The French - Page 6

Mule · 08-21-2008, 01:10 PM

Now about that military success?

m21sniper · 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

They are a major world power.

Hahahahah!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

Only country to have a nuclear aircraft carrier besides the US.

1 aircraft carrier is about as useful as a track car with no spare parts. A minimum of 3 flat tops is required to keep a permanent long term presence -anywhere- even in your own waters.

The C. Degaulle (which has been plagued with problems since day 1) is little more than a showpiece.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

They are a nuclear power with intercontinental delivery capability.

Who are they going to nuke intercontinentally?

Canada?

All france 'needs' is IRBMs. Their ICBM program is a testament to their national hubris, and a total waste of money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

They are a member of the G8 and the UN Security consul.
They are an economic power.

China has been in the UN security council since it's inception as well. I guess you're gonna argue they were a world power too? Perhaps recently, but that was hardly the case in it's inception.

France, like China, is a regional power.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

They send troops where they feel troops would do the most good, not to impress you.

Yes well as long as the french are around we'll always be safe from those brutes in Angola and those evil Green Peacers.

Seahawk · 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWebb

BUT they made tremendous contributions to science and technology - not to mention military strategy - esp. the early use of armor BTW.

News flash: I am not bashing the French

Your assertion was interesting to me, and I wasn't sure which war you were referring to...WWI or WWI. But it was worth a look.

I found this on Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_FT-17

Which piqued my interest. More homework (you've got to zoom into the text to read it, but it is actually worth it):

http://books.google.com/books?id=B1cMtKQP3P8C&pg=RA3-PA1149&lpg=RA3-PA1149&dq=tank+doctrine+WWI&source=web&ots=zoGiL-1EKK&sig=6vgEEOQQmJesE66kajh6Zapu0AY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PRA3-PA1151,M1

Kind of a toss up but very informative...I kept focusing on the use of the tank.

Then WWII:

http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/1418/armor3.htm

Didn't go so well.

My take, I learned a lot and thank the French for giving us tanks in WWI.

Carry on.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-21-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveE

No, my apologies. I think I completely misread your post. I'm sorry.

Dave,

Thank you! I always hope my writing style is clear, though I know there are errors at times.

Stijn,

I REALLY miss the people and the beer in Belgium. Loved my time there!!!!

RPKESQ,

Not every American red-neck feels the way some on this board do. There are understanding and conceited people everywhere. Until the US gets rid of the chip and France stops seeing itself as a foil....

But remember, it was the French soldiers after the colonial revolt that kept order in the former colonies. The soldiers stayed for nearly 20 years to maintain peace and security and to keep my family out of the new republic until the 20th century.

I am sorry when politicians fail soldiers, sadder when the soldiers die.

RPKESQ · 08-21-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danimal16

Read an "Army at Dawn". This IS HISTORY and explains why so many GIs feel the way they do about the French Military at that time. Like the British captured in Singapore and subsequent treatment by the Japanese, it is no surprise there are some very hard feelings by the "Greatest Generation" that may remain today.

I have read Rick Atkinson's book. This is told from a limited viewpoint. You did not see that? A classic problem in any history book. If you took the time to explore the military archives you might change your opinion. The facts are there.

But you are correct that "it is no surprise there are some very hard feelings by the "Greatest Generation" that may remain today", as it was based on much mis-information, myth and opinions, which just like racism is passed from generation to generation.

Every consider how to break that chain of opinion? It starts from facts and presenting those facts to the opinionated masses.

The Greatest Generation opinions and beliefs are not infallible. Your great, great, great grandfather thought that if you traveled faster than a horse could gallop, your breath would be sucked out of you and you would die.

lendaddy · 08-21-2008, 01:36 PM

The French are just a ways further down the path of entropy than we are. It is a dying country/culture and we're not too far behind.

As far as "who's greater" right now I don't think it's a contest but we can't touch their great history.

I saw a figure not to long ago about the native French populations regeneration rate and it's really bad.

old man neri · 08-21-2008, 01:40 PM

Okay, so what are you guys arguing about? I tried to read through this thread and it really jumped about. One guy is talking about the sad loss of life, there is a complaint about stealing some grapes, an argument about who's wine is better, then there was talking about WW2, some talk about ICBMs and an aircraft carrier....etc.

What's next? Which is better a German Sheppard or a French Poodle?

RPKESQ · 08-21-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lendaddy

The French are just a ways further down the path of entropy than we are. It is a dying country/culture and we're not too far behind.

As far as "who's greater" right now I don't think it's a contest but we can't touch their great history.

I saw a figure not to long ago about the native French populations regeneration rate and it's really bad.

