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the dissident frogman | Mon, June 30, 2003 | Permalink | 5385 hits

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Guidelines | consignes

DISCLAIMER: in my experience, the following doesn't apply to 99% of my readership. Unfortunately, experience also shows it has to be written down for the remaining 1%.

The short version, when it comes to my comments policy, goes down to a line taken from the (mediocre) second opus of the Matrix:

"I built this place. Down here, I make the rules."

Let's elaborate a bit:

  1. Try to stay on topic. If you have a beef against the cow-fart(1) induced climate change and this post is about monkey spanking(2), then it's not the place to draw your sword(3).
    I have nothing against a freewheeling conversation, but if it's off-topic AND stupid or offensive, then it will have a badly limited lifespan.
  2. Consider the two following statements…
    • I'm totally open-minded when it comes to rational ideas.
    • It is quite obvious that Anti-Americanism, anti-Semitism, Islamism, Nationalism, Racism, Collectivism(4) and Multiculturalism (non-exhaustive list) exist in complete contradiction with Reason.
    … And guess the total amount of tolerance you can expect from me if you indulge in any of these.
  3. If you shall persist in these ways nevertheless, understand that I'm not spending countless hours of work on this site to "reach out", "debate" with you, "understand" your "root causes" or "learn" about your religion. Unlike race, ideology is something we choose, and for which we must bear all responsibilities. I loathe your sick mindset and what you defend and promote. I've heard all your pitiful excuses for your despicable totalitarian psyche and your compulsion to coerce or enslave your fellow men and women in the name of some "greater good".
    So understand that this is not a public forum: it is my outpost in the culture war you wage against me, my kin, my rights and my freedom — thus, you will only be tolerated here, and only if I decide so. I call the shots and I owe you nothing. As a matter of fact, I don't like having you around, so the only argument you're truly entitled to hear from me would come, if you insist, amplified through the barrel of my Sig-Sauer high powered rifle(5) — because when it comes to intolerant scumbags, I'm an intolerant bastard.
    So keep your distances, and nobody gets hurt.
  4. I also have a very limited patience for social-democrats of all race and creed, center-of-center jellyfish and buttermonkey(6) hybrids, Blame-America-First (and always) Libertarians (usually of the Rothbardian school), Hollywood idiots & Festival-de-Cannes cretins and those Parisians who fancy themselves as an elite when they are nothing but the developed world's rednecks(7). However, I tend to ignore them, so they may consider themselves lucky if they manage to draw some sarcasm in colorful language from me.
  5. Yeah, and don't get me started on journalists and the Wonderful World of Mainstream Media...
  6. American and British soldiers (including the Commonwealth) stand on a special pedestal in my personal pantheon. Disrespect them here, and you'll quickly wish you'd rather stand naked in Mecca during Hajj, wearing only a sign that reads "Muhammad was a pedophile".
  7. I may moderate, remove or edit anything and give neither excuses nor explanations. It has nothing to do with "censorship": I am not a State, you are not a coerced citizen of said State and so you are always free to express yourself on your own facility and by your own means. Commenting is not a right, it is a privilege I grant or take away, according to my right as the owner of this place.
  8. My site is not awfully biased: it's shamelessly opinioned. If you're on my side, you get my vote and are free to rant 'n' roll. If not, live with it or go rot in the gutter.
  9. Oh and, if you're a vegan, be advised that I hunt, kill, cook(8) and eat all sorts of animals, and thoroughly enjoy the whole lot of it. Have fun with your carrots, Doc.
  1. Ha ha. Beef. Cow. Geddit?
  2. It's been known to happen.
  3. Neither is the guestbook by the way.
  4. That includes of course all its variations: Socialism, National-Socialist, Communism, Fascism, etc.
  5. With a loud 'Bang'
  6. Nope, don't know what species is that either, but it does sound like a particularly vile creature, doesn't it?
  7. Tell me London, New-York, Sydney or Tokyo, but Paris is a dump.
  8. Frequently in some sort of wine sauce or with loads of tears-pulling spices. Grapes and pepper count as veggie stuff right?

AVERTISSEMENT : selon mon expérience, ce qui suit ne s'applique pas à 99% de mes lecteurs. Malheureusement, l'expérience prouve aussi qu'il faut que cela soit écrit pour le pourcentage restant.

La version courte, concernant ma politique pour les commentaires, se résume à une ligne tirée du second (médiocre) volet de Matrix:

"J'ai construit cet endroit. Ici, je fais les lois."

