For various reasons some cycling most non-cycling related I have taken the position that I do not want to own products that are branded by French componies.

I'm wondering if other members on this board are interested in joining me in the product ban and with starting a French Product Ban list that would be used and maitained to ensure that French manufacturers see a negetive impact to thier marketshare due to the statements and polocies of the French Goverment and Media Componies.

I've been biting my lip with this for a while - I'm not some nationalistic yahoo that is blind to his own country's problems, but the relentless attacks by the French Goverment on US International Policies as well as the French Press has created a feeling that I as an American should not be supporting a country that has such a distaste for us. The only direct impact I can have to show my lack of support is to stop consuming French products.

My Ban list to date is the Following:

Alleluia
Automoto
Bertin
Caminade
CNC
Cycleurope
Cyfac
Chas Garin
Follis.
La Fontan
Raphael Geminiani
Gitane
Gnôme Rhône
Helyett
Hurtu
Jeunet
LaPerle
LOOK
Motobécane
Mercier
LeJeune
Peugeot,Cycleurope
Roger Riviere
Rochet
Routens
Alex Singer
Stella
Sutter
Terrot
TIME
Velosolex

French bicycle component manufacturers have included:

AGDA
Atom
AVA
Christophe
CLB
Cyclo France
Hurét
Hutchinson
Idéale
Lapize
LOOK,
Lyotard
Maillard
Mafac
Mavic
Maxicar
Michelin
Nervar
Nervex
Normandy
Phillipe
Prugnat
Rigida
Robergel
Sachs
Sedis
Simplex
Stronglight
Super Champion
TA
TIME
Velox
Vitus
Wolber
Zéfal

I'll join you because I don't buy anything french to begin with so why start now?

On another note does anyone remember when they were showing the podium after a stage at the TdF when Lance was putting on the yellow jersey and paul and phil were talking about the guy who zips it up (Hinault I think) and how hes always smiling and one of them said he's always smiling because he knows he's still France best chance at a top finish in the GC at the tour. I found that funny and I'm being reminded about it because those damn reporters keep trying to dig up stuff on Lance, he's just better then the whole country at riding bikes, when will they get over it?

[QUOTE=niterider]For various reasons some cycling most non-cycling related I have taken the position that I do not want to own products that are branded by French componies.

I'm wondering if other members on this board are interested in joining me in the product ban and with starting a French Product Ban list that would be used and maitained to ensure that French manufacturers see a negetive impact to thier marketshare due to the statements and polocies of the French Goverment and Media Componies.[QUOTE]

Although I don't always agree with the Government of the Republic of France, I wish like hell that the US had listened to one of our oldest allies in 2003. Sometimes friends tell you things that you don't like to hear. Now, I will concede that the French had interests in Iraq that also influenced its position with respect to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the US invasion of Iraq. But, I also think that France's position would have served the best interests of the United States as well.

How do you feel about buying products made in China -- a country that pays very low wages, is an environmental disaster and has a history of repressing its people? Or, how do you feel about buying oil from Saudi Arabia -- a country that makes it a crime to possess a Christian Bible, does not allow women to drive and has funded religious zealotry that was at the root of the September 11 attacks?

I'll stick with my Mavic wheels and Look pedals. If I have the time and money, I also plan to return to France next summer for some riding, good food and good company. Come to think of it, maybe I'll eat dinner tonight on the Limoges china rather than the English earthenware plates that I usually dine on.

I'll stick with my Mavic wheels and Look pedals. If I have the time and money, I also plan to return to France next summer for some riding, good food and good company. Come to think of it, maybe I'll eat dinner tonight on the Limoges china rather than the English earthenware plates that I usually dine on.

Got room for another? I'll bring a nice bottle of Burgundy along....

Got room for another? I'll bring a nice bottle of Burgundy along....

I'm a pretty darn good cook, so how about I whip up a nice meal to go with that burgandy.

Tart Lyonaise
Cote d'Azure
Roast Pork Loin with Cabbage and Mustard sauce
Cherry Clafoutis or Tart au Citron

I'm a pretty darn good cook, so how about I whip up a nice meal to go with that burgandy.

Tart Lyonaise
Cote d'Azure
Roast Pork Loin with Cabbage and Mustard sauce
Cherry Clafoutis or Tart au Citron

mmmmmmm....:)....can I join the meal? Iwant to stick w/my Look pedals also anyway

w/regard to the OP-come to think of it--why not boycott most 'durable american goods'?? Most of the stuff we buy off the shelf is made outsideof the US anyway. What's our trade deficit now?

Arby, LFR and Zeytin, all regulars on the Commuting and Touring Board have been to my house for dinner. If you hang out there and manage to make it to Baltimore, I may be able to manage a dinner. Of course, none of them knew about my French-loving/un-American views when they accepted my invitation to dinner. So, don't make them guilty by association with me.