It still is the higest in Western Europe. Better than the UK, Germany, etc.

What is native population? Define please.

scottbombedout · 08-21-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old man neri

What's next? Which is better a German Sheppard or a French Poodle?

Depends what you want one for

lendaddy · 08-21-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

It still is the higest in Western Europe. Better than the UK, Germany, etc.

What is native population? Define please.

I don't recall how the study defined it, it wasn't my study but I think we can all draw logical assumptions.

RPKESQ · 08-21-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old man neri

Okay, so what are you guys arguing about? I tried to read through this thread and it really jumped about. One guy is talking about the sad loss of life, there is a complaint about stealing some grapes, an argument about who's wine is better, then there was talking about WW2, some talk about ICBMs and an aircraft carrier....etc.

What's next? Which is better a German Sheppard or a French Poodle?

You must try to keep up!

Basically the "outing" of trite myths concerning France.

It is easy to tell the readers from the "common" knowledge rednecks.

And the French poodle is the better hunting dog.

lendaddy · 08-21-2008, 01:49 PM

Also, I'll assume the French re-population rate/baby boom is boosted heavily by first and second generation immigrants. We can safely assume they are not considered "native" nor will they carry forward the culture.

RPKESQ · 08-21-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lendaddy

I don't recall how the study defined it, it wasn't my study but I think we can all draw logical assumptions.

I beg to differ. Since it is completely illegal to record race information in France in any manner whatsoever, how could anyone detirmine the "native" from the non-native. The French do not have this data. Where do you or anyone get the data?

So what "logical" assumptions are you drawing?

lendaddy · 08-21-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

So what "logical" assumptions are you drawing?

See my post above yours.

Mule · 08-21-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old man neri

Okay, so what are you guys arguing about? I tried to read through this thread and it really jumped about. One guy is talking about the sad loss of life, there is a complaint about stealing some grapes, an argument about who's wine is better, then there was talking about WW2, some talk about ICBMs and an aircraft carrier....etc.

What's next? Which is better a German Sheppard or a French Poodle?

I'm going with AMERICAN Pit Bull Terrier

Mule · 08-21-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

You must try to keep up!

Basically the "outing" of trite myths concerning France.

It is easy to tell the readers from the "common" knowledge rednecks.

And the French poodle is the better hunting dog.

Let's get back to that French military success!

RPKESQ · 08-21-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lendaddy

Also, I'll assume the French re-population rate/baby boom is boosted heavily by first and second generation immigrants. We can safely assume they are not considered "native" nor will they carry forward the culture.

Your assumptions are incorrect. France's culture is quite strong in the vast majority. Your assumption of birth rate boosted by first and second generation immigrants is just that. No data supports that assumption.

BeyGon · 08-21-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old man neri

Okay, so what are you guys arguing about? I tried to read through this thread and it really jumped about. One guy is talking about the sad loss of life, there is a complaint about stealing some grapes, an argument about who's wine is better, then there was talking about WW2, some talk about ICBMs and an aircraft carrier....etc.

What's next? Which is better a German Sheppard or a French Poodle?

Cool, if I am walking throught Laguna Beach, maybe a poodle, a nice sparkley collar, painted toe nails, but I am not, so, anyplace else, the GERMAN SHEPPARD.
If you have a Poodle in one yard and a German Sheppard in the other, which yard will the burgler choose? Do the police use Poodles or German Sheppards?
Does the military use Poodles or German Sheppards? Attack dogs in the movies?

This is fun, thanks for starting it.

Disclaimer, I actually like full size Poodles. Smart, don't shed, faithfull. Just don't give them that silly foo foo hair cut.

tabs · 08-21-2008, 02:25 PM

The POODLE a better hunting dog....What is HUNTING IT? I really can't see that pipsquesk of a dog hunting anything other than its own collar?

Actually I like the Standard Poodle better than the Shepard.

The Airedale is the orginal Police Dog....The US, UK, Nipperoos and I even think the Krauts used em...fantastic dog...

Ohhh I'm sittin back and slamin the Thunder Bird Wine... anybody ever hear of a French wine called Ripple?

BeyGon · 08-21-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabs

The POODLE a better hunting dog....What is HUNTING IT? I really can't see that pipsquesk of a dog hunting anything other than its own collar?

Actually I like the Standard Poodle better than the Shepard.

The Airedale is the orginal Police Dog....The US, UK, Nipperoos and I even think the Krauts used em...fantastic dog...

Ohhh I'm sittin back and slamin the Thunder Bird Wine... anybody ever hear of a French wine called Ripple?

If you mix it with Vodka it tastes pretty good.