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“The “”Dems,”” the “”Reps”” and the French”

January 14, 2009

The invitation for the Inauguration Celebration at the Hôtel de Ville arrived in the mail yesterday. It’s always exciting to receive a letter with the official seal of the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, of which I’ve had the pleasure on a few occasions. Ambassador to France Craig Roberts Stapleton will be present, naturally, and it all takes place in the salons of the city hall for a ceremony at 5 p.m. with a concert by the Golden Gate Quartet to follow.

When I published the announcement about the celebration in the December 31st issue of Parler Paris, it was in the form of an invitation by Democrats Abroad. Then, Republicans Abroad felt left out so the chairman, Stu Haugen, quickly wrote me:

“Contrary to what the ‘Dems’ have told you (and what is currently posted on your Web site), the celebration for the U.S. inauguration at the Hôtel de Ville is not limited to Democrats Abroad. In fact, Ambassador Stapleton will not attend the event unless it is totally bi-partisan in nature and the Embassy has asked my assistance to insure that we have very strong Republican representation as well (if not, the event will not have the participation of the Ambassador).”

From what I understand, the ‘Reps’ may have some places left, whereas the ‘Dems’ do not. So, if you’re still interested in attending, email Stu at mailto:[email protected] (he gave me no other way of signing up).

And BTW, Stu, just so you know about bi-partisanism, your Web site actually says in bold type:

The stakes in this year’s election are enormous…

* Barack Obama is the least experienced and most liberal presidential candidate in modern times

“For no presidential nominee in living memory has the gap between adulation and achievement been so great…” Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post, 9/12/08

* Obama and Biden are supported by a “love struck” liberal media bent on destroying the Republican ticket, at any cost

Americans who believe in social and economic conservatism and the need to maintain a strong and secure U.S. must mobilize in unprecedented numbers to defeat this very real challenge…

So, what exactly are you doing at the inauguration of “the least inexperienced and most liberal president” who is “supported by a ‘love struck’ liberal media bent on destroying the Republican ticket?”

You understand, I make no judgment call — just reporting the facts…unless you wish to label me part of the “love struck liberal media”…but it’s always amusing when someone (the Republican party) can’t take responsibility for themselves (George W.) and blame everyone else (Democrats) for their failings (how many can we list here?).

Meanwhile, the ‘Dems’ have sent out a list of other venues in which you can celebrate that are not official events, but will be spirited, nonetheless:

Sponsored by the Political Pub:
The Highlander Pub
8, rue Nevers
75006 Paris
5:30 p.m. showing the Inauguration event live!

American Church in Paris:
65, quai d’Orsay
75007 Paris
“Our service will be at the American Church in Paris on January 20th at 7:30 P.M. We will have a 30-minute worship service with a gospel choir followed by the viewing of the speech. Afterwards we will have a reception with music, snacks and wine. All are welcome. This is a free event.”

Monsieur Obama has a lot on his plate to fix after the day of activities. As noted, the list is long.

Here in Paris, the demonstrations and backlash of the “Israeli Offensive” are acute. Last night during a conversation group session of Parler Parlor, the noise coming from nearby demonstrations was impossible to ignore.

Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, issued a press release after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a synagogue in Saint-Denis to (translating and paraphrasing) ‘dissuade the citizens of Paris from anti-semitic attacks on our own countrymen, including the Jews of France, who are not responsible for actions in the Middle East and who have solidarity with France.’

Can Monsieur Obama fix this, too? By Wednesday?

A la prochaine…

Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris

P.S. Yesterday afternoon at Parler Paris Après Midi was a delight with a mixture of old friends and newcomers…even on a cold January day! Visit Parler Paris Après Midi for photos and the full report.