BTW: Funknuggets was in Baltimore last weekend. Arby shepherded him out from Downtown to my house in the 'burbs for a ride. With his Look bike and accessories, Funknuggets makes my contributions to the French economy look like chicken feed.

The Armstrong/LNDD/WADA/Amoury la grande deboucle stinks but my Time frame rocks and Daft Punk makes the best IPod/riding tunes.

Besides... Isn't Dick - everyone is guilty until proven innocent - Pound a Canadian? ...not French Canadian either?

cherry clafoutis is a classic. now Im hungry.

I'll bring along some confit duck with a sauce bigarade, a pork and rabbit rillette, a few rolls of boudin noir, and a case of assorted wines from the Rhone will help it all go down.

vive le frogs ;)

ciao

Guess, I have to get rid of my Peugeot now since it is un-American to ride anything French (isn't that considered a bad word now)

I am so ashamed.

My biggest complaint about France is that they produce wine instead of brewing beer, oh, well, no country can be perfect.

[QUOTE=niterider]For various reasons some cycling most non-cycling related I have taken the position that I do not want to own products that are branded by French componies.

I'm wondering if other members on this board are interested in joining me in the product ban and with starting a French Product Ban list that would be used and maitained to ensure that French manufacturers see a negetive impact to thier marketshare due to the statements and polocies of the French Goverment and Media Componies.[QUOTE]

Although I don't always agree with the Government of the Republic of France, I wish like hell that the US had listened to one of our oldest allies in 2003. Sometimes friends tell you things that you don't like to hear. Now, I will concede that the French had interests in Iraq that also influenced its position with respect to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the US invasion of Iraq. But, I also think that France's position would have served the best interests of the United States as well.

How do you feel about buying products made in China -- a country that pays very low wages, is an environmental disaster and has a history of repressing its people? Or, how do you feel about buying oil from Saudi Arabia -- a country that makes it a crime to possess a Christian Bible, does not allow women to drive and has funded religious zealotry that was at the root of the September 11 attacks?

I'll stick with my Mavic wheels and Look pedals. If I have the time and money, I also plan to return to France next summer for some riding, good food and good company. Come to think of it, maybe I'll eat dinner tonight on the Limoges china rather than the English earthenware plates that I usually dine on.

One big difference between China and France is that China could defend itself against envasion while France folds over in weeks and needs the rest of the world to save them. I would imagine that if China had the need for help to defend itself - China would remain respectful of that help even 60 years later. France on the other hand began bithching about the allies the day after D-Day

One big difference between China and France is that China could defend itself against envasion while France folds over in weeks and needs the rest of the world to save them. I would imagine that if China had the need for help to defend itself - China would remain respectful of that help even 60 years later. France on the other hand began bithching about the allies the day after D-Day

Hey, man, its 2005, not 2002, its not like this idea has not been suggested before, now I will go eat my French Fries, oops, freedom fries

One big difference between China and France is that China could defend itself against envasion while France folds over in weeks and needs the rest of the world to save them. I would imagine that if China had the need for help to defend itself - China would remain respectful of that help even 60 years later. France on the other hand began bithching about the allies the day after D-Day

I love simpletons like yourself.

So while you're at it, please boycott German goods as well, as they didn't go to Iraq with the good old USA. And how about all of the other countries that decided to NOT support a stupid illegal war. Man, narrowmindedness, got to love it.

Please remember if you will. If it weren't for the French, we might still be drinking tea instead of coffee, and might still be subservient to England. Just remember, during the Revolutionary War, they were the reason we won.

Let's move back to WWII for a moment shall we? Germany overran France, and just about every other country in Europe. Why do you single out the French? What about the Poles, the Austrians, the Italians, and so on and so forth?

WWI, France was the main battle line.

You really have NO idea what you're talking about do you?

One big difference between China and France is that China could defend itself against envasion while France folds over in weeks and needs the rest of the world to save them. I would imagine that if China had the need for help to defend itself - China would remain respectful of that help even 60 years later. France on the other hand began bithching about the allies the day after D-Day
Don't they teach history is schools anymore? Japan had no trouble invading and controlling China in WWII.

Speaking of history lessons 2002 and otherwise... Some Niterider people forget who helped this country during the Revolutionary war. Just in case you may be keeping scoure. Please don't ever save my life... I'll never hear the end of it.

P.S. My apologies if I'm echoing someone elses point. Let's just make sure Niterider is comprehending all of this. ;)

Speaking of history lessons 2002 and otherwise... Some Niterider people forget who helped this country during the Revolutionary war. Just in case you may be keeping scoure. Please don't ever save my life... I'll never hear the end of it.

