Right Back At Ya: Bush rebuff to Chirac over Turkey

U.S. President George W. Bush has repeated a call for the European Union to admit Turkey, despite criticism by France's President Jacques Chirac that he was meddling in EU affairs.

Bush said Tuesday that Turkey belongs in the EU and that Europe is "not the exclusive club of a single religion" in what amounted to a rebuff to the French leader.

www.cnn.com...

I am beginning to think they don't like each other. Why are these guys doing this in public. What is there to gain (or lose) for each of them?

I felt so good when I saw Bush had done that.

Who is Bush to tell Europe what to do? He's not their leader. He seems to be under the impression he's the f@#ing Emperor of the Universe.

Flame me all you want, but it's nice to see someone has the balls to put him in his place.

He's not telling anyone what to do. He's offering advice. There is nothing wrong with doing that. Now if he were to say "If you don't admit Turkey we'll destroy you" or something like that (my examples a bit extreme, but you get what I mean) that would be wrong. It's none of his business to force any other country to do anything (well unless it directly affects the US but thats another story) but as a prominent world figure I believe he has every right to offer his advice. France offered their advice to us before the Iraq war and we said screw you. Just because someone offers you advice doesn't mean they're evil, or that you should take that advice.

Originally posted by EastCoastKid
Who is Bush to tell Europe what to do? He's not their leader. He seems to be under the impression he's the f@#ing Emperor of the Universe.

Flame me all you want, but it's nice to see someone has the balls to put him in his place.

I would never think of flaming you - I like too many of your posts.

But my first thought was - I guess he thinks he is Chirac who never seems to have had a problem telling Bush what to do. Pretty clear that there is entirely too much testosterone flowing in the world today.

I agree Chirac never had a problem given his advice to the US why cant Bush give advice to the EU. He dont have to take the advice as we didnt have to take theres

I just hate the way this administration has tarred and feathered France because they refused to be kow-towed into joining the Iraqi invasion. They were right and BushCo should never have been so snarky with them. Remember that nonsense about freedom fries and dumping out your french wine? That was so infantile and without merit. But so many Americans bought into it.

How many Americans understand that France has saved our a$$ in the past and has been one of our strongest allies and friends in the world? We should treat them with more respect.

The reason I said 'what right does Bush have to tell France or Europe what to do?' is because Chirac made that point, himself.

I am voting Bush outa office, but Kudos to the President for standing up against Chirac!! Maybe if Bush would just come out and be Bush without the ploitical BS mauevering I could back him. Instead I get no WMD...no proof of Saddam support 911 terrorists...etc..

Bush can't even run America right, how can he advise other countries?

Originally posted by curme
Bush can't even run America right, how can he advise other countries?

Excellent point.

Originally posted by EastCoastKid
How many Americans understand that France has saved our a$$ in the past and has been one of our strongest allies and friends in the world? We should treat them with more respect.

That is because most Americans are too lazy to look up the history that we have with France. As far as they are concerned France should be in our debt because we bailed them out in two World Wars. Then you throw in things like not letting us base planes over there, not letting us overfly their country, opposition to the war, etc. There's your reason why most americans do not respect the French.

Originally posted by EastCoastKid
The reason I said 'what right does Bush have to tell France or Europe what to do?' is because Chirac made that point, himself.

Both men are pompous blowhards who seek to serve their own interests. But in the end Turkey has been an invaluable ally to both Europe and the US. I hope their admission will be based on the merits and not the result of the current pissing contest.

Once again, a flare-up from Bush Co.'s diplomacy tactics...Whether right or wrong, the arrogance of this administration is sickening.

Bush thinks God is Money...no time for wasting on negotiation or USA public image...(ours as Americans, not his).

Originally posted by COOL HAND
That is because most Americans are too lazy to look up the history that we have with France. As far as they are concerned France should be in our debt because we bailed them out in two World Wars. Then you throw in things like not letting us base planes over there, not letting us overfly their country, opposition to the war, etc. There's your reason why most americans do not respect the French.

I can agree, but recent actions, and history are much more relevant than helping us out 200 years ago. I appretiate what they did eons ago, but today and recent history is what really matters. Right now France is nearly an enemy at least as far as foreign policy goes.

Chirac obviously has a differnt view on how the world should play out over the next 50-100 years than we do. I am not so sure if his goals are the same. I think america wants peace and freedom in the world and Chirac is trying to make france a world power through the combined power of the EU, since france is barely a power to on it own. I also think Chirac views the EU as a way to grab power in Europe for France.

Without the EU France would probably dwindle into a 3rd world Nation as the years after the cold war continue to grow.

France doesn't want to let Turkey in because it will be a harder for it to retain any control of the EU.
It's as simple as that.

Don�t forget where the Statue of Liberty came from.

Originally posted by COOL HAND

That is because most Americans are too lazy to look up the history that we have with France. As far as they are concerned France should be in our debt because we bailed them out in two World Wars. Then you throw in things like not letting us base planes over there, not letting us overfly their country, opposition to the war, etc. There's your reason why most americans do not respect the French.

Most Americans do not understand that France is a sovereign nation, then; and that they had every right to oppose the invasion. Their citizens demanded it. And their leadership listened to them, unlike our own.

Originally posted by Sauron

Don�t forget where the Statue of Liberty came from.

Nice one!

I think it's regular world politics... just in a bush stylee.

Every world leader calls on other nations to do things, it's part of the the game. Sometimes they do it to look good. Sometimes they do it to try to influence things. Either way I don't really mind Bush saying this. At least we know were he stands on the issue.

I doubt the statement will have any influence on things, other than to possibly wind up the French!

[edit on 1-7-2004 by muppet]