OK, You are the President of the United States.  Scientists have discovered that a meteor is headed straight towards the earth.  They have calculated that it will strike France in two days at approximately  2:30 A.M. eastern time. The meteor is large enough to completely wipe France from the face of the earth. France and the United Nations have urgently requested that the United States fire all of its missiles at the meteor and that it send all available ships, troops and aircraft to help evacuate the country. Many of these ships and planes you could send are being used to fight the war on terror overseas.

So, here's the dilemma: as the President, you must decide:  

Do you stay up late on the night of the impact to watch the coverage live on CNN, or

do you tape it and watch it in the morning?
>  

Lilly, that is a good one. I would tape it so that I could watch it over and over.I have given up on French wines but I am having a problem in giving up Grey Goose.

How come I never heard back from you again?

Madame,

Much as I dislike Mr. Bush, I have no doubt that he would spend every resource at his command to save 60,000,000 people.

You, on the other hand, seem to think there is something amusing about 60 million deaths. This truly obscene concept has no place in a discussion of pleasure and joy.

Anon

Why don't you take what Lilly had to say for what it's worth. War isn't a joking matter but still, in serious times a little humor goes a long way. I think Freedom Fries and World toast will taste a little better than what it used to be called.Will you eliminate French kissing? Lighten up!

Nice idea... but I have a 16 yr old son over there as a Foreign Exchange student. Last week he asked " why didn't I choose Ireland, Dad?" Hold the meteor for a day, please!

May I suggest you learn to read an interpret a little more precisely, "Sir"?

This was NOT a slur on America at War and the troops; rather a sarcastic commentary directed towards an alleged ally that turned its back on us.

A forum of "pleasure and joy" does not preclude levity.  In my opinion, you are an angy soul anonmale, and your anger is misdirected.

May I suggest you address it with your...mother, perhaps?  Whatever she did that ultimately illicited your vituperous response towards my quip should not be directed towards me or any other women, for that matter!

Peace baby and lighten up.  Life is too short!

Possibly he is French ever think of that some people do take offense when you say something about their ethnic or cultural background.

PS  Just think Lilly if the guys on this board boycotted French things.  They might be giving up on a few of our services

First of all, it is premised on ridiculous assumptions. There are no missiles that could "intercept" a meteor. Any impact large enough to destroy France would also destroy most of the rest of the world, so evacuating the French population would probably give them anywhere from a few milliseconds to a few hours or days of life extension. So, the whole story is not to be considered on a serious level, it's just fun. As far as the observation by someone that the French have no sense of humor, I offer up exhibit one... Jerry Lewis!

As far as President Bush is concerned, I think he's a fine president. He's doing a great job especially when you consider that he's faced with undoing the damage to our military and intelligence agencies inflicted by eight years of hostility by that corrupt and fraudulent duo that so recently defiled the White House.

I'd have to say that the French have, in recent months, taken the lead in making a joke of themselves, so they can hardly object if we enjoy a little laugh at their expense! Actually, I think "lechery and commerce" (neither of which I have any objection to) more accurately characterize this board, rather than "pleasure and joy," however semantic that distinction may be. There is a sardonic saying about the leading exports of Canada to the United States, hockey players and... well, I won't say. Crystal, your assertion above could be seen to validate that not so flattering characterization, though, I do agree there is a lot of evidence on this board to suggest that is certainly true of Montreal and French Canada in general.

May I suggest Prozac as an answer to the "angry soul" problem? Better living through chemistry!

By the way, I am, myself, one quarter French Canadian by descent, but I don't think it should be held against me! (and... for the record, I am quite emphatically not offended)

-- Modified on 3/27/2003 9:08:45 AM

Yes, they did/do find Jerry Lewis hilarious, but, it took them 10 years to realize it was humor.