Sour grapes of wrath
After months of repeatedly denying that a boycott of French wines by United States citizens had adversely affected its wine industry, it appears that the government's snobbish denials were nothing more than sour grapes. Pernod Ricard, the world's third-largest beverage conglomerate, admitted that the boycott affected exports greater than previously stated and sales plummeted by up to 30 percent in America. They added that it appeared the boycott was a direct result of the French government's opposition to and blatant obstruction of U.S.-led efforts in Iraq. Gee. Ya think?
Recent terrorist attacks by radical wine producers on government offices in the south of France are yet more indicators that the country's wine crisis and labor unrest may be spiraling out of control. Before continuing, let me state that I do not believe in boycotts, especially when so much of the world's corporations are now multinational. You don't think so? Check out Boycott Watch to see just how many companies relying upon international sales have controlling French interest. Besides, a boycott is not necessary. Wine masters and oenophiles will tell you that French wines, just like Cuban cigars, are not what they once were.
Due to a decline in the general quality of French wines, sales of excellent products from the United States, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Chile are booming and continuing to grow. Even Germany has enhanced its grape varieties and vintages such as Eisweine, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. As a direct result the French market share is suffering and I for one am not shedding any tears.
Duplicitous French don't get it
Wine woes aside, Iraq is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to France's concerted effort to harm the United States. This is a nation with a documented history hallmarked by deliberate deceptiveness and policy aimed at weakening U.S. prestige and economic viability, both at home and abroad. And yet the duplicitous French don't get it. By treating America and so many other nations with misplaced haughtiness, hauteur, and highhandedness, they must struggle all the more to nurture what little world relevance and clout remain to them.
Perhaps one day history will reveal the truth behind La Belle France and her decades-long decline, firmly rooted in arrogance, misguided politics, and wrong-headed social policies. As French economic, labor, and ethnic unrest escalate, that nation will need the support of friends and allies. With 55 percent of French citizens opposed to the European Union constitution and still upset over the demise of the franc, counting on the unreserved support of the EU may prove to be a payoff that falls short of the mark. Do you for one minute truly believe that Great Britain, Germany, or Italy would wring their hands, gnash their teeth, wail, and sob over French economic woes? Publicly, perhaps. Privately, they would gloat - as long as they themselves were not adversely affected.
I can see the day when some crisis envelops the French, a situation so desperate they yet again plaintively raise their palms for American assistance while at the same time sniffing disdainfully through their Gallic noses. Hopefully, when that time comes (and history suggests that it will), we will return the favor and tell them to go it alone.