Élaborons un brin :

  1. Il existe une subtile différence entre "être familier" et "traiter familièrement". Cela signifie que les culs-sales qui s'imaginent débarquer ici et me tutoyer comme si nous avions gardé les piquets de grève ensemble verront leur contribution à la conversation éradiquée sans autre forme de procès. Quelle que soit la pertinence de ladite contribution. Même si vous n'êtes Vraiment Pas Content® avec ce que j'écris, cela ne vous dispense pas de surveiller vos manières : tant que je n'ai pas été présenté à votre chère Maman, nous nous vouvoierons. Vu ?
  2. Évitez le hors-sujet. Si vous avez une rancune à l'égard de l'impact des pets de vache sur le changement climatique et que cet article traite de la fessée de macaque(1), alors ce n'est pas l'endroit d'où lancer votre croisade (2).
    Je n'ai rien contre une conversation à bâtons rompus, mais si c'est hors-sujet ET stupide ou insultant, ça aura une durée de vie salement limitée.
  3. Considérez les deux affirmations suivantes...
    • J'ai une ouverture d'esprit totale en ce qui concerne toutes idées rationnelles.
    • Il est évident qu' Anti-américanisme, anti-Sémitisme, Islamisme, Nationalisme, Racisme, Collectivisme(3) et Multiculturalisme (liste non-exhaustive) existent en complète contradiction avec la Raison.
    ... Et tâchez de devinez la dose totale de tolérance que vous pouvez attendre de moi si vous cédez à l'une de ces sirènes.
  4. Si vous deviez cependant persister dans ces voies, comprenez que je ne dépense pas un nombre incalculable d'heures de travail sur ce site pour vous "tendre la main", "débattre" avec vous, "comprendre" vos "causes profondes" ou "apprendre à connaitre" votre religion. Contrairement à la race, l'idéologie est le résultat de nos choix, et nous devons en supporter l'entière responsabilité. J'abhorre votre mentalité tarée, et ce que vous défendez et promouvez. J'ai entendu toutes vos pitoyables excuses pour votre détestable psyché de totalitaire et votre compulsion à forcer et réduire vos semblables en esclavage au nom d'un quelconque "intérêt général".
    Comprenez donc que ceci n'est pas un forum publique : c'est mon avant-poste dans la guerre culturelle que vous lancez contre moi, mes semblables, mes droits et ma liberté — vous ne serez que toléré ici, et seulement si je le décide. Je tire les ficelles, et ne vous doit rien. En fait je n'aime pas vous voir dans le coin, et en conséquence les seuls arguments de ma part auxquels vous puissiez réellement prétendre, si vous insistez, se transmettent par le canon de ma carabine de fort calibre Sig-Sauer(4) — Parce dès qu'ils s'agit d'ordures intolérantes, je suis un salaud d'intolérant.
    Alors gardez vos distances, et personne ne sera blessé.
  5. J'ai aussi un patience très limitée pour les sociaux-démocrates de toute confession et couleur, les centristes-du-centre fruits de l'union d'une méduse et d'un cul de singe, les Libertarés de l'École Rothbard conditionnés au "C'est la faute à l'Amérique, toujours et partout", Les Idiots d'Hollywood et les Crétins-de-Cannes, de même que ces parisiens qui se prennent pour une élite alors qu'ils ne sont que les bouseux du monde développé (5). J'ai cependant tendance à les ignorer, et ils peuvent donc s'estimer chanceux s'ils arrivent à me soutirer ne serait-ce qu'un sarcasme en langage fleuri.
  6. Ouais, et ne me lancez pas sur les journalistes et le Monde Merveilleux des Medias...
  7. Les soldats Américains et Britanniques (parmi lesquels j'inclue le Commonwealth) prennent place sur un piédestal particulier dans mon panthéon personnel. Manquez leur de respect ici, et vous souhaiterez rapidement vous trouver plutôt à la Mecque en période Hajj, tout nu avec seulement une pancarte autour du coup sur laquelle on puisse lire "Mahomet était un pédophile".
  8. Je peux modérer, supprimer ou éditer quoi que ce soit, sans fournir d'excuses ni d'explications. Cela n'a rien à voir avec de la “censure”, pour une raison très simple : je ne suis pas un État, vous n'êtes pas un citoyen opprimé dudit État et demeurez donc libre de vous exprimer sur votre propre support et par vos propres moyens. Commenter n'est pas un droit, c'est un privilège que j'accorde ou refuse selon mon droit de propriétaire des lieux.
  9. Mon site n'est pas affreusement partial, il est impudemment orienté. Si vous êtes de mon côté, vous avez mon aval et êtes libre de disserter à l'envi. Sinon, faites avec ou allez crever dans le caniveau.
  10. Oh, et si vous êtes végétarien, sachez que je chasse, tue, cuisine(6) et bouffe toutes sortes d'animaux, et que j'apprécie le tout sans aucune retenue. Soyez heureux avec vos carottes Docteur.
  1. C'est déjà arrivé.
  2. C'est aussi valable pour le Livre d'Or.
  3. Ce qui inclue aussi ses variantes : Socialisme, National-Socialisme, Communisme, Fascisme, etc.
  4. Avec un gros 'Bang'
  5. Londres, New-York, Sydney ou Tokyo, d'accord. Mais Paris, c'est un bled de cul-terreux.
  6. Généralement avec une sauce au vin, ou alors des poignées d'épices à t'arracher la tripaille. Le raisin et les piments, ça compte comme trucs de végétarien, non ?

