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French Family Wino
In his classic book – “Small is Beautiful” – E.F. Schumacher reminded us of what we already knew. That size isn’t(always) everything; that the smallest fruit is the sweetest; and that shortest is usually best.
Taking my cue from point number three, here’s a video that’s short. But which, for me, underscores the experiences I’ve been fortunate enough to share with the people of all Nationalities . It reasonates particularly, and, obviously personally, with the French. And with the atmosphere of French Country Life’s emphasis on two essential threads in their Human tapestry – Family and Wine.
Ok – let’s keep this short, and get to the short!
DSK – Faux Spin Doctor
Life’s Like That
One of the many interesting positions that Life can twist you into, is that of being wrong and right on the same subject.
Such has been the case with THIS POST, where I opined that Domnique Strauss Kahn, on his return to France, would protest his innocence,(Right), but subtly and through his “people.” (Wrong.)
Telling It Like he Wants it Believed
Clearly Imagining himself to be “The Great Communicator”(Wrong), and bursting with the Hubris particular to Public Figures who have committed a big “NO-NO”, DSK decided He alone would attempt damage control. (Wrong)
His televised mea culpa succeeded only in giving stand-up comedians more original material, and opposition politicans more ammunition.(as if any more was needed)
Promoted as an “interview”, the great seducer’s humilty rant was clearly a heavily scripted public relations spin. “Interogatted” with the ferocity of a purring cat by a pal of his Wifes’ – Claire Chazal, the major “News Blonde” on France’s TF1 channel, DSK continued to amaze and astound.
Just The Facts
One of his major points being that whatever his “moral error(s)”, both in New York, and France, there was “no violence” involved. He “unscored” this assertion by referring repeatedly (12 times) to the New York prosecutors report.
This would have a chance of being halfway believable, were it not for the physical evidence. Bruised shoulder, torn clothing, vaginal redness, etc.
OK – He did admit to being a bad boy. Which he did also at the IMF – for which they did’nt fire him..and from which he still gets a six figure pension for life . However, when the great(imagined) communictor maintained that the sex was consensual, I was immediately reminded of the wise words of H.L Mencken , the late and respected editor of the Baltimore Sun newspaper: “Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American People.”
While there may be some French people among the 13 million DSK -SPIN viewers who have just fallen off the back of a turnip truck, the majority can smell squirrel dookie when it’s in their face. They can tie their own shoelaces. They can walk and chew gum at the same time.
So – when a wealthy man in his 60’s, tells them that he had consensual sex at 11am in the morning, in his $3000@ night hotel suite, with a hotel maid in her 30’s……and that no money was exchanged….how many of those French people are thinking of the cartoon character whose nose kept getting bigger? (hint: first three letters are: “PIN”, ends with “O.”)
Don’t Walk This Way
Sadly for DSK, the political result of his “Kahnfomercial”, is increased distance. Especially from those in his own party. While not uttering a negative word, politicans of every stripe are taking their marching orders from the three wise monkeys : “See no evil.” “Hear no evil.” “Speak No evil.”
So who’s the Monkey here?
THROW ME A BONE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’!
Strauss Kahn And The Pope
What’s the connection? The “common cord?” What on earth could possibly connect these two always other than hair color?. Certainly not religion. Equally not any professional association. So what’s the link? Actually – there are two. The first being the obvious: Sex. Both have a certain degree of problems/challenges owing to their communication style regarding the subject. More accurately, their lack of communication. And, until last night’s “I committed a moral error” rant, their common refusal to accept responsibility for their actions.
The second, less obvious is : Power. Strauss Kahn has the power of (his Wife’s) money to insulate him from life’s blue meanies. 
Pope Benoit has the power of Holiness.The World’s best shield. (Not to forget also the Pope has the Vatican bank in his pocket.)
Germany is waiting for Pope Benedict. With daggers. He’s not the prodigal son in the land of Schnitzel and Oktoberfest. And you can probably guess why – can you not? When the “Holy One” arrives later this month, he’ll “welcomed” with a series massive anti-Pope demonstrations. Starting from the moment he gets off the plane. Even though these (as we say here in France) “manifestations”, are fueled by the gay and lesbian communities – there seems to be an attitude at all levels of society – politicans included – that the planned protests are kosher. (no p.c. comments pleeze!)
The largest “Anti-Popeism” will go down, not suprisingly in Berlin. Where gay/lesbian groups, aids awareness organizations and 55 family planning associations will (vocally, no doubt) let “his Holiness” known what they think of his statements/positions on the subjects near and dear to them. Not the least of which will be his “inaction” on 20 plus years of pedophile priests.
And it’s not just Germany either. “SNAP” – an American association for the victims of pedophile priests has filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice at the Hague, charging Pope Benedict with “crimes against humanity” for his knowledge of, and inaction against, pedophile priests.
In their 10,000 page brief, which documents pedophilia cases, the organization also charges three high ranking Vatican officals, saying they, and the Pope during his tenure overseeing pedophilia complaints “tolerated and made possible the systematic and largely widespread camouflage of rapes and sexual crimes against children, Worldwide.”
So – more bullets fired at the sheild of “Holiness.” Strong enough to pierce it?
M Strauss Kahn will undoubtedly not be hit by the rape accusation bullet of Tristane Banon. The Young French journalist who claims that “The Great Seducer” tried to have his wicked way with her in 2003. For two reasons. Most importantly – No physical evidence. Also, considering the media circus surrounding DSK’s New York Adventure, and considering the power/influence Strauss Kahn has here in France – it would be political suicide for anyone foolish enough to proceed.
Strauss Kahn and the Pope. You get the connections now – do you not? And, equally, you get the ramifications for the rest of us.
What I’m wondering is – if these two guys ever sat down to have a beer together – what would the first topic of conversation be?
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
