The Vichy government can be argued as having followed Hitler's demands despite any Vichy naval action (didn't the British sink some Vichy ships?), but before those of us who oppose the current French view get too "out of hand" making fun of the past, lets remember the US officially recognized Vichy as the legitimate government of France despite it's obvious state of
compromise.
DeGaul was infuriated, as were the Free French, that Vichy was recognized at all, and that was just one of the many reasons for allowing him to lead the march into Paris. If we wanted a strong government for a reunited France, we certainly needed a strong leader, didn't we? We shouldn't really hold the Vichy government against the French since we helped give Vichy, which was thought of even then as a puppet government, it's legitimacy.
Also, while some of us are a bit upset at the French position, lets remember that we do have French members and throwing around insults, whether they were said by Andy Rooney or whoever, doesn't help the argument.... it only alienates our friends.
Love Ya Moiraine!
[ 02-17-2003, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]