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  1. Nope, don't know what species is that either, but it does sound like a particularly vile creature, doesn't it?
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Comments | Commentaires

jkrank | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for jkrank
Bulgaria
Website
07/01 2003
12:41 AM

Maybe they all sold out because of the heartfelt feeling of pro-Americanism, especially this close to July 4th?

 
JFM | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for JFM
France
07/01 2003
03:00 AM

Another point I notice is that the French flags exhibited are not the right ones.  In 1944 these were those used by Vichy and the Milice.  The right French flags had a Lorraine cross on it.   Reverting to the old flag was one the first things the communists did in the cities they controlled.  Do you know what party controls Bayeux?

 
the dissident frogman | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for the dissident frogman
Website
07/01 2003
03:39 AM
Comment 228

JFM: These French flags (In and around the Museum) aren’t selected and waved from an historical point of view (there are some historically accurate inside the Museum’s collection, of course) but as the official current ones. That’s the three colors, without any other motif or sign. In that respect, they are the right ones.

As for Bayeux’s majority, I must confess I have no idea who’s in command (or “where” politically, is the team in charge).

That said I’m afraid it wouldn’t make any difference. Anti-Americanism in France is equally shared among the whole political spectrum.

From the Far right to the far left, uniformly. Pensée unique is such a national specialty.

And as far as History is concerned, that’s a perturbing “coincidence”.

Yep, another one…

 
Steven Den Beste | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Steven Den Beste
United States
Website
07/01 2003
04:06 AM

In May, French minister of the Treasury Francis Mere flew the American Treasury Secretary (Snow) to the beaches at Normandy and to the big American cemetery there, to try to make clear the deep bond in blood (American blood) that tied the French and Americans together. It was part of the ongoing French government’s “Forgive and forget” campaign (i.e. their campaign to try to get the Americans to forgive and forget a year of treachery).

Even as Mer was using our own honored dead against us, his own people were busy erasing those same dead from their historical rememberances. The stunning hypocrisy involved would be beyond belief for anyone except for the French government, where it is business as usual.

There is a pun in English that probably doesn’t directly translate: “gall” means the same thing as the word “chutzpah”, while “Gaul” (pronounced the same way) is France. These days it isn’t so much a pun as the literal truth.

 
Fred | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Fred
France
07/01 2003
05:09 AM

Suite a cet article , je suis plus que revolté quand a l’attitude des representants de la France a Bayeux , je me serais jamais attendu a un telle insulte pour moi aucune excuse n’est recevable oubli ou non , il est clair que la volonte de certains de vouloir a tout prix montrer cet anti-americanisme exacerbé , est allé jusqu’a insulter des soldats morts pour la France.

Je suis depité et je n’arrive pas a comprendre pourquoi la France est devenue ainsi et est tombé tellement bas .

De toute façon on change pas l’histoire ce qui est fait , est fait et a mes yeux la France a perdu bien des choses et notament le sens de l’Honneur.

Je pense que cette affaire n’en restera pas la .....................

 
J. | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for J.
United States
07/01 2003
06:29 AM

The ommission of the US flag at a Museum dedicated to the liberation of France from fascism is one of the most childish, absurdly self-ingulgent, and hateful things I have ever seen.  Are the lives of theses people so empty, so lacking in any notion of right and wrong - that the DEAD should be not merely not remembered, but shunned?

Will they ever understand how long they kept the rest of the world wrapt in their filthy little intra-european problems?  Do they even realize that the rest of the world even exists or has a life of its’ own?  That all those people in the wide world out there might not think exactly as they do?  That they may not want to be told what or how to think?

WHile they decry being surrounded by international culture, won’t they even admit to themselves the extent they imposed their language, foolish relativism, their self absorbed ennui, and even their damned CUISINE on the entire world?

Since when was cuisine the sum of all culture anyway?

They should find something else to hate if they want to amuse themselves.  Something benign.  Something that isn’t going to get in the way of the people who are trying to make French lives better and safer as a by-product of trying to make their own lives better and safer.

I once ADORED France.  My late father was awarded the Legion D’Honneur - I was thankful and felt a great kinship for the French Republic.  I used to chalk up every nasty quip in the French mono-culture and the media as a curious cultural quirk, and as “another opinion” worth concidering…

No more.  What little remains of their public culture - what may be the only thing that binds them together is nothing more than an absurd hatred of “the foreigner” - and all the while they try to parade their fake internationalist drivel like some empty-headed Benneton billboard.

Let’s face it.  They have always been racists and cultural bigots.  They have never been able to really absorb new ideas - or find themselves responsible for their own actions.  Their population at large has never plumbed the depth of its’ souls to see themselves as they are.  Hubris doesn’t allow such things.

