If you've ever wondered why the French government rarely supports the US in anything, but especially international affairs, you need only consider the growing Muslim population in France and significant and problematic African immigration to France, legal and illegal, whether or not composed of practicing Muslims. The decades long influx of new blood has changed the cultural makeup of a country whose citizenry many Americans still associate with beret wearing men and women of high fashion.  Modern politicians (and the French are thoroughly modern) are well of the change and eager to accommodate it, subscribing to the notion that their foremost duty is to remain in power. Considering the traditionally splintered French electorate of Communists, Liberals, Socialists, Collaborationists, Cowards, Anti-Semites, and AntiDisneyEuropites, the relatively recent advent of a huge, imported (see my entry, Nation Building) has made it virtually impossible for anyone looking favorably on the US to get elected. You may also have wondered why it seems all of Europe, France particularly, has adopted such a dim view of America, Americans, and George W. Bush. With respect world opinion of the United Stats; "Influence," polling shows 65% negative in France and German (the same as Iran and less than China (62% negative) and Russia (52%)). The reason why? Simply put, we are not getting fair treatment in the foreign press, including the New York Times. For example, Power Line Blog discusses here, how Agence France-Presse reports on "the plague" of discrimination against Muslims in America that has followed September 11, 2006.

Will the truth, that is, America, though not spotless, is still mankind's best experiment in freedom and best hope for its preservation so far, win out? Stay tuned.