resources?
The UN's decision does not matter because sometimes you have to do things that are right in the face of opposition.
I am still waiting for someone to justify Saddam's remaining in Iraq. I hear a lot of whinning that we shouldn't go to war there, but no reason why not. And no solutions that haven't already failed.
We are not going to Iraq to take the oil.
We are going there to stop a madman and his henchmen. The world will be a safer place. The Iraqi people will feel a whole lot better not having to worry about being raped or butchered, having family members delievered home in a bag in pieces, or to morn the loss of whole families that suffered immensely during a chemical weapon attack.
Seems that few in the world can find the balls to do it.
If that makes George W Bush a Cowboy, I guess I'm in too.
I'm not boycotting my brand new AFAM drivetrain that I just installed. I kind of like it - even though it says Made in France.
If you're going to boycot anything made in france, then you should boycot anything made in Madison, WI. Every other day there is a group of disneyland/star trek loving hippies saying how war is wrong. Sure, war is bad, but it is necessary when you have tyrants that would do anything to see our county wiped out.
Just because France's political views are screwed, doesn't mean everyone in the country is bad. I spent some military time with some french in Saudi and they weren't that bad ;)