The way I see it, sometimes friends have to tell friends when they're about to embark on something that may prove unwise...or, at the very least, hasty. It's not fun being told that, but I applaud the French government for not rolling over just because we're the big kid on the block. I've read interviews with Chirac. He makes some good points. Personally, I'm glad there's someone besides the Russians and Chinese bringing different points of view to the table.

As I've said before, I have no particular affinity for the French. But I do know that they haven't forgotten our help in past conflicts and they're not cowards. They're just not convinced that Bush's plan is the way to go. If the Iraqis keep foot-dragging like they are, I'm sure the number of allies on board will climb within a few months.

And let's not forget: Without those French ships bottling up the escape route around Yorktown, our country might be very different today. Tea, anyone?