Has Putin confirmed it?
On a serious note, doesn't matter. Putin's style isn't to go around explicitly confirming and denying such things. Truth or fiction, he's cultivated this image, and seems much more content to let people think what they want; that's how he knows how to deal with them, based on their response. Saak obviously thinks it could be true. And if Sarko's such a pathetic tool, do you think he'd make up this story about Putin? Maybe it is all made up, but it serves both their purposes equally, and considering the Russian government's control freak issues, I doubt it was "leaked" or made up or whatever on accident. Putin gets to look tough. Sarko gets to look wise. Saak munches on his tie. It's superb political theater. Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Keillor did not write "when was the last time Sarkozy said they wanted to be American", he wrote "when was the last time anyone in France said they wanted to be American" - you know, a generalization
If you don't let it go, neither will I. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
You still have to manage to be able to laugh at things. Looking for the very worst in everyone seems to be an unhelpful response. You're little Garrison Keillor episode was a fascinating exercise in scapegoating. Everything is sucking now. That's why we have to stay focused on the real bad guys and find a way to enjoy the little successes. Or at least let's not try to make people feel like crap for enjoying theirs. Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
The Brits love France The Brits love France. One way or another, whether on holiday, or as permanent ex-pats, there are a lot of us Brits here these days. France has long been a popular holiday destination for the British, with resorts such as St Tropez (Saint Tropez Property Guide) attracting the rich and famous as far back as the 1950s. The sheer natural diversity of the country means that it attracts many different types of sports people (Sport in France), from skiers to surfers, from walkers (Finding property in the best walking areas of France) to motorcyclists (Cycling and motorcycling in France)... and the sunny climate and excellent way of life attracts those who may have little interest in sport, but just want to enjoy the good things in life! Then there is the culture and history that oozes from every pore, and the treasure trove of art and culture that is Paris (Paris Property Guide), perhaps the most romantic city in the world. Who wouldn't want a piece of all this? It's hardly surprising that the Brits love France. But... do the French love the Brits? Yes... no... well, to be honest, it's a sort of love-hate thing really. For the most part the French are very accepting and even welcoming, amazingly so when you consider the sheer numbers in which we have come into and sometimes almost taken over their villages, bought up their chateaux, and, to a lesser degree, inflicted our language and culture upon theirs (there are British food sections available in many French supermarkets now, and even fish and chip shops in some parts of France!). It's all OK, as long as we don't beat them at rugby! http://www.brits-in-france.net/index.html
The Brits love France
The Brits love France. One way or another, whether on holiday, or as permanent ex-pats, there are a lot of us Brits here these days. France has long been a popular holiday destination for the British, with resorts such as St Tropez (Saint Tropez Property Guide) attracting the rich and famous as far back as the 1950s. The sheer natural diversity of the country means that it attracts many different types of sports people (Sport in France), from skiers to surfers, from walkers (Finding property in the best walking areas of France) to motorcyclists (Cycling and motorcycling in France)... and the sunny climate and excellent way of life attracts those who may have little interest in sport, but just want to enjoy the good things in life! Then there is the culture and history that oozes from every pore, and the treasure trove of art and culture that is Paris (Paris Property Guide), perhaps the most romantic city in the world. Who wouldn't want a piece of all this? It's hardly surprising that the Brits love France.
But... do the French love the Brits?
Yes... no... well, to be honest, it's a sort of love-hate thing really. For the most part the French are very accepting and even welcoming, amazingly so when you consider the sheer numbers in which we have come into and sometimes almost taken over their villages, bought up their chateaux, and, to a lesser degree, inflicted our language and culture upon theirs (there are British food sections available in many French supermarkets now, and even fish and chip shops in some parts of France!). It's all OK, as long as we don't beat them at rugby!
http://www.brits-in-france.net/index.html
But there are objective reasons for that. The anti-French propaganda's goal is to hide, and worse, destroy, these objective facts.
(Disclaimer: I talk about France, not the French. You know the joke about God creating France, a perfect balance, great climate ,lush lands, diverse landscapes, beautiful views... so to compensate for that he created the French. I usually add that Russia is the opposite) In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
I was beginning to think my daughter had misplaced dreams.... You can't be me, I'm taken
One thing I have learned is that I love this French life, and I am very happy that I made the decision to live here. There is so much that is wonderful about the country, about the way of life, and about the people. I also know, however, that I will always be English under the skin, even on those days when I want to feel French, and I have come to accept this and even to embrace it. I will still be cheering on England when they play France at rugby... although I will cheer for France if they are playing anyone else! ibid
ibid
(see if I care)
(don't use me as a counter-argument: I'm a banker, thus irretrievably tainted) In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