Every day they lose the ear of another intelligent and reasonable person.

 
McGehee | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for McGehee
United States
Website
07/01 2003
06:49 AM

JFM: These French flags (In and around the Museum) aren’t selected and waved from an historical point of view (there are some historically accurate inside the Museum’s collection, of course) but as the official current ones.

Right—otherwise the missing U.S. flags would have to be the pre-1959 48-star variety…

 
David Cabana | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for David Cabana
United States
07/01 2003
06:54 AM

I am reminded of the “Arab Street” dancing with glee after 9/11. An ugly sight, to be sure, but one worth seeing.  It is important to know one’s enemy. One should pay attention when he bares his soul.  The French are providing Americans with a valuable glimpse into their collective soul, and many of us are paying close attention.

 
quark2 | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for quark2
United States
07/01 2003
07:04 AM

Not unbelievable, not surprising.  Just another round of pettiness from the surrender frogs. I have been advocating bringing our dead from frenched france home and bury them among our other honoured dead at Arlington. I think it’s time the frogs were left isolated with their internal problems. And they are facing some BIG ones, notwithstanding the burgeoning one of ‘dissident’ muslims. Under no circumstances should we ever send in troops to rescue them ever again, no matter how humanitarian is the excuse of being involved.

 
BarCodeKing | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for BarCodeKing
United States
Website
07/01 2003
07:17 AM

Ingrates.

 
gadrel | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for gadrel
Belgium
07/01 2003
08:17 AM

The maire of Bayeux is Patrick GOMONT, from the “UDF”, a right-wing party (this party is also at the actual government).

I’m desolated for this horror, even if i’m not French but Belgian. I think often of the brave men who came here to liberate us from the nazis, and I talk for myself : thanks for everything.

Many thanks to you. I hope to be able to help your country one day.

Cédric.

 
John McCrarey | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for John McCrarey
United States
07/01 2003
08:19 AM

To France: From: America

You are welcome. And by the way, thanks for the reminder.  Knowing one’s enemies is especially important in these troubled times.  How sad to see just how small the once great nation of France has become.  You are more to be pitied than hated.

Like most Americans, I have a relatives who gave their lives to liberate your country.  It is my fervent hope and prayer that not one more drop of American blood (or dollar) will ever again be expended on such an unworthy people.

John McCrarey

 
Fred | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Fred
France
07/01 2003
08:23 AM

Gentlemans,

I am really sad today that such a thing could arrive, I also think that France is not any more the friend of the USA since good a long time.

France always had interests but any true friend.

I think that one day, there will be kickbacks

But, I hold has to add a thing France which existed before the war is died the day or a General said the americains outside, (withdrawal of France of the integré system of NATO)

 
amy | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for amy
United States
Website
07/01 2003
08:29 AM

I wonder what my pap-pap (paternal grandfather) would have to say about this. He risked his life as a merchant marine during WWII.

 
Joseph K | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Joseph K
United States
07/01 2003
08:47 AM

My 12-year old son just got back from a visit to France with the People to People Student Ambassodors.  At a school they visited in Caen, the kids knew at least two words of English: “F**k Bush.”  I don’t think that’s the kind of international understanding that Dwight Eisenhower had in mind when he started People to People.

 
Edmund Burke | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Edmund Burke
Ireland
07/01 2003
08:56 AM

I have in my possession the Nazi flag that flew over the Mairie of Armagnac, and was removed by my wife’s grandfather on the day the town was liberated. I have offered it to the Mairie of Bayeux as obviously the stars and stripes offend them so much. I wouldn’t be surprised at this stage if they take me up on my offer.

 
Lynn | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Lynn
United States
07/01 2003
09:02 AM

Having visited the “we hate America” museum in Caen last October (I know it has another name, peace memorial or something), I’m not surprised.

 
Stan | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Stan
United States
07/01 2003
09:09 AM

I have one thing to say *** RE-TAKE NORMANDY *** Our fallen deserver better than this!

 
Frédéric de Jager | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Frédéric de Jager
France
07/01 2003
09:17 AM

What’s extremly funny is that I was at Bayeux this WE.

And I’ve seen those missing flags ... are you sure you don’t removed those flags yourself ?

Do you mind posting high resolution picture to just to see if they were not doctored ?

I case you wonder : I don’t trust you I think you are stirring the pot just for your own pleasure.

 
Pat | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Pat
United States
07/01 2003
09:25 AM

That was a very insulting thing to do by the museum. OK, I’m insulted, but the shame is on France.

 
Johnny | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Johnny
United States
07/01 2003
09:52 AM

This is extremely childish and petty, almost as bad as someone renaming a potato based dish.

