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Thread: As usual...

  1. #1
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    As usual...

    The French talk the talk, leaving the Americans to walk the walk...
    French billionaires promised millions of euros to cover the cost of repairing the 12th century church after a fire caused significant damage to the building’s ceiling and roof. The wealthy French donors have yet to make good on their promise worth nearly $1 billion, according to the Associated Press.
    Nothing new here...This has been standard French behavior since at least the days of the Third Republic...Tell your mistress to order more wine and cheese, Pierre, the stupid Americans will foot the bill with cash, sweat and blood as always......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  2. #2
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    From your link:

    The French billionaires that promised to donate, such as businessman Francois Pinault, energy executive Patrick Pouyanne, and businessman Bernard Arnault, are witholding their donations because they want to see how the money will be spent.
    Frankly, I would do the exact same thing as they are doing---not that I could be doing it!

    Had they immediately paid up they would be without influence on how the money would be spent. If I were to give (which I can't) a billion euros to someone I damn sure want to know how it will be used.
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  3. #3
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    It was good while it lasted. Consider Norte Dame as history.
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


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    Quote Originally Posted by wacojoe View Post
    It was good while it lasted. Consider Norte Dame as history.

    I disagree, I believe it will be repaired.
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  5. #5
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    You may be proved right, but it will not have the same panache of antiquity. The flying buttresses will be merely unneeded decoration.
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


  6. #6
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    To rebuild it as it was would be criminal----as for the flying buttresses---most people would never know--or care that they were mere aesthetic adornment.
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Grubb View Post
    Had they immediately paid up they would be without influence on how the money would be spent. If I were to give (which I can't) a billion euros to someone I damn sure want to know how it will be used.
    Quit trying to spoil my rant!...I don't get worked up much, and somebody like you comes along and ruins it!...

    (I'll still wait until the frogs' checks clear the bank)...

    ...Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Truckman View Post
    Quit trying to spoil my rant!...I don't get worked up much, and somebody like you comes along and ruins it!...

    (I'll still wait until the frogs' checks clear the bank)...

    ...Ben
    Sorry---we haven't had many rants around here of late----carry on
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Grubb View Post
    Sorry---we haven't had many rants around here of late----carry on
    Just doing my part to fill the void......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  10. #10
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    Ah yes---a verified team player
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” ---Sir Winston Churchill
    "Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an excessively simple diagnosis of the world's ills, and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all." ---John W. Gardner
    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ---C. S. Lewis

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