How interessted are you in Kerry, as opposed to simply his French connection? I came across the following link regarding him, and am somewhat surprised he makes such a point of his military service:

http://www.usvetdsp.com/jf_kerry.htm

Less relevantly, there is also a link to Hanoi Jane on that page, with whom he associated during that period of her life. You've heard the moniker before, but the depths to which she sank are hard to believe:

http://www.usvetdsp.com/story8.htm

Both pages seem well-documented. I doubt they are invented propaganda.

Thanks for the links.

Actually, we found it funny to learn that Kerry didn't just look French but had French relatives too. And apparently, was trying to hide it too!

It is also interesting that Kerry's cousin, Brice Lalonde, never made a big fuss about his American family. Well, at least, I've never heard of it until now.

It is quite normal that Brice Lalonde would support his cousin but now that Kerry has a good chance to become the Democratic Party's candidate, several articles are appearing about their family ties. Le Monde, L'Express are relaying the news too.
On the other hand, if TF1' s journalist spoke the truth when she said Kerry's family didn't want too many people to learn about Kerry's French connections because it could harm his campaign, then Lalonde is kind of... counterproductive, to say the least.
Or is he only trying to get some media attention?
Maybe it's a family thing ;-)

Everyone keeps saying Kerry is French-looking. I've never really been able to identify nationality by static appearance. Full motion video helps, but not much. Audio is, of course, a dead giveaway. Even those Frenchmen who spent the first 12 years of their life in Michigan seem to develop a nearly impenetrable accent that is retained ever after (often accompanied by the conversational tic "how do you say?").

As for them playing down the family connection, most politicians tend to do the same. It reeks too much of nepotism.

Why does everyone keep saying Kerry is French? He has French relatives my MARRIAGE, not blood. His cousin is French because his father was French, not his mother (Kerry's aunt), who only became a naturalized French citizen. (However, this DOES mean Kerry's cousin is half American, which is probably why he keeps quiet about it in France).

hall,

So far, nobody said Kerry was French. Not here anyway.

Your comments just sum up what I wrote in my post. So what's the problem?

I really don't see what the matter is if John Kerry's grandmother lived in France, if his aunt married a frenchman or if he has cousins in France. I always thought that America was a giant "melting-pot" of nationalitiies, religions, cultures... I didn't realize that having family ties with France was a serious crime nowadays !
I always thought that a President caught lying to the American citizens and to the whole world about serious matters and distributing million dollar contracts to fiendly companies was a serious offense, whereas your looks and ethnic origins weren't important as long as you were honest and competent...
But here again I might be wrong and all that really matters might well be if you "look French" !

Craig,

I really don't see what the matter is if John Kerry's grandmother lived in France, if his aunt married a frenchman or if he has cousins in France.

Well, I have no problem with that either. Kerry seems to be the one having a problem, if TF1 is to be trusted. Maybe you should ask Kerry directly.

I always thought that America was a giant "melting-pot" of nationalitiies, religions, cultures... I didn't realize that having family ties with France was a serious crime nowadays !

Again, the problem seems to be in Kerry and his family's minds.

I always thought that a President caught lying to the American citizens and to the whole world about serious matters and distributing million dollar contracts to fiendly companies was a serious offense

Why don't you try to be honest too, Craig, expose your psychosis and scream "Bush lied!", "Kerry for President!"
This would be off-topic, hence I won't ask you to develop your semblance of argumentation regarding the "President caught lying", but if there is one person that was indeed "caught lying", that would rather be Kerry, if I'm not mistaken. Stop reading the same leftist press, Craig. Widen your horizon a bit.

whereas your looks and ethnic origins weren't important as long as you were honest and competent...

Then why is Kerry's family unwilling to let people know. Why, oh why? Do you think members of his family - or maybe himself - are francophobes?

But here again I might be wrong and all that really matters might well be if you "look French" !

You're French, right? That's the reason why you seem offended. Do you feel targeted because we reported that Kerry had French relatives that he'd rather not talk about? That would be some kind of weird reaction, really.

