Thoughts while watching TV in a leafy Paris suburb:
Almost universally admired, elected to the leadership of his championship team, the embodiment of his nation's commitment to tolerance and diversity ... and yet, while the world watches, he squanders that goodwill in response to a vile but essentially harmless insult. The French are baffled, transfixed by the endless replays of his hotheaded response, saddened by the consequences of his action.
I'm talking of course about the Gallic inability to understand a country that could elect George Bush. A country it admires, yet with leader whose actions it cannot fathom or condone.
My guess: the French will dismiss Zidane's head-butt as an "unfortunate blemish" on a brilliant career. Let's hope, post-Bush, that the 'Merkin invasion of Iraq will be viewed with similar forgiveness.
Meantime, we prepare and share a midsummer supper: Cavaillon melon with Parma ham. Leg of lamb. Provençale tomatoes, fresh green beans. Fruit cobbler. French wine, Italian wine. Food conquers all.
Ask "Joe" how he would like to see his son(s) on the front line (so to speak) in Iraq. How would he feel about Bush if one or both were killed or maimed. We fight wars to defend our country not to tell others how to run theirs. "Good Morning, Viet Nam!"
The mid-East has had internicine combat for centuries, why are we ruining our country's credibility, financial status, and reputation for the cowboy who thinks he is a crusader (who, as any intelligent person knows, eventually lost it all for all their efforts). "History repeats itself"
Some people claimed the "football" playoffs were boring. I thought it was exciting to see how evenly the teams were matched. The "butthead" player was tired, upset, ticked off, and like many others decided "not to take it anymore." As previously mentioned he could have done much more damage with that (as he proved by his action) hard head.
No one was hurt and he should have kept a "lid on it." It's easy to criticize from afar. Both countries involved are passionate peoples. It will pass and Z will be renown for all the postitive things he accomplished. Certainly the Italians have no grudge and keep in mind, Z is no angel.
Posted by: Dave at July 15, 2006 8:05 AMAsk "Joe" how he would like to see his son(s) on the front line (so to speak) in Iraq. How would he feel about Bush if one or both were killed or maimed. We fight wars to defend our country not to tell others how to run theirs. "Good Morning, Viet Nam!"
The mid-East has had internicine combat for centuries, why are we ruining our country's credibility, financial status, and reputation for the cowboy who thinks he is a crusader (who, as any intelligent person knows, eventually lost it all for all their efforts). "History repeats itself"
Some people claimed the "football" playoffs were boring. I thought it was exciting to see how evenly the teams were matched. The "butthead" player was tired, upset, ticked off, and like many others decided "not to take it anymore." As previously mentioned he could have done much more damage with that (as he proved by his action) hard head.
No one was hurt and he should have kept a "lid on it." It's easy to criticize from afar. Both countries involved are passionate peoples. It will pass and Z will be renown for all the postitive things he accomplished. Certainly the Italians have no grudge and keep in mind, Z is no angel.
Posted by: Dave at July 15, 2006 8:05 AMTana, bless you.
Posted by: Ronald at July 13, 2006 10:11 PMI thought your opening remark was very clever indeed.
As for the visitor who suggested giving respect to the office: I do not respect tyrants, bullies, cheats, or thieves. Period. I lack the diplomacy to be "nice" (a word from the Old French, "nicere," meaning "to pretend not to know") about these issues. And in not calling him the names I usually do, I have exercised more restraint than usual.
Happy summer meals, Ron, and thanks for the "made me think" opener.
Cheers.
Posted by: Tana at July 13, 2006 10:05 PMRon, I thought this was primarily a food/wine blog. It is indeed unfortunate that you put the full responsibity of the Iraq war,Zidane's behavior, etc, etc on President Bush. The entire congress of the US had all the same information as the president did and they voted to go the military route. I think we should honor every president of the USA regardless of his or her political affiliation. I have not always voted for the same party but I have respected and honored all of our presidents even those with whom I did not agree. Self respect mirrors your respect for others. Joe
Posted by: joe at July 12, 2006 11:19 PMRon, good to see you are doing your part for diplomatic relations....the US can use all the help it can get.
As far as Zidane's "head butt", as of yet, no one has died or been seriously injured....which of course, we can't say in the case of "W & Co.".
Collective guilt is a thorny issue, but forgiveness, will be a long time in coming.
Cheers! (I guess)