 
David | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for David
United Kingdom
07/01 2003
09:53 AM

The French government will most likely replace the American flag with one representing an arab (dictator) nation since they love and protect them so much ! By having close ties with these animals, the French will burn their fingers when islamic fundamentalists take over their country. I expect that day to come very soon. When that happens, America won’t be around to save these traitors again !

G.. bless America and Israel and F..K France

 
Bill Whittle | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Bill Whittle
United States
Website
07/01 2003
09:53 AM

Enjoy this petty pleasure while it lasts, you disgusting sons of bitches (not you Diss). Enjoy it, really milk it for all it is worth. Because when your miserable society collapses AGAIN, there will be no US cavalry riding in to save you from the Germans, or the Soviets, or the unassimilated Muslim radicals you have grown and carefully nurtured for these past two decades. When your streets are on fire and Versailles is burning, you think back to those missing flags and those simplistic cowboys you openly mocked and scorned.

They are gone and they are NEVER coming back, do you understand? NEVER. You filthy, ungrateful, dishonorable cocksuckers! You want our tourism dollars, you miserable craven bastards? You’re more likely to get a Marine expedionary force to secure the Normandy beachhead—AGAIN—and remove the bodies of those who gave their lives to free your nation of cowards and return them to a land where sacrifice, duty, honor, committment and FRIENDSHIP still means something.

Dear GOD, are there no depths to which French people will not sink?

 
Keith McComb | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Keith McComb
United States
07/01 2003
09:54 AM

...and guess where #19 hails from?

As they say on LGF, in regards to #19: G A Z E

 
Sebastian Holsclaw | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Sebastian Holsclaw
United States
07/01 2003
10:00 AM

I was wondering how long it would take someone to mention ‘freedom fries’.  21 posts really isn’t that bad.  Those who can’t tell the vast difference between renaming fried potatos and directly insulting those who gave their lives to protect you, are…..... fury won’t allow me to express it.

 
John | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for John
United States
07/01 2003
10:01 AM

While I have no doubt that many French share anti-American sentiments right now, just as many of us have anti-French feelings, I seriously doubt the authenticity of these photos.

It’s amazing how easily photos can be doctored nowadays.

 
Jim P - Madrid | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Jim P - Madrid
United States
07/01 2003
10:18 AM

They could be fake, they could be real.

The fact that the mere idea of them being real isn’t laughable in and of itself says more about France than whether or not some local museum is having a erruption of Anit-American idiocy.

It is time that the US stopped pretending that the French are allies, or even friends. They’re at best wannabe, ridiculously envious rivals, and most often a passle of ankle-biting brats whose confidence is derived purely from the knowledge that we won’t stoop to the sort of behaviour they manifested back when they were on top.

We should treat France the same way we would treat any other envious has-been pipsqueak - ignore them, and go about our business. The only thing that grants ‘le France’ any ‘importance’ is our archaic and anachronistic habit of treating them as important.

France is culturally decayed, economically stagnant, politically backward, and scientifically void. It has nothing to offer, so why do so many people insist on paying it such undeserved attention.

Take Spain - better food, better wine, nicer culture. Take Italy - prettier monuments, nicer food. Heck, take pretty much any country in Europe - you’ll find a better economy, nicer buildings, livelier culture, and certainly better prospects for the future.

Of course, considering that France is well into the process of dying out, since even French women can’t stand French men, that’s all relative I suppose.

 
Andy | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Andy
United States
07/01 2003
10:25 AM

I find it funny that people would rather assume the worst (doctored photos) than accept the fact that the French, despite horrendous sacrifices in the name of freedom by American armed forces in 1944 and, indeed, more recently, simply hate the US.  Remember Ockham’s Razor, folks.  What’s the least complex explanation here?

 
Fred | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Fred
France
07/01 2003
10:41 AM

I hold nevertheless has to say to you that France for already twenty years has not stopped making errors, large errors, in occurrence by giving reception has ayatollahs, and bringing its supports has various countries whose governments are more than doubtful by having especially an Arab policy pro.

To my opinion it will arrive one moment or each one will have to choose are camp, France as for her prefer to be between two fires, she will end up being made puff out.

In any event the French government has a policy releases by letting on the one hand all this beautiful world go and to come has the interior and well on by allowing that, it lets capital leave, capital which could be useful has actions against the interests americain or israeliens in the world.

 
Lywnood | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Lywnood
United States
07/01 2003
10:46 AM

Here’s the addr for the French embassy, to add to the addresses above.  I’m sure they also would like to know what you think about this.  Does anyone have an address for Chirac?  He’d probably enjoy your comments too.

http://www.info-france-usa.org/contactus.asp

 
Weston | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Weston
United States
07/01 2003
10:53 AM

This is disappointing news, yes.  But the Americans who sacrificed their lives to defeat the Axis powers did not do so out of a desire for praise and gratitude.  The deed itself was the goal and the reward.  The soldiers and workers of all of the liberating nations showered themselves with a glory that cannot be sullied by the likes of the curators at the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie.