I don' really understand what is the problem. Just to clarify the situation, yes I am French. I am supporting Kerry against the Bush re-election not because he has French relatives. It doesn't change anything. I am really sad to figure out that, for a lot of people in USA, it is a problem to have French relatives. This debat should not exist. The essential point is just to know if Kerry could be a good president or not. Would he be a better president than bush. I really think so.
If kerry is trying to not talk about his French relatives, I am not offended by what he is doing, but by the reason which push him to do it. I mean, if he doesn't talk about his relatives, it is because of the "Fuck french" atmosphear in Usa. But anyway, don't forget that you just represent less that 5% of the world population (really, I am sure you believed you were much more). And I know (I have travelled in each continent) that people, all over the world, are really fed up by the US politics. So in so many countries, that's really a shame to have US relatives. Everywhere !! I am not kidding.
Vive la France !
JB

JB,

I don' really understand what is the problem.

The problem, my problem at least, is that John Kerry is not honest.
While suggesting that Bush wasn't honest on different levels, here is a simple fact - that he has a French cousin - that he voluntarily is relunctant to share, worse, that he wants to hide (that is, if we trust TF1, as I have stated before. But we can't deny he has never talked about it.)

Now you're claiming that the reason is a "Fuck french atmosphear", to quote you. Consequently, that means that not only Mr. Kerry isn't very pleased to have French relatives (otherwise, he wouldn't try to voluntarily hide it), but he is also just an opportunist (should the French have been venerated right now, I have no doubt he would have told everyone he had a French cousin. He acted this way before and he will do it again. If for such a simple fact as having a foreign cousin he feels compelled to hide it, then what about bigger and important issues?).

Just to clarify the situation, yes I am French. I am supporting Kerry against the Bush re-election not because he has French relatives. It doesn't change anything. I am really sad to figure out that, for a lot of people in USA, it is a problem to have French relatives. This debat should not exist.

JB, the problem is not with the USA, the problem is with Kerry.
Visibly Kerry is having a problem with the fact of having a French relative. I am French myself. I don't hide it when I go to the USA. While many disagree with our government's policies, are shocked by the rampant anti-Americanism in France, it is not a problem to say we are French in the US. But still, apparently, Kerry doesn't even want to say he has a French cousin. Here is the problem.

The essential point is just to know if Kerry could be a good president or not. Would he be a better president than bush. I really think so.

Indeed. Consequently, would you mind developing by giving me concrete examples of policies of the Bush administration you disagree with and policies/laws/actions John Kerry has supported that make you think he would be a better President than Bush is?
Be very specific: saying Bush is a unilateralist or Kerry cares more for the people means nothing except stating what you think, and what you think is not necessarily the truth.

If kerry is trying to not talk about his French relatives, I am not offended by what he is doing, but by the reason which push him to do it. I mean, if he doesn't talk about his relatives, it is because of the "Fuck french" atmosphear in Usa.

Examples again please. Is this what you call a "Fuck french atmosphear"?

But anyway, don't forget that you just represent less that 5% of the world population (really, I am sure you believed you were much more).

First, I am French (and I live in France). Second, NO, Americans are NOT more stupid than you are. On the contrary.
In addition, if the American population represents "less that 5% of the world population", I'll let you conclude how much the French population counts.
Don't be so arrogant, you are not that great.

And I know (I have travelled in each continent) that people, all over the world, are really fed up by the US politics. So in so many countries, that's really a shame to have US relatives. Everywhere !! I am not kidding.

That's funny, you know. I have been able to travel a lot too (all around the world too) and the feedback I had, from everywhere, from people from different classes and leanings, was that they were fed up with the arrogance and the hypocrisy of the French. Where's the shame exactly then? I am not kidding either.

Vive la France !

Please, send this cocorico to Mr. I-don't-want-America-to-know-I-have-a-French-cousin, alias John Forbes Kerry.

And God bless America.

Dear Carine,

Thanks to have been so reactive with my speech for the defence of JF Kerry.
But I'am afraid that you still haven't understand what I wanted to tell you. It might because of my lack of English vocabulary or anything else. Never mind.

The most important of my point is just to show you how useless is this debat. I mean we don't care if Kerry has french relatives (even if he tries to hide it), if he hasn't been faithful with his wife in this past... According to me, the personal stuff are not links with his ability to govern the biggest country in the world. Obviously, it should be the same with Bush (alcoolism, Vietnam's war ...).

That is my point of view. But I know in United States, It is really esential. For me, this me should not exist. Instead of presenting their politic program, they are both defendind themselves for past allegations.

