I was thinking of buying a Beneteau but after hearing how the French have been their typical uncoopertive selves regarding US foreign policy, and then I recall how much help they didn't give in the first Gulf war, I'm thinking why should I support these people? Are sixty years such a long time that it doesn't matter what our dads and uncles did for them? Think I'll buy a Hunter
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What Party is your boat?
Oops, never thought to ask my boat which political party or cause it supported. I not only bought a Beneteau, but a French build model. When comparing the boat to other boats of "similar" quality, I found that there was no similarity. I bought the boat for my pleasure and never gave a thought to the profit/loss column of the owners. When I am on the water, matters of State and politics are the last thing on my mind.
Oops, never thought to ask my boat which political party or cause it supported. I not only bought a Beneteau, but a French build model. When comparing the boat to other boats of "similar" quality, I found that there was no similarity. I bought the boat for my pleasure and never gave a thought to the profit/loss column of the owners. When I am on the water, matters of State and politics are the last thing on my mind.
Moms and grandmothers too
My mom was a WAC in WWII Back to your point. Do you make all of your buying decisions based on your brand of politics? How about products from China? Or how about the young kids that made your new boat shoes? Or Germany, Italy and Japan (remember WWII) Fine to vote with your wallet but remember to be consistent. And given the significat increase in multinational companies what is a french boat anyway? French company, made in the US with a swedish engine, sails made in Asia and electronics made somewhere else. And while I have the soapbox out, why is it that some people believe Europe owes us unflinching alliance because of WWI and WWII. I thought our beliefs were based on freedom, including the freedom to disagree with the USA as they saw fit. Damn this is a long and COLD winter. RREgge
My mom was a WAC in WWII Back to your point. Do you make all of your buying decisions based on your brand of politics? How about products from China? Or how about the young kids that made your new boat shoes? Or Germany, Italy and Japan (remember WWII) Fine to vote with your wallet but remember to be consistent. And given the significat increase in multinational companies what is a french boat anyway? French company, made in the US with a swedish engine, sails made in Asia and electronics made somewhere else. And while I have the soapbox out, why is it that some people believe Europe owes us unflinching alliance because of WWI and WWII. I thought our beliefs were based on freedom, including the freedom to disagree with the USA as they saw fit. Damn this is a long and COLD winter. RREgge
Well said, Joe
..even knowing Don's comments were tongue-in-cheek. The trumping of economics over politics is the thing that may ultimately save ourselves from political misadventures. I say 'our' as in worldwide. I don't think North Korea would be pulling the stunts it is now if it had the kind of commerce as does the South. China is another example. Vibrant trading economies are less prone to manipulation and opportunism, IMHO. I think I'm way off on a tangent on this forum, tho. Like your sailing anology, we don't come here to do talk-show stuff, do we? Enough. Return to sailing stuff.
..even knowing Don's comments were tongue-in-cheek. The trumping of economics over politics is the thing that may ultimately save ourselves from political misadventures. I say 'our' as in worldwide. I don't think North Korea would be pulling the stunts it is now if it had the kind of commerce as does the South. China is another example. Vibrant trading economies are less prone to manipulation and opportunism, IMHO. I think I'm way off on a tangent on this forum, tho. Like your sailing anology, we don't come here to do talk-show stuff, do we? Enough. Return to sailing stuff.
The French would be "sprechen sich Deutsche" if it
wasn't for us. We all know it, they are the king of appeasement --- Its in their "genes" .......Their history ties them to many countries and the middle east. They are just appeasing alliances so not to be directly implicated. You know " You zee msr. Hussein, vee are trying to help......now zend us more of zat cheap oil and keep zee terrorists, from doing anything to moi" Hate to blame the beneteau company, not that I am ga-ga over their boats (or their new policy to have plastic Faux teak floors.....blech!....no taste) And Don, BTW....Catalina's (as are Hinckleys/Sabres etc) are also all-american - born and bred Let them eat cake
wasn't for us. We all know it, they are the king of appeasement --- Its in their "genes" .......Their history ties them to many countries and the middle east. They are just appeasing alliances so not to be directly implicated. You know " You zee msr. Hussein, vee are trying to help......now zend us more of zat cheap oil and keep zee terrorists, from doing anything to moi" Hate to blame the beneteau company, not that I am ga-ga over their boats (or their new policy to have plastic Faux teak floors.....blech!....no taste) And Don, BTW....Catalina's (as are Hinckleys/Sabres etc) are also all-american - born and bred Let them eat cake
Russell is Right To Mention Them
As we speak my wife is in Kuwait, she found out the day after Christmas she was going and had to be ready to go three days later. Not sure when she will be back. So thanks Russell. It is not just WWI and WWII how about Operation Eldorado that ended the Libyans terror attacks. We lost an F-111 and the crew, (fathers, sons and husbands of someone) due in no small measure to the French not allowing us to over fly them on their way to Tripoli. I have traveled around the world with the Air Force and have been treated with respect and gratitude in many places but not anything like that in France. In Korea I tried to give up my seat on the bus to an older lady she would not here of it. Was almost comical neither one of us wanting to let the other stand we settled it by her holding my bags in her lap while she sat. We do not ask for anything special just to be treated with common courtesy as guests. Just to be fair we would have got our asses kicked if not for the French at Yorktown but I think that was only because they hated the British not because they had any affection for us.
