Bunker Mulligan "Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." ~Mark Twain

With the events of Haiti in recent days, I thought about all the trouble spots in the world which are, or were, under French control. It is an interesting list.

Of course, there was Indochina, which became Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. I think we?re all familiar with how that turned out. Lebanon and Syria are both part of what used to be the French Mandate after the Great War, and became independent after WWII. They, in turn, were combinations of former French colonies Lattaqui?, Alep, Hatay (Alexandretta), and the Sanjak of Damas and Jabel Druze (Souaida). France also held part of Yemen.

In Africa, they had colonies or mandates for Algeria, Ivory Coast, Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad. Significant French interest in some of the more, shall we say “troublesome”, parts of the world.

In the Pacific and Indian oceans, France possessed Madagascar, and still has colonial possession of French Polynesia, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna Islands, and New Caledonia. Quite the empire, I would say.

French colonies have a history of being violent and corrupt places. Some would say they are no worse than other colonies have been. I disagree, but the important point is that they are still problem areas.

As we try to eliminate threats to the US, France attempts to stand in the way. Looking at the Rogues’ Gallery of French colonialism, I have to wonder whether there is a link. I can?t imagine why it would seem important to anyone in the US to seek French approval for what we need to do.

Sometimes I wonder if I?m not being too hard on John Kerry. As a veteran, I resent him playing up his short time on duty and playing down all he did to distance himself after the fact.

But when I read something like this, I have no doubts about my views.

Isolationists have always been with us. They are often derided as being hicks with no appreciation for the world at large. And they are generally assumed to be conservative?Republican.

You have to look at how the Democrats are acting, though, and you?ll see they are the ones who are isolationist. Free trade? Not on my watch. Foreign intervention? Only if we get permission from abroad to enter their yard.

Kerry knows America must be defended. He knows nobody else in the world can do it, and that nobody else in the world is willing to do it. If he cannot see that, and he is sincere in his beliefs, he doesn?t have the analytical skills necessary to be President. I don?t think he?s sincere. He?s intelligent, and has heard all the facts in ways none of his followers have. He chooses to ignore the fact, and pander to a group he hopes will give him the prize he?s sought all his life.

If he gets it, he promises to go around the world, hat in hand, to make nice. He?ll get chewed to bits, and won?t see it coming. As I?ve said before, he has all the markings of a new Jimmy Carter?without the integrity.

Picture Kerry and imagine the cursor as Kofi Annan!

Mel Sells Jesus Flick to French.

Was there ever really any doubt once the movie showed some strength?