The only point that I am intersted by is to know who will be the best president between them. I confess that my favourite is Kerry for a lot of reasons. The list of critics against the Bush governement would be too long to write down everything. I was obviously against the Iraqi war and the last events show us that it was a big lie from Bush (now it is a politic lie not personal, so I really DO CARE). But I don't want to talk against the war and the bush government. As I mentionned earlier, it would be too long.

There is just a point that I want to talk about because it is really essential to me. Environment !
I am concerned by the environment problem. Unfortunately for our wonderful planet, bush has refused to respect the Kyoto agreement. Several times, Kerry said that he was in favour of this agreement.

Anyway, it is your right to prefer the Bush government !

In my last mail, I talked about "Fuck French Atmosphere". I am quite surprised because it seemed clera for me. Evidently, you haven't undesrstood. I am just saying that I am offended by the fact that Kerry is attacked because of his cousin's origin. You gonna tell me that it is because he is trying to hide his information.
Maybe, I am a little bit parano, but I have the feeling that a lot of people are shocked because of his cousin origin and not because he has hidden this information.

By using the formula "Fuck french Atmosphere", I just wanted to underline the atmosphere wich push Americans to change the name of the French Fries (anyway Fries are not french) or to boycott the French products. That's a pity !
But I must confess, that unfortunately, the reverse feeling in France is growing up.

Finally, we obviously have had different interpretation during our travels all around the world. In the present time, I am an exchange student in finland, and I can testimony about the feelings of the finnsh and all the foreigners that I am studyng with. And, most of them are fed up with US politics (I am talking about politics, you didn't quote it the last message, I am doing amalgam between US population and their politics).
When I went to Africa, Asia and South America, I ve never been affected by bad feebaback concerning French. But anyway, we have different interpretation of our travels.

JB

Ps : Obviously, I know that France represents 1% of the world population. But, in the present time, France is not governing the world and taking decisions for everybody (not anymore fortunately). We did it during a long period and it has been the most murderous period that France have ever known. That is what it is happenning with the American predominance over all the others countries !

JB,

I've been away from E-nough! for some time, but I didn't want your comments to remain unanswered.

First, I understand very well what you meant to say. You are the one who refuses to understand or acknowledge what my point was. This is apparently not the first time that Kerry is knowingly adopting an ambiguous position.

What do you know about John Kerry, exactly?

You said that according to you "the personal stuff are not links with his ability to govern the biggest country in the world. Obviously, it should be the same with Bush (alcoolism, Vietnam's war ...)".

I disagree. The way you're reasoning is typically French. Mitterrand knew he had a cancer even before his first term in office? Who cares, right? Several children from different women? Who cares, right? The way he is managing his personal life is nevertheless the mirror of the way we can expect him to rule the country he has been elected to rule.
If we take Bush's alcoholism, it is important to know that Bush overcame it. It is an important clue regarding his character. If we take Kerry's experience regarding the Vietnam war, Kerry's ambiguous position regarding this war, it says a lot about him too. But I'm not sure you get what I mean.

You said "that is my point of view. But I know in United States, It is really esential." Indeed! You are not American, you do not live in America, from what you said, so respect the difference of culture. Respect the fact that what may seem not important to you can be elsewhere.

Not surprisingly, when asked to explain what point of which policy of the Bush administration you don't agree with, you can't (your reason: the list is too long - that is not an answer). So, like most of the French who have been taught to hate Bush, you repeat inconsistencies, crass ignorance or gross lies, such as: Bush wasn't legally elected, the Iraq war was unilaterally fought by the US, or, in your case... the so-called virtues of the Kyoto protocol that Bush was honest and clever enough to opt out of.

You said you were "obviously against the Iraqi war and the last events show us that it was a big lie from Bush". "Obviously", really? What do you mean by big lie? Is that what you mean?
What about Kerry's position regarding this war? What do you have to say about it?

You said "Anyway, it is your right to prefer the Bush government !". Well, thank you! And it is your right to prefer Kerry, but you seem unable to either give me real reasons for your opposition to Bush or real reasons for your support to Kerry.

You wrote "I am quite surprised because it seemed clera for me. Evidently, you haven't undesrstood".
Are you always so haughty and pretentious - may I say, so French - to believe that others are unable to understand what's hiding behind your broken English?