P.S. My apologies if I'm echoing someone elses point. Let's just make sure Niterider is comprehending all of this. ;)

I did mention that before, but I don't think that it can be said enough really. People's memories only seem to go back to when countries didn't do what we wanted them to do (such as Mr. Niterider's assertions that everything French is bad and all). You also forgot to add that if it weren't for the French, we also wouldn't have a certain large copper statue standing in the harbor of New York. Possibly our greatest symbol of freedom, given to us by the French people.

I did mention that before, but I don't think that it can be said enough really. People's memories only seem to go back to when countries didn't do what we wanted them to do (such as Mr. Niterider's assertions that everything French is bad and all). You also forgot to add that if it weren't for the French, we also wouldn't have a certain large copper statue standing in the harbor of New York. Possibly our greatest symbol of freedom, given to us by the French people.

Yes... All that and many other positive things I figure.

Wasn't there some dude named Napoleon Bonaparte or something like that? I seem to remember the French bouncing all over Europe doing pretty much what they wanted with him in command. Wait, he wasn't really French but Corsican but the French gave him his military training and his armies to do all his smiting and stuff. He was a little dude with a funny habit with his hand. Must of been gay.

[QUOTE=niterider]

I've been biting my lip with this for a while - I'm not some nationalistic yahoo that is blind to his own country's problems, but the relentless attacks by the French Goverment on US International Policies as well as the French Press has created a feeling that I as an American should not be supporting a country that has such a distaste for us. The only direct impact I can have to show my lack of support is to stop consuming French products.]

Sorry Nite, but your boycott won't get any support from me.

In my experience the French have been some of the nicest people I have come across in Europe. When I have been in need they have come through and helped me to iron out not only the problem I was dealing with at the moment, but anything they or I could think of farther down the line. They are kind, hospitable, engaging, brusque, proud, prosperous, sophisticated and fun loving. They possess a fine public transportation system that is about 100x's better than anything us Americans have. The countryside is absolutely beautiful and I hear they have some pretty good bike races there as well. As I can see from the other posts there is no need for me to go on about the exquisite food and drink there.

Have you been to Brittany or Normandy? There are folks there that still remember the enormous sacrifice American GI's and their families made on those beaches in 1944. And believe me they are still very much grateful.

I was in The Netherlands, Italy and eastern and southern France in May of 2003. It was the deepest darkest days of the Iraq war. France showed very little of the wartime angst of the other countries I visited at the time - The Netherlands and Italy. Both of which by the way, were "supporting" the war in Iraq and had troops there. In the Netherlands and Italy I saw graphic anti-Bush and anti war graffiti. There were rainbow colored flags pleading for "pace" (peace) draped from almost every balcony in Milano and Torino. No doubt about it - the populace there were extremely disenchanted with their political leadership. The French on the other hand were happy, friendly and confident.

It's not that the French don't like Americans. They like many of us, have serious disagreements with the policies of our government. Think of the French and German opposition to the war in Iraq as "tough love" or perhaps as an intervention - with our closest friends trying to stop us from destroying ourselves.

[QUOTE=niterider]

I've been biting my lip with this for a while - I'm not some nationalistic yahoo that is blind to his own country's problems, but the relentless attacks by the French Goverment on US International Policies as well as the French Press has created a feeling that I as an American should not be supporting a country that has such a distaste for us. The only direct impact I can have to show my lack of support is to stop consuming French products.]

Sorry Nite, but your boycott won't get any support from me.

In my experience the French have been some of the nicest people I have come across in Europe. When I have been in need they have come through and helped me to iron out not only the problem I was dealing with at the moment, but anything they or I could think of farther down the line. They are kind, hospitable, engaging, brusque, proud, prosperous, sophisticated and fun loving. They possess a fine public transportation system that is about 100x's better than anything us Americans have. The countryside is absolutely beautiful and I hear they have some pretty good bike races there as well. As I can see from the other posts there is no need for me to go on about the exquisite food and drink there.

Have you been to Brittany or Normandy? There are folks there that still remember the enormous sacrifice American GI's and their families made on those beaches in 1944. And believe me they are still very much grateful.

I was in The Netherlands, Italy and eastern and southern France in May of 2003. It was the deepest darkest days of the Iraq war. France showed very little of the wartime angst of the other countries I visited at the time - The Netherlands and Italy. Both of which by the way, were "supporting" the war in Iraq and had troops there. In the Netherlands and Italy I saw graphic anti-Bush and anti war graffiti. There were rainbow colored flags pleading for "pace" (peace) draped from almost every balcony in Milano and Torino. No doubt about it - the populace there were extremely disenchanted with their political leadership. The French on the other hand were happy, friendly and confident.

It's not that the French don't like Americans. They like many of us, have serious disagreements with the policies of our government. Think of the French and German opposition to the war in Iraq as "tough love" or perhaps as an intervention - with our closest friends trying to stop us from destroying ourselves.