 
Dan Marsh | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Dan Marsh
United States
07/01 2003
11:17 AM

Remember folks, the French were liberated from the Nazis as Sir Galahad was liberated from the castle full of amorous virgins in “Monty Python’s Quest for the Holy Grail:” Once their fate had been decided from the outside, none could admit that they really quite liked their predicament.  So they elected Mitterand, Hitler’s caretaker.

Why should it have been so hard for the French to worry that Mitterand really was a Nazi?  Let’s not forget that fascism is nothing other than socialist authoritarianism in a plutocratic society.  Is that such a bad description of Ftance.  Mussolini described Fascism as a “third way,” between communism and free markets.  Is it any wonder the French loved hearing Clinton talk of such a “third way?”  I describe it as jumping half way across the canyon between socialism and free markets.

 
Gee | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Gee
United States
07/01 2003
11:20 AM

My now-deceased father nearly had his leg nearly severed by German bullets and lay bleeding overnight in a field somewhere in the French countryside before he was rescued by his fellow soldiers in 1944.   One of my best friend’s father is 85 years old and still carries shrapnel in his skull from injuries sustained on the Normandy beaches on D-Day.

I hope to God that the photos ARE doctored, because words can’t describe how I feel right now after viewing them.

God Bless America.   Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

 
Michael Wallace | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Michael Wallace
United States
07/01 2003
11:22 AM

I’m willing to bet that the removal of the American symbols from the memorial was not done by Congressional decree, unlike our “freedom fries” in the Hill cafeteria, et al.  It’s all a matter of scale.  How much do the French people have to put up with from us before they’re entitled to be “childish and petty” as our lawmakers and citizens? Yes, indeed, damn you pigs for not putting up with us for longer!  Damn you indeed!

 
Rich Peterson | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Rich Peterson
United States
07/01 2003
11:26 AM

Exactly.

 
lindenen | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for lindenen
United States
07/01 2003
11:27 AM

A really enterprising journalist would take a tour of World War II monuments in France and see just how extensive this selective memory has become.

 
Fritz | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Fritz
Canada
07/01 2003
11:27 AM

Next time someone, Brits or us Krauts, invades France to kick their sorry asses, will you please, please stay the hell out and mind your own business. Better yet, join us.

 
Observer | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Observer
United States
07/01 2003
11:32 AM

Gee that’s about as a bucket of Freedom Fries clarified with bovine blood.  Nice to see that both sides can be ridiulously childish when it comes to promoting nationalistic bigotry in the face of differing attitudes towards wars of aggression.

 
wes | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for wes
United States
07/01 2003
11:35 AM

well done french people.  its about time that some other country does EXACTLY what we have been doing to them for the last year.  americans are seen across the global as greedy, stupid assholes, and sadly in the case of our leadership and a large chunk of the population, they are correct.

we can eat our freedom fries and they can take down the US flag.  its too bad we have to give up french kissing as well isnt it….

 
Gary Utter | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Gary Utter
United States
07/01 2003
11:36 AM

I think, once we settle the hash of the Wahabbis, it will be time for Normandy II. “This time, it’s personal.”

 
Someasshole | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Someasshole
United Kingdom
07/01 2003
11:36 AM

Well, perhaps if you yanks werent so busy bashing france, pouring french wine down drains, calling them the “axis of appathy”, generally acting like a spoiled brat, perhaps the french wouldnt feel so angry?

what goes around comes around, you delt it out, suck it down.

 
Smitty | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Smitty
United States
Website
07/01 2003
11:37 AM

Has anyone heard back from the museum staff? I can’t imagine this story is true.

 
bob rosenberg | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for bob rosenberg
United States
07/01 2003
11:37 AM

A more direspectful act I can’t remember.  To those American families who had a member die saving France from the Germans please remember them with pride and honor.  For those who live or support France go to hell and die.

 
Teufelaffe | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Teufelaffe
United States
07/01 2003
11:38 AM

Let me see if I get this straight:

We (Americans, that is) act like complete ass-monkeys toward the French for not supporting us in what, by many people all over the world, was considered an unacceptable use of power.  We insult them, ridicule them and generally prove why the term “Ugly American” exists.  Yet we have the gall to complain when they finally “fire back”?  If we’re going to act like children, we should not be suprised when we get treated like children.

 
Rich | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Rich
United States
07/01 2003
11:41 AM

Why don’t the French run their *real* flag up that center pole?  You know, that white rag?

 
Voltaire | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Voltaire
United States
07/01 2003
11:42 AM

We give you Disneyland, and this is how you thank us?

 
Langdon | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Langdon
United States
07/01 2003
11:42 AM

I’m with ya #39, you make some excellent points.

So it’s ok for the majority of the American populace to shun and make fun of the French at every chance they get, but the French do the same to America, and all of a sudden it’s not right?  Talk about hipocrisy.

Just remembered which country started the childish behavior first.

