Symbolism.
It sometimes goes a long way.
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You are curious?
Am I at the least, "Knowledgeable", about Franco-American relations?
Yes, Sir/Ma'am I am.
As an ardent follower of World history, especially military, I think I have a pretty good overview of
French/American involvement.
From France's First contact, with what would be,eventually, the US of A.
they were supportive.
Yeah, they were willing to put anything in place that would thwart the English.
They helped us become a Nation.
Move forward to the 20th Century.
France lost over 1,397,800 Military persons in WW1. NOT counting civilians.
An entire generation.
Since then, they have been a little slow at joining...War.
Imagine the US losing a million PLUS at any War.
So, the French may be finally waking up to the Islam Threat.
Maybe, NOW, they realize they have to get serious about what they have let happen in their country.
At least, at this time, some "Official" gesture, from our Government, would have been appropriate.?
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They joined us in the Revolution as revenge against Britain. Let's not forget the French and Indian War, hardly supportive of the colonies. I think our bailing them out in both WWI and WWII easily makes us even. Without the US, France would be either the German's or Russian's playground and wine supplier.
I'm thinking that at this point it was an adequate gesture that we didn't resort to " we told you so".
Have you ever been to France? I have, and I guarantee you the average Frenchman doesn't give a rats ass about the US or its people.