You wrote "I am just saying that I am offended by the fact that Kerry is attacked because of his cousin's origin."
Where has he been attacked for this reason? Give me a name, a title, a link. Don't say here. I explained over and over again what I was criticizing. Contrary to you, I don't think you don't understand, I think that you refuse to understand.

You said "You gonna tell me that it is because he is trying to hide his information."
Thank you!

You added "Maybe, I am a little bit parano, but I have the feeling that a lot of people are shocked because of his cousin origin and not because he has hidden this information."
You "have the feeling"? Is that supposed to be, er... a fact? Your impression, I mean?

You wrote "By using the formula "Fuck french Atmosphere", I just wanted to underline the atmosphere wich push Americans to change the name of the French Fries (anyway Fries are not french) or to boycott the French products. That's a pity !"
And what do you have to say about the general atmosphere of anti-Americanism in France? Has the thought that maybe, just maybe, this is a reaction to the years of violent and puerile anti-Americanism, ever crossed your mind? Don't answer that there is not anti-Americanism, please!

And you "confess, that unfortunately, the reverse feeling in France is growing up."
No, as I said, it was the other way around. Anti-Americanism in France has been rampant for years and is not dying. Francophobia in the US is slowly extinguishing. And do you know why? Simply because France isn't that important and more of a laughing matter than anything else.

And you added "(I am talking about politics, you didn't quote it the last message, I am doing amalgam between US population and their politics)."
So? There is nothing to be proud of. Mixing politics with people simply testifies of your prejudices and your inability to make a difference between a people and their government.

And finally "We did it during a long period and it has been the most murderous period that France have ever known. That is what it is happenning with the American predominance over all the others countries !"

Do you mean that since the hegemony of the US has began, it has been a "most murderous period" in history? You must be kidding, right? So what are we celebrating this year? The 60th anniversary of the beginning of one of the "most murderous period" in history? Please, try to show just a little bit of respect. You are free to disagree today and to circulate freely thanks to what you call the "American predominance" and what is simply America protecting us and watching our back while Europeans are sleeping or, for some, voluntarily spitting on America.

Kerry have propably old ancestors coming from North part BOHEMIA back 1870.Now CZECH REPUBLIC. Some information come Czech Republic on 2/26/04 .Newspaper Mlada Fronta. Still is reserch and posibble invitation from /mayor/ of town for possible future visit.

WHAT A STUPID DICUSSION !!!

What's your problem Elodie? Your Che Guevara T-shirt is dirty and you can't find any Kerry t-shirt in France? Try calling le Maire de Saint-Briac.

Thanks for your oh-so-admirable and useful contribution to the discussion anyway.

1) US Senator John Kerry's FATHER was Jewish.
2) Was Senator John Kerry's MOTHER (ForbeS) Jewish? This information is very hard to find in the United States.
3) Kerry's maternal aunt (also a Forbes) married a Frenchman of Jewish descent.
5) Final question: Were both of Senator Kerry's Parents Jewish and thus, is Senator Kerry also of Jewish descent?

Mr. Raymond Deneewn,

I'm afraid (well not really) I am not John Forbes Kerry's biographer, so I won't venture to answer your questions.

Again, my point was just to relay the news that the haughty French-looking Senator actually had French relatives and apparently didn't want people to know about them.

Carine:
Thanks for the reply. The important question is NOT "Why Kerry is worried about French Relatives". Rather it is: "Is Kerry worried about Jewish-French relatives?" He has used his Irish-sounding name "Kerry" to imply he was Irish, here in quite Irish Boston, for the last 20 years. We have been shocked to find, in the last 6 months, that his Father was Jewish - not Irish. It is that Shocking surprise, Not some perverse anti-Semitism, which has us probing further into Senator Kerry's quite secret family history. I assure you Kerry is not "afraid" of having French relatives. Americans admire the French people and Nation, Just a few War Mongers in the Bush Administration, and their like minded warriors int he big city press and TV, are temporarily angry with France's reluctance (I thank France for that good sense) to support the Neocon's recent mutilation of Iraq. So they joke about eating "Freedom Fries" instead of "French Fries" - just their way of expressing their anger, in a mild way. Now, if Senator Kerry will clear up this minor mystery, He can move ahead with a good reputation.

The Neocon's recent mutilation of Iraq? The Neocon's mutilation? Are you kidding me? What was left to mutilate? The mass graves? The torture prisons? The rape chambers?