 
Observer | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Observer
United States
07/01 2003
11:44 AM

“funny as”

Btw - Which flag Threatened France with unspecified “consequences” for not being their political puppets?

Oops #34 sorry, the use of the same terms (in my prev post) to describe the situation as you did was entirely coincidental.

 
the dissident frogman | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for the dissident frogman
Website
07/01 2003
11:47 AM
Comment 274

…And I was wondering how long it would take someone to challenge the authenticity of my photos.

I just updated the post with larger versions (800 pixels wide, 72 dpi) for the…“forensic” experts in the audience. Help yourself.

I can come up with the 300 dpi source if you don’t mind getting heavy pictures.

What the people challenging the authenticity of the pictures don’t understand is that I have nothing to gain in faking such information.

I’m not the BBC, Liberation or the New York Times. I’m just the dissident frogman. The whole idea behind this site is to reveal this kind of things whenever I step on them.

I’m not paid, I’m not sponsored, in short, I have nothing to expect or to offer other than alternative information that will never ever make its way to the big media.

Particularly the seriously biased French ones.

I was in Normandy last October, for the same reason I was these past days. To honor the fallen soldiers who liberated my country. Having in mind theevents that occurred since last October, I was hoping that I wouldn’t step on such afflictive practice and, gladly enough, I can’t say I didn’t. Most of the places in Normandy where I went these past days where - all in all - in conformity with what one could expect fromthe French region where the memory of what we ought to the Allied heroes is the most vivacious.

BESIDE the Bayeux Museum that is.

(I won’t mention the appalling Caen Memorial for Peace - See Lynn’s comment (#17) to this post. It’s a short but pertinent depiction of this so-called “memorial”)

When I first saw the empty pole, I thought that it was a bit surprising but, after all, there was surely some reason. I mean, come on, not here. Not in Normandy.

But then the empty pedestal, RIGHT beside the French, British and Canadian flags? And the empty space in the display case?

Coincidences? All of them, at the same time?

I can’t convince the people who want to believe that I faked these pictures.

Guess what? I don’t mean to.

All I know is that I went to Bayeux, among other places, and that while on my way to the British cemetery and memorial that’s next to the Museum, I noticed something “funny” with these three poles waving only two flags. I then proceeded to the Museum, bought a ticket and since the shop is (always) at the end of the visit, couldn’t miss the two other “disturbing coincidences”.

I shot the pictures for MY records (and posted them on MY weblog), got out of the Museum and shot the third picture with the missing flag on the third pole.

And went to my initial destination, the British war cemetery, with an upsetting feeling.

I’ve always considered Normandy as some kind of “safe haven” as far as French anti-Americanism was concerned and it probably still is, in most parts (not mentioning the infamous Caen Memorial for Peace). I posted about the deep and strong link I have with “Joe and Tommy” (For the new visitors in the audience, look for the “Consecration” post). I wrote about my parents telling me about them on “Bloody Omaha” while I was a kid, telling me about my grand parents who took serious risks to hide a US flight team during the Nazi Occupation.

Today, I had lunch with my parents and I told them about these coincidences. I read incredulity, anger and shame in their eyes. I share their feelings.

So I’m telling you this: you don’t believe me? You’re accusing me of “doctoring” these pictures?

Fuck you. It doesn’t matter what you think. I know what I saw, I know how I felt and I don’t care about what you think. I recorded this with my very eyes (and my digital camera) and I’ll act accordingly.

This Bayeux “incident” might have a valid and rational explanation (and I hope this post will help finding it. That’s its main purpose).

I sincerely hope so.

Because I would hate to see Joe and Tommy’s final resting place lacking the basic respect to their eternal memories.

——————— [As for #19, well… I’m not going to loose my time with such a pathetic slanderous attempt.

Unless these three empty spots were full right before I came or filled right after I left and while you were supposedlythere, Unless you have anything else to prove it other than popping in here, claiming “Ha! I was in Bayeux and I saw them and I don’t trust you”,

I’m just going to dismiss your comment as one of the weakest argument in defense I ever saw.

I was in Bayeux, I took these pictures. I wasn’t alone, I have witnesses. I took other pictures in the same area. I still have my entry ticket to the museum.

Maybe you can show us yours? Surely, you weren’t alone? Maybe your boyfriend/girlfriend/stepmother took a nifty picture of your suspicious self posturing in the Museum’s park next to one of the… Say, do you remember what kind of vehicle there is in the park? Do you remember what’s written on the monument that’s right under the three poles on which yousawthe US flag? Do you remember what were the other lapel pins, in the display case were yousawthe US flag? Do you remember what’s right under the rack of the pedestals where yousaw the US flag?

Hurry, maybe you can make a phone call and ask the clerks. Oh but… Do you remember at what time does the Museum close its doors?

