I think France has always told the US their real intentions, at least in public. They advised many times that they didn´t want the attack, and that they would veto. So I don´t know why the US is so surprised. I see it as interfering in other country internal affairs. What surprises me most is the US stance with other SC members. Power has said, “punish France, Ignore Germany and forgive Russia”…..different standards for the same thing. I understand the US be frustrated, and upset and even keep relation at low levels. But what I don´t agree is trade santions. What I see is that some members of the current ultra neo conservatives don´t like other countries to disagree. I do hope dear friend, the american population sent these Perle, Wolfowich, Chenney to the dustbin of history. The US deserve better leaders, with capacity to accept critizism. It´s my humble oppinion.

Re: …

Originally posted by Vortex
thank goodness that France don’t care what the US does? Is that your pipe dream of your desires of the EU?

-Not really. Whatever the US does, the EU (or at least some countries) will continue to have an autonomous behaviour. The US administration (I don´t want to say America) should learn that WE ARE SOVEREIGN countries.

Is that what all this comes down to? It’s only OK if EU tells others what to do but not the other way around.

-Everybody is able to talk and give opinions, but not to press anyone to think as you do.

It’s interesting that the fact that EU is a political tool for France and Germany doesn’t concern you a bit.

-France and Germany are part of the EU. I can agree or disagree on what they say, the same to the US. But at the end, if one member is being attacked (FOR A QUESTION OF OPINION) it´s an attack to all members.

Their “we help you economically so now you listen to us or shut up” doesn’t concern you at all. By the time you are concerned you can’t do a thing about it because you’ll be told to “shut up”. Yet you still want it. Why? Because you’re European….humm…that’s “continentalism”. As long as you can feel proud to be an European anything’s fine eh?

-I don´t understand this argument. Could you clarify it please?.

I should add that so-called “friends” don’t stab you in the back. Certain European leaders made some promises last year and broke those promises….we don’t like to be betrayed…maybe you do that’s why when France via EU eventually comes to dealing with Spain don’t come to us to cry wolf.

-Stabb?. Bretray? That sounds a bit theatrical to me. Do you respect your friends when they don´t agree you?. You could be upset with France, but punishing them…..well that sounds a bit imperialistic to me. Bombing Paris perhaps?. Don´t worry, we won´t cry to the US, we don´t have many reasons for that.

Would you find reasonable punishing other countries for your sharing your views?. Do you find fair, imposing others your administration views?. Should France to have voted for the invasion without agreeing it?. Why does this US admistration want to create an unnecessary dispute with the allies?.

No dear Vortex, there might be different views into europe about how to build it, but take it for sure. Sanctions to France will mean sanction to the whole EU, and counter measure. So “you are with me or against me”, real Bush notions about foreign affairs and diplomacy. Nice way to treat allies and friends. Just great. France is a sovereign country which have the right to conduct their foreign affairs as they wish. I am not surprised that a American products boycott is starting to take place over here. Absolutely unacceptable. Thank goddness France doesn´t care a fig what the US administration do in the future.

Nothing that bad. Other legends have gone out of business too in history and new ones have come out. So no pity as far as I am concerned if it ends. The only sad thing is the people who eventually will lose their job.

Happy birthday. 🙂

How is Easter in your countries?. Over here, people going on holidays, long traffic jams at the coasts and fun. Traditions…well as a catholic country and like our italian brothers, we have religious processions (some of them very plastic and dramatic), like in Seville. People usually eat chocolate eggs and easter cake. I suppose like in many other places. Happy easter to anyone.

Originally posted by Clansman
keltic, I hope you enjoyed visiting Slovenia and Predjama castle. 😉

T5, you are close. 😉

Woww, you clever thing. It was great indeed.;)