As another Lame Cherry exclusive in matter anti matter.
I come across certain observations which are worthy of note. This observance comes from the son of Theodore Roosevelt in Lt. Col. Ted Roosevelt while being stationed in France during World War I.
In this the Lt. Col. noted the area he was sent to, to train his troops, was the same area of Joan du Arc in which she was reared. I realize that most Americans hate the French, but Roosevelt makes a point that the French are no more what Paris is, than what New York is to who Americans are.
"Right by this area was the birthplace of Jeanne d'Arc. The humble little village, Domremy, is just like any of those in the surrounding country. The house where she is supposed to have lived is rather smaller than its neighbors. In many ways Jeanne d'Arc and this little village symbolize France to me. France is France not on account of those who scintillate in Paris, but on account of the humbler people, those whom the tourist never sees, or if he does, forgets.
France has no genius for politics. Her Chamber of Deputies is composed of men who amount to little and who do not share the national ideals and visions, but in the body of the people you find that flaming and pure patriotism which counts no costs when the fight is for France. The national impulse will exist as long as there is a peasant left alive."
This assessment by Lt. Col. Ted Roosevelt is absolutely correct. The French are deeply patriotic, but they have had nothing patriotic to fight for since Napoleon mismanged Waterloo. Give the French something to fight for and they will stir as Lafayette did and as Joan of Arc did.
Nations are defined by their rural areas and not since Ronald Reagan has America risen person of the soil to power. It is the problem with the urban leadership in it is urbane, but nothing fills the suit.
A nation is defined by her peasants and not her ivory towers.
- Lame Cherry
nuff said
agtG