As an Iraqi exile in France put it: the US coalition is not going to destroy anything. Saddam has already destroyed everything. Too bad that Iraqi exile was censored in France because of his pro-war position.

You can't thank the French for their position against the war. That would just mean siding with the dictator.

Look, I have a flight to catch. But I'll get back to you in a couple of days.

I sincerely doubt Kerry can move ahead with a good reputation. His relatives and family links secrets, so far, seem to be the least of his reputation problems. They are nonetheless very representative of his character.

I'll get back to you.

this really does take the biscuit. I haven't heard any other presidential candidate saying "just in case you don't like Irish Catholics, be careful because my ancestors are Irish Catholic". So why in heavens name should JFK be expected to make a public apology for having French cousins!! Get real. If having French or German or Russian cousins barred you from political life in the US then both the Senate and the House would be half empty.

Hmm...

I normally keep clear of this kind message boards where discussions tend to go round in circles. But since JB seems to have some libertarian (in the american meaning) tendencies and since I hate the libertarians even more than I despise the republicans or other servile bushites I will post a message this once only.

First, Carine don't worry about your spelling and syntax, which JB - as any narrow-minded person enslaved in his or her own sense of superior judgement would do - deviously made fun of. Your sincerity is far more refreshing and intelligent than any comment he made.

Allow me to introduce myself: I am French married to a beautiful American Democrat and I have now been paying taxes to the IRS for 10 years. The first seven years under the Clinton administration were pure heaven, the last three under the bush regime have been mostly distress. Distress to see this marvelous country falling into the hands of mercenaries and crooks like the neo-cons and texan junkies.

I believe in capitalism, ethical capitalism that is and not the open policy of bribery, corruption (synonymous words I know but it makes the statement punchier doesn't it JB?) and shameless lies that has characterized this government.

You are right Carine, Kerry will be a far better President than the present monkey parading as a war hero on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Yes...what a hero. To you low-life, war loving bushites: while Kerry was saving his comrad's life in Vietnam under ennemy fire, your ape was being AWOL, snorting coke and bathing in whisky.

You see, libertarians and republicans, I can be just as hateful and biased as you are but, unlike you, I can also be kind and open-minded.

Kerry has French relatives??? Another good reason to love him and support him all the way to the White House!

Carine, I hope the moron's comment advising you to "stop reading leftist papers to widen your horizon" did bring a smile to your face. One really has to laugh at these type of rethoric when you know the idiot gather his lack of information from USA Today, CNN or Rush Limbaugh.

America is a great country but not the best country in the world. That's a ludicrous concept most of the time used by cretins who have never set foot on foreign soil.

Just like any other country in the world, America is made up of 50% of intelligent, discerning and reasoning people and another 50% of despicable, angry and intellectually challenged people.

Alright, enough libertarian and republican bashing, it's just too easy...but it feels damn' good!

Please, do not send me emails, I won't reply.

The public is wonderfully tolerant. It forgives everything except genius.

"This is not a hoax. TF1 is considered, in France, a very serious channel (yes, despite their very biased covering of the war in Iraq), and this report was aired during the 8 pm evening news that are watched daily by millions of viewers."

TF1 is not considered a serious channel it is the most commercial populist channel in France.

Marc, France

Marc,

Because you don't consider TF1 a serious channel doesn't mean it isn't perceived as such by a majority here, in France.

Anything to support your assertion? And no, living in France isn't a good one. Not enough. We do live in France too.

I got some interesting links here regarding Kerry's daughter Alexandra caught naked in Europe.

Don't miss on that!

Hi everybody,

I'm French and have been spending my summer holidays in Saint Briac since my birth. You need to know that Saint Briac is a very nice place where most of the houses belong to great old families (lyke the Forbes), or to other well-known people in France like Patrick Le Lay, CEO of the channel TF1).

I think that J Kerry (President or not) will come back again to France and especially to Saint Briac after the elections. Every people who had spent its boyhood there keep coming to Saint Briac until its death whatever its nationality.

WOW..so Kerry is a Frenchman! Does that mean he will cater to the French if elected into office as President of the United States of America? Sounds to me like he's pretty close with his cousin in France (who also is a politician)...that should tell us all something! Personally I don't trust Kerry...he hasn't been honest with the American people since he started running for President!

Cousin?!? I though you said lurve-child....