Does it offend you that Chirac isn't attending Reagan's funeral?

[Joeblack]

Originally posted by TinkBoo&ElliesMum
Is it possible that O'Rielly is using this as a political issue to further the animosity between the US and France? It seems to me that O'Rielly and FoxNews has been one of the largest proponents of the French/American *******.

Chirac became president of France in 1995, during Reagans presidency Chirac was the mayor of Paris, I doubt he had any contact.

I suppose I shouldn't be shocked by the outpouring of negative comments about France, but seriously, when will it end? And I'm still waiting to find out what the problem is with the French people.

I totally agree. All this France bashing is ridiculous. Besides, if it weren't for France's help during the independence war, a lot of orthodontists would be out of work today.

 

[Patch'sD]

Tony Blair was not in power either and he is attending. There are not to many world leaders still in power from 15 to 23 years ago when Reagan was in office. The attendance is shown out of respect. For as long as I can remember the US alway's sent a delegation or the Presdents represenative if he could not attend. I don't think it is necessary for the head of state to attend every state funeral but a representative should be chosen out of respect. I believe that Russia's representative is Gorbachev (sp).

 

[poohandwendy]

don't think it is necessary for the head of state to attend every state funeral but a representative should be chosen out of respect.

I agree. I feel that if France doesn't send a representative at all, it is a petty snub, IMHO.

 

[Patch'sD]

Just checked and Margaret Thatcher is one of the expected guests at the Funeral. I am pretty sure I saw a picture of her kneeling at Reagan's Casket I don't know if it was in California or Washington.

 

[BedKnobbery2]

I'm sorry, where in the world did someone read or deduce that France was completely snubbing the funeral? That seems an awful big leap, particularly considering the glowing letter Chirac wrote regarding Reagan immediately after his passing. I'm sure someone from the French gov't will be in attendance.

FWIW, Canada's PM isn't attending either, I believe. And Clinton didn't attend Mitterand's funeral (I believe Gore did). Really not a big deal, IMO. I really don't get all the hub-bub.

 

[Disney Doll]

My guess would be that France is sending a representative delegation to the funeral. Not every world leader can attend every funeral of eevery other world leader.

 

[dmadman43]

Originally posted by Joeblack
I totally agree. All this France bashing is ridiculous. Besides, if it weren't for France's help during the independence war, a lot of orthodontists would be out of work today.

That's true, but that was like 1,000 governments ago in France They are not the same France today.

 

[N.Bailey]

Looks like France is sending 2 representatives.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/10/opinion/diplomatic/main622294.shtml


In addition, France’s former President, Valery Giscard d’Estaing and its current foreign minister, Michel Barnier, will be at Friday’s service, as will India’s foreign minister, Natwar Singh. Britain’s Prince Charles will attend.

 

[N.Bailey]

I don't agree with the position France has taken lately, but I'm just not offended that Chirac isn't attending. I don't know what his schedule is over the next couple of days, perhaps it wasn't even a possibility. Even if he simply didn't want to go, I'm still not offended by that.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by caitycaity
thanks, i guess wolf blitzer was wrong (wouldn't be the first time, LOL).

It was extremely moving to see Margaret Thatcher walk up to the casket and lean against it. I was absolutely moved to tears. Peggy Noonan was there with her 14 yr old son and someone told him after the service; "Look around this room and you will see the people who changed the world". What more is there to say after that.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Patch'sD
Tony Blair was not in power either and he is attending. There are not to many world leaders still in power from 15 to 23 years ago when Reagan was in office. The attendance is shown out of respect. For as long as I can remember the US alway's sent a delegation or the Presdents represenative if he could not attend. I don't think it is necessary for the head of state to attend every state funeral but a representative should be chosen out of respect. I believe that Russia's representative is Gorbachev (sp).

You are absolutely correct. Chirac is trying to stand out on the world stage and he is doing a lousy job. France is not just a member of the world community but a member of NATO. NATO existed when RR was president and Chirac's butt was under the protection of US missiles at the time. It wouldn't hurt France to be represented. Am I offended either way? No, its just confirmation of my opinions of the French government. I am not surprised and I am not disappointed. They met my expectations.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by N.Bailey
Looks like France is sending 2 representatives.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/10/opinion/diplomatic/main622294.shtml


In addition, France’s former President, Valery Giscard d’Estaing and its current foreign minister, Michel Barnier, will be at Friday’s service, as will India’s foreign minister, Natwar Singh. Britain’s Prince Charles will attend.

Better late than never.

 

[TinkBoo&ElliesMum]

Originally posted by N.Bailey
I don't agree with the position France has taken lately, but I'm just not offended that Chirac isn't attending. I don't know what his schedule is over the next couple of days, perhaps it wasn't even a possibility. Even if he simply didn't want to go, I'm still not offended by that.

He's meeting with someone from China that's in France on official business. He's been there since the 7th and is staying through the 12th, since Chirac has been in the US for G8 he's had to hold off on his meetings. Since the requests for the funeral didn't go out until Tuesday I'm betting Chirac couldn't get out of his obligations at home.

I do find it funny that the requests when out on Tuesday and by Thursday O'Reilly was making noise. I didn't know that RSVP needed to occur within hours. Especially when dealing with government officals and trans-Atlantic travel!

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by TinkBoo&ElliesMum
I do find it funny that the requests when out on Tuesday and by Thursday O'Reilly was making noise. I didn't know that RSVP needed to occur within hours. Especially when dealing with government officals and trans-Atlantic travel!

When one is head of state or a representative of such, I don't think there is any concern regarding "trans Atlantic travel". I don't think they fly commercial airlines.

 

[Bobbles]

While the whining continues about Chirac not attending...(like I care if he does or doesn't)

What was the last funeral Bush attended? I know he is a bit busy with this Iraq thing...

Perhaps I am looking for it in the wrong news sources.

Sorry if I missed it.

 

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
Better late than never.

Late? They announced this in due time. They are sending the man who was president when Reagan was president. That seems quite appropriate. Are you as bent that Martin from Canada is not attending? You are needlessly France bashing, and you're showing your ignorance of world affairs - again. I found particularly amusing your shot at Chirac's ties to Saddam. Given that it was Ronald Reagan who sent Don Rumsfeld to Iraq as his emissary in the early '80's, I find it even more ironic. Apparently your memory only goes back as far as 1990....

 

[Galahad]

What was the last funeral Bush attended?

It may indeed not be appropriate for Chirac to attend this one, but the above supposition is irrelevant. There haven't been any major state funerals since Bush has been president. If Gorbachev or Thatcher or Mitterrand died and there was a state funeral, he would be no less likely to attend that other current world leaders are to attend Reagan's.