Jon,
I'd like to thank you for your answers. You tried to explain the cultural
background of your president words for the foreigner I am, and I am sure
it's a difficult exercise in a few sentences. You tried to do it with
observer-like/detached/neutral eyes and I thank you for that because it's
the way civilised people do. I've the feeling that it's the "from outside"
tone that triggered JDG reaction against you and I'm sorry for it.
I'm just reading Bush September 20 address to Congress and I see nothing in
it that can hurt an european ear, contrary to his earlier addresses and
interviews. I have the illusion Blair and Chirac are for something in it.
I give here, in my turn, with the poor English proficiency of mine, some
insights that can explain my reaction.
France is a lay state, by law, since the 1905 Church and State Split Act.
Not a political man would mention something religious in his speeches, it's
simply not politically correct here. Even Chirac who's a rather right wing
catholic. No prayers at school, no visible religious signs allowed at
school. Only civil wedding is recognized by law and so on.
However something like 90% of the people are catholics, simply things are
not mixed up, law and government on one side, religion and mysticism on
another.
--
Jean-Marc