As we speak my wife is in Kuwait, she found out the day after Christmas she was going and had to be ready to go three days later. Not sure when she will be back. So thanks Russell. It is not just WWI and WWII how about Operation Eldorado that ended the Libyans terror attacks. We lost an F-111 and the crew, (fathers, sons and husbands of someone) due in no small measure to the French not allowing us to over fly them on their way to Tripoli. I have traveled around the world with the Air Force and have been treated with respect and gratitude in many places but not anything like that in France. In Korea I tried to give up my seat on the bus to an older lady she would not here of it. Was almost comical neither one of us wanting to let the other stand we settled it by her holding my bags in her lap while she sat. We do not ask for anything special just to be treated with common courtesy as guests. Just to be fair we would have got our asses kicked if not for the French at Yorktown but I think that was only because they hated the British not because they had any affection for us.
If it weren't for the French...
we Americans would all be speaking English! I know, that doesn't sound right cause we do speak English except in CA, TX, NM, AZ, FL and parts of NY. But, the point is; we would still be an English colony if it weren't for France. Unfortunately, it was the French royalty and not the French people who helped us defeat the British and become the USA. Our revolutionary war caused France to go broke and the peasants to revolt and send the aristocracy to the guillotines. Since then, the French government has mostly been run by the Democratic Socialists. This is the same international new-world-order group that opposes every US Republican president and is working to destroy our capitalist economy. MArk
we Americans would all be speaking English! I know, that doesn't sound right cause we do speak English except in CA, TX, NM, AZ, FL and parts of NY. But, the point is; we would still be an English colony if it weren't for France. Unfortunately, it was the French royalty and not the French people who helped us defeat the British and become the USA. Our revolutionary war caused France to go broke and the peasants to revolt and send the aristocracy to the guillotines. Since then, the French government has mostly been run by the Democratic Socialists. This is the same international new-world-order group that opposes every US Republican president and is working to destroy our capitalist economy. MArk
Who cares
The Beneteau is built in the US anyway! Buy the boat you like the best. If you liked it the best, then you like French boat; maybe you are uncoopertive regarding US foreign policy. Stupid right!
The Beneteau is built in the US anyway! Buy the boat you like the best. If you liked it the best, then you like French boat; maybe you are uncoopertive regarding US foreign policy. Stupid right!
Looking in the mirror......?
Yeah, the Frenchies are just too darn nationalistic, militaristic, xenophobic and prejudiced. Not to mention their preoccupation with honor, pride and patriottism. Makes other countries a bit uncomfortable, doesn't it? Compare that with a typical American like Will Rogers. Of course, when he said "I never met a man I didn't like" he didn't mean to include Frenchies. Have to get that French boatyard in Port Vila going on our thru-hulls, holding tank and cabin floor next week or this is going to be a very short cruising season. Bonjour, mes amis Flying Dutchman
Yeah, the Frenchies are just too darn nationalistic, militaristic, xenophobic and prejudiced. Not to mention their preoccupation with honor, pride and patriottism. Makes other countries a bit uncomfortable, doesn't it? Compare that with a typical American like Will Rogers. Of course, when he said "I never met a man I didn't like" he didn't mean to include Frenchies. Have to get that French boatyard in Port Vila going on our thru-hulls, holding tank and cabin floor next week or this is going to be a very short cruising season. Bonjour, mes amis Flying Dutchman
Buying ANY sailboat is already a statement. . .