That was a good synopsis of what I was trying to articulate, except, you did it a hell of a lot better than I. I can't help by be an a-hole sometimes. Being of French descent, it always flusters me when others talk bad about "my people". Know what I mean?

Think of the French and German opposition to the war in Iraq as "tough love" or perhaps as an intervention - with our closest friends trying to stop us from destroying ourselves.
Classic. Just classic. You should do stand-up! LOL!!!

Steamy, thank goodness you've shown up. I've been wondering where all you righties were. This poor guy's really getting worked over by us liberals! ;)

Classic. Just classic. You should do stand-up! LOL!!!

Oh come on Steam, you need an intervention. Your addicted to this RBR thing and it's killing you.

[QUOTE=niterider]

I've been biting my lip with this for a while - I'm not some nationalistic yahoo that is blind to his own country's problems, but the relentless attacks by the French Goverment on US International Policies as well as the French Press has created a feeling that I as an American should not be supporting a country that has such a distaste for us. The only direct impact I can have to show my lack of support is to stop consuming French products.]

Sorry Nite, but your boycott won't get any support from me.

In my experience the French have been some of the nicest people I have come across in Europe. When I have been in need they have come through and helped me to iron out not only the problem I was dealing with at the moment, but anything they or I could think of farther down the line. They are kind, hospitable, engaging, brusque, proud, prosperous, sophisticated and fun loving. They possess a fine public transportation system that is about 100x's better than anything us Americans have. The countryside is absolutely beautiful and I hear they have some pretty good bike races there as well. As I can see from the other posts there is no need for me to go on about the exquisite food and drink there.

Have you been to Brittany or Normandy? There are folks there that still remember the enormous sacrifice American GI's and their families made on those beaches in 1944. And believe me they are still very much grateful.

I was in The Netherlands, Italy and eastern and southern France in May of 2003. It was the deepest darkest days of the Iraq war. France showed very little of the wartime angst of the other countries I visited at the time - The Netherlands and Italy. Both of which by the way, were "supporting" the war in Iraq and had troops there. In the Netherlands and Italy I saw graphic anti-Bush and anti war graffiti. There were rainbow colored flags pleading for "pace" (peace) draped from almost every balcony in Milano and Torino. No doubt about it - the populace there were extremely disenchanted with their political leadership. The French on the other hand were happy, friendly and confident.

It's not that the French don't like Americans. They like many of us, have serious disagreements with the policies of our government. Think of the French and German opposition to the war in Iraq as "tough love" or perhaps as an intervention - with our closest friends trying to stop us from destroying ourselves.

I was also in Milan in April of '03 for the Salone di Mobile. It was the week US forces moved into Bagdad. The anti Sharon, Bush and war graffiti plus the pace flags - no those aren't gay pride flags - were out in full force. Regardless all the Milanese and Europeans in general were friendly and courteous. I'm sure they're smart enought too figure out that not all Americans necessarily support the war either.

That was a good synopsis of what I was trying to articulate, except, you did it a hell of a lot better than I. I can't help by be an a-hole sometimes. Being of French descent, it always flusters me when others talk bad about "my people". Know what I mean?

The French are easily targets for hypersensitive, ignorant Americans who go there (or for that matter have never been there) without bothering to learn to give a basic "howdy do" in French. I have found that if you make an effort to speak their language the French will practically bend over backward for you. In my travels I have had a misadventure or two and for me, the French have been head and shoulders above other folks when its came to helping out an American in need in a strange land. It's a simple matter of politeness, something many Americans do not excel in.

Ah Milano ... the pizza....the gelato. Had some great pizza in the Navigli. When I was there the Giro was in the southern part of Italy. The Piazza del Duomo was decked out in pink with display tents on the history of the Giro. After I got back home it was fun seeing the last stage of the Giro finish on the streets I had just trod.

Ahem, but back to business - uh, where was I - it's certainly not my intention to get this thread tossed into the Giro/Tour Forum. Nite I hope you find room in your heart for a little bit of flexiblity and forgiveness. Reconsider your boycott - if you can, visit this continent and try to learn a bit about the people. They are not as bad as some would have you think.

Ah Milano ... the pizza....the gelato. Had some great pizza in the Navigli. When I was there the Giro was in the southern part of Italy. The Piazza del Duomo was decked out in pink with display tents on the history of the Giro. After I got back home it was fun seeing the last stage of the Giro finish on the streets I had just trod.

Ahem, but back to business - uh, where was I - it's certainly not my intention to get this thread tossed into the Giro/Tour Forum. Nite I hope you find room in your heart for a little bit of flexiblity and forgiveness. Reconsider your boycott - if you can, visit this continent and try to learn a bit about the people. They are not as bad as some would have you think.

I had lots of good pizza margarita and pizza e fungi in a great place in Porta Genova and fantastic gelato in San Babila. Nite, It's great. Don't cut your nose off to spite your face.