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

[N.Bailey]

I was watching O'Reilly tonight, and in his talking points, he mentioned that Jacques Chirac will not be attending Reagan's funeral. It offended him, beings Chirac is in the US, and he feels it's an insult to the country.

Now, politics aside (if that's possible) do you think Chirac should attend?

Personally, I think it might have been a nice gesture if he would attend, but I'm in no way offended that he's not. What's your take on it?

 

[sunni]

Chirac who?

 

[ThreeCircles]

I don't think he needs to attend at all.

But, I do think he should send over a super-sized order of Freedom Fries. Oh, make that two, Nancy may be hungry too.

 

[luvdisney81]

It doesn't offend me at all. He has probably sent his condolences (sp?). It would be different if maybe we didn't know this was coming, suddenly Regan dies at an early age but he was 93 and had suffered with Alzheimer's for 10 years. The world continues to go on. Not trying to down play the respect of a president dying but we knew this was coming, everyone did. Even Mrs. Regan said she was relieved that he was no longer suffering. He is in peace now and would like people to continue. Did Chirac and Regan even know each other?

 

[Keli]

Nah, I don't think he should attend the funeral 'cause I think we should boot him outta the country! LOL (just a joke folks!)

 

[GaryAdams]

It doesnt offend me,i expected it.
never mind that hes already in the states.
heck, never mind that France is a member of both NATO,and the G8.
France is only around when they need something, otherwise they could care less about the rest of the world.

heres a good thing to remember, just take a look at Frances history when it comes to wars.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/text/france.html

or go to google, and type in french military defeats. then click im feeling lucky.

i think that website needs updating, they left out a few of the African countries,and Hati.
All former french colonies,but after there was trouble in them, the french asked the US to help out with the problems.

 

[dmadman43]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
I don't think he needs to attend at all.

But, I do think he should send over a super-sized order of Freedom Fries. Oh, make that two, Nancy may be hungry too.

Talk about not adding value...

 

[dmadman43]

I'm not sure he should attend either. Wasn't Mitterrand President (or rather, Chairman of the Provisional Government) of France when Reagan was in office?

 

[Bobbles]

It does not seem to be a normal practice for the "active" head of state from all countries to attend funerals of "former" heads of state. Usually, a representative is sent to the service.

Now if an "active" head of state were to pass, it would be more probable that "active" heads of state may attend the service.
I don't know (because I can't read minds and probably don't read enough of the conservative press) why Chirac would not attend.
Perhaps he had more pressing official business at home.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I think it would depend on why Chirac is not attending. If he has more pressing business to attend to that he can not postpone, then I don't think it would be an insult as I'm sure France would be sending a high-level delegate (at the very least their Ambassador to the US).

It does seem odd, though. He's in the same time zone, less than a 2 hour flight away. Like I said, it depends on the why. If there's not urgent business to attend to, then yes, I do feel it's an insult.

 

[monkeyboy]

Hey I make fun of the French as much as anyone but......

If the roles were reversed, the Pres would most likely send the VP
If Reagan was in office that too would be different.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Originally posted by monkeyboy
Hey I make fun of the French as much as anyone but......

If the roles were reversed, the Pres would most likely send the VP
If Reagan was in office that too would be different.

A representative from France should be there (I assume there will be someone?), but it's not necessary that the leader of every country attend.

 

[powellrj]

Originally posted by Bobbles
It does not seem to be a normal practice for the "active" head of state from all countries to attend funerals of "former" heads of state. Usually, a representative is sent to the service.

Now if an "active" head of state were to pass, it would be more probable that "active" heads of state may attend the service.
I don't know (because I can't read minds and probably don't read enough of the conservative press) why Chirac would not attend.
Perhaps he had more pressing official business at home.

I think thats why people are upset, he is already in this country attending a summitt.

 

[Grog]

Personally, I think it might have been a nice gesture if he would attend, but I'm in no way offended that he's not.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Bob Slydell


A representative from France should be there (I assume there will be someone?), but it's not necessary that the leader of every country attend.

There is no designated representative of France scheduled to attend the funeral at this time? Is this a surprise to anyone?
It is in keeping with France's long term policy; Do only what makes France and Chirac feel good and try to regain a sintilla of the power they had when Napolean walked the earth. I am sure that Chirac is mourning the loss of his good friend and long term business partner....Saddam Hussein.

 

[cynsaun]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
I don't think he needs to attend at all.

But, I do think he should send over a super-sized order of Freedom Fries. Oh, make that two, Nancy may be hungry too.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by GaryAdams
It doesnt offend me,i expected it.
never mind that hes already in the states.
heck, never mind that France is a member of both NATO,and the G8.
France is only around when they need something, otherwise they could care less about the rest of the world.

heres a good thing to remember, just take a look at Frances history when it comes to wars.

[

ITA. That's quite an impressive war record. Why would we ever want them on our side anyway!?

 

[Nebsky]

Thats a pretty good link. Made me laugh.

As far as the snub, kind of expected it. Doesnt really offend me.

If I were the leader of a country and was in another country and a former leader passed away, I would extend my stay to represent my country at the state funeral. He may have a pressing matter back home.

Maybe he has to help solve this problem..

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/10/france.suvs/index.html

 

[Saffron]

Personally, I think it might have been a nice gesture if he would attend, but I'm in no way offended that he's not. What's your take on it?

That's how I feel.

And ... some US citizens admire him, he was their leader, the best president this country has ever had, even some on the DIS feel that same way, to them the man was a true American hero, one who deserves the praises of every citizen in this country ... but they're not attending.

Nope, not offended in the least.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Obviously he doesn't have to attend, but I'm not sure why he wouldn't, especially since he is already in the country. Some countries are sending their heads of states, and some aren't. I'm not sure why the French haven't designated someone to attend, but it obviously their choice.