And in case YOUwonder, I don’t trust you as well, since I know you’ve been trolling around with another famous blogger…]

 
LOL | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for LOL
United States
07/01 2003
11:49 AM

Good one Fritz.

 
Project-Lamer | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Project-Lamer
United States
07/01 2003
11:51 AM

All you people would think this is an OK way to act about something so powerful as what happened in 1944, is just sad. Show some respect for the dead.

 
Freddy | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Freddy
United States
07/01 2003
11:52 AM

“And in case YOU wonder, I don’t trust you as well, since I know you’ve been trolling around with another famous blogger…]”

lol… that’s using the meaning of the word “famous” a bit loosly there, dont you think?

 
John Mulhim | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for John Mulhim
United States
07/01 2003
11:52 AM

hmmmmmm… We seem to have forgotten that France is the reason we are a free country now. Without them our revolution against the British governors would have failed.

And I thought we stood for FREE SPEACH. So we are thinking “agree with us or we will hate you!”  Very American! Way to keep our image in the gutter.

 
Joel Meyers | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Joel Meyers
United States
07/01 2003
11:52 AM

This is disgusting! The French are acting like little vindictive children. The are pouting and throwing a tantrum because the poor little babies didn’t get what they want and they are picked on by the big bad United States of America. Wah!

Regardless of what is going on today, there were a lot of men who died so the lazy pansy ass French could have their worthless country back. It is a total slap in the face to those men that died there so the French could be free. The lousy bastards should at least acknowledge those who died saving the collective French ass!

There are two things that came from France that have any honor and integrity…the children of American soldiers who were born there and the Statue of Liberty! The rest should be sent to live in the caves of the middle east with their true friends!

 
Carl | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Carl
United States
07/01 2003
11:52 AM

Unbelievable - we Americans can tolerate no dissent from our perfect mission, much less a smattering of potentially childish behavior, while we wallow in the same.  I just spent 10 days in France as an average tourist, and encountered zero unfriendliness, and no anti-Americanism whatsoever.  I wonder if an average French tourist in NYC could say the same today.

 
WW2 | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for WW2
United States
07/01 2003
11:53 AM

I’m so honored that my uncle gave his life at Normandy, and my Father flew misions on DDay so that a large part of the World could be free of the Nazi rule and terror.  I’m less honred to know that the French are finding a way to degrade the men who fought these battles and gave their lives so that their ingrate offspring could find a way to urinate on their graves.

In the future, the French had better choose their battles more wisely.  Your history of winning battles without the help of your “allies” is not a storied tradition that you can count on.

 
Project-Lamer | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Project-Lamer
United States
07/01 2003
11:55 AM

One other thing. People keep saying they must have sold out of American Flags. Now I know my French isn’t good, but why wasn’t there a sign up stating this fact if it was true? After all, if I was a clerk at said place, I should would get sick of listening to “Do you have any more Amercian Flags” or “Where is the American Flag”

 
Adam | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for Adam
Canada
07/01 2003
11:55 AM

Yes, I agree this appears very petty and low.  But let us remember, the citizens of the USA have done similar things.  Looking at the bigger picture, not everyone agreed with the US on the war against Iraq issue.  The French were just the most vocal of those opposed.  The US started the mudslinging with freedom fries and “We hate France” t-shirts. And FYI, God has blessed America, land of the rich.  Who do they think they are to tell God to bless their country?

 
investigator | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for investigator
United States
07/01 2003
11:55 AM

have a zoom into the picture folks of the 3 flag poles…there is a “blemish” that lines up perfectly with the tying ropes of the other two flags. The spot is dark where a rope has been photoshopped out. 2pts for sowing the seeds of hate.

 
digital artist | 8 years, 10 months ago
Avatar for digital artist
United States
07/01 2003
11:58 AM

I am a graphic artist by trade, and though it IS possible these photos were doctored, I highly doubt it.  Look at the details in the leaves that would have to be painted behind the flag if it were digitally removed.  I inspected the close-up and there is no evidence of any cloning or hand painting.  So either they are genuine, or a highly skilled professional spent a large amount of time and effort to doctor these photos.  I find that scenario highly unlikely.  Though it’s popular to think now that everything is doctored from photos, to video, to taped conversations, as a pofessional who actually does this stuff for a living, it’s not nearly as easy as most people like tho think.  It’s time consuming and expensive.  “Wag the Dog” has given people a completely false view of computer manipulation of images.  People in my industry laughed at how easy they made it look in that movie to doctor video footage.  It’s total fantasy.  Reality is large groups of highly paid people working on expensive workstations to all hours of the night and STILL not reaching total perfection.  Often budgets won’t allow for it.  In conclusion, I think these photos are real.  I think people have a warped idea about digital manipulation in general.  And I think the people in charge of the memorial are either petty and childish, or chose a particularily bad moment to clean the all the American items… all at the same time.

 
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Post title: Tertian Fever ♠ Fièvre Tierce

Date: 30th June, 2003