Buying ANY sailboat is already a statement. . since sailboats harness the wind for propulsion (instead of using liquid fuel) and our previous gulf war was MOSTLY ABOUT OIL ANYWAY. Yes. . I've said it. I'm not so sure that we should jump in and attack, but maybe rethink some policy in the middleast instead. The US (makers of many fine sailboats) tends to make short term alliances as the immediate need arises and then break them when we change our minds. -h. hey - ny
Buying ANY sailboat is already a statement. . since sailboats harness the wind for propulsion (instead of using liquid fuel) and our previous gulf war was MOSTLY ABOUT OIL ANYWAY. Yes. . I've said it. I'm not so sure that we should jump in and attack, but maybe rethink some policy in the middleast instead. The US (makers of many fine sailboats) tends to make short term alliances as the immediate need arises and then break them when we change our minds. -h. hey - ny
I Was Stationed in France When We Were Kicked Out
Happiest move I ever made. You guys are aware they are not NATO members aren't you? You know why they make such great perfume? Either they do not know how or just refuse to bathe. There is another story involving Michelin and Viet-Nam that should get more press. I do not watch Jane Fonda movies or buy anything French, except French Fries do they count?
Happiest move I ever made. You guys are aware they are not NATO members aren't you? You know why they make such great perfume? Either they do not know how or just refuse to bathe. There is another story involving Michelin and Viet-Nam that should get more press. I do not watch Jane Fonda movies or buy anything French, except French Fries do they count?
I am French
You know what I am french I live in Boston since 10 years and I sail an Irwin 41 ( previously a Hunter 34) My job ?? Consuktant for US companies that are looking for distribution in France And there are many ! the best anyway : Beneteau are not imported from france They are built in NC by americam workers So buy american and buy a Beneteau if you think that the boat is adapted to your needs !
You know what I am french I live in Boston since 10 years and I sail an Irwin 41 ( previously a Hunter 34) My job ?? Consuktant for US companies that are looking for distribution in France And there are many ! the best anyway : Beneteau are not imported from france They are built in NC by americam workers So buy american and buy a Beneteau if you think that the boat is adapted to your needs !
Not all Beneteaus are made in SC...
Only the aft cockpit boats are made in Marion, SC. The center cockpits are made in France.
Only the aft cockpit boats are made in Marion, SC. The center cockpits are made in France.
If Policy ran life
I had a French girlfriend once.... no that's for another web site. Hey, if you feel comfortable with a French made boat get it. If not don't. Yes, the French CAN'T decide on anything but they have a 200 party political system. I'm sure out of those 200+ political parties you will find some pro US people. If I let political ideas govern my thoughts I wouldn't get much done. Do what you feel is right and go sailing!
I had a French girlfriend once.... no that's for another web site. Hey, if you feel comfortable with a French made boat get it. If not don't. Yes, the French CAN'T decide on anything but they have a 200 party political system. I'm sure out of those 200+ political parties you will find some pro US people. If I let political ideas govern my thoughts I wouldn't get much done. Do what you feel is right and go sailing!
In Paris on 9/11/01
I was in Paris on 9/11/01, with a group of 35, mostly college kids. This was the 7th or 8th year I was there at this time of year. The French were very supportive, speaking to us (in English)on the metro, asking if we were Americans and voicing our support. I was overwhelmed. To be truthful, they are not an outgoing people when it comes to Americans. But at that time we had the high moral ground, and they supported us. But to place this discussion in a larger picture, in 2002 we had our people spat upon in Prague, and we had people point out that the US had become a "schoolyard bully." If we do not like the leadership of another country, we are the biggest kid on the block, we just change it. This goes back a few years. Consider Vietnam, it will work as well in Iraq as it did in Vietnam, for sure. This does not set well with the French, or with the Czechs either for that matter. Nor the Russians. The way they see it, where does it end? The truth is, we do not have to care what the French or anyone else thinks in the short run. We will just kick their butts because we can. So, a bottle of wine brings the best out in all of us doesn't it? But let me say, French wine is best. Sail on, Rodney
I was in Paris on 9/11/01, with a group of 35, mostly college kids. This was the 7th or 8th year I was there at this time of year. The French were very supportive, speaking to us (in English)on the metro, asking if we were Americans and voicing our support. I was overwhelmed. To be truthful, they are not an outgoing people when it comes to Americans. But at that time we had the high moral ground, and they supported us. But to place this discussion in a larger picture, in 2002 we had our people spat upon in Prague, and we had people point out that the US had become a "schoolyard bully." If we do not like the leadership of another country, we are the biggest kid on the block, we just change it. This goes back a few years. Consider Vietnam, it will work as well in Iraq as it did in Vietnam, for sure. This does not set well with the French, or with the Czechs either for that matter. Nor the Russians. The way they see it, where does it end? The truth is, we do not have to care what the French or anyone else thinks in the short run. We will just kick their butts because we can. So, a bottle of wine brings the best out in all of us doesn't it? But let me say, French wine is best. Sail on, Rodney
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