First, I don't support "French Bashing" or a ban on French products. I think many of the regulars around here (and that includes you Mr. Baerwald) probably are aware to some extent that I'm married to a beautiful woman who holds a masters degree in French literature and as of this moment teaches French for a living. So in this household where Montaigne, Moliere, Sartre, Voltaire, among others enter the conversation with regularity "French Bashing" has become somewhat of a concern.
Perhaps I did not make it clear when I posted that list of products (from http://www.metrospy.com) that I found the idea to be fatuous and pathetic. Really a product of media nitwits and political chicanery. I would think anyone that has read any of my previous postings knows where I stand on these issues and that in general I'm not given to participating in the "lash & bash" form of political proselytizing that seems all the rage these days.
However, all that being said, I do support the rights of other Americans to voice their opinions (no matter how skewed) and to participate in the one of the most democratic forms of protest, the boycott, if they so desire.
Mr. Baerwald, you have always seemed consistant in your wish that we have a forum here for some sort of meaningful discourse. To sidestep discussion of hostilities toward France seems a strange tack to take indeed. I dislike the idea as much as you, perhaps more, but I certainly find it necessary to confront it. The post I made stimulated more discussion than I anticipated and I can only see this as positive. I assume by your response to it that you saw it as more nonsensical mudslinging. This was not my intent I can assure you. I realize that just adding a comment like "I thought you'd enjoy this." leaves open to interpretation my intent and you can't read my sarcasm. Sorry, and shame on me for that.
You know reading the latest postings from the folks who visit this board it seems many of them seem more than a bit disheartened these days. With good reason I suppose, these are certainly strange times. If I were to try to find one thing that binds all of this small but loyal group together, aside from the obvious fact they all like the music of one David Baerwald, it's hope. It seems we all coexist here the liberals, conservatives, independents, Christians, Jews, agnostics, Buddhists, Hobbits, all shapes, colors and sizes with one unifying factor; hope for a better world. We may not always agree on what's "better" but we all cling to it's possibility.
Funny because that's what seeps out of the cracks of the songs you write Mr. Baerwald. The overwhelming notion that there in the darkness (and you do find the darkness) there's always hope. I believe that's what drew all these individuals to your music. That we identify with the search for it expressed in your songs.
I'd say most of the people that visit here would like to hear more about your musical endeavors and less about politics right now. Being that the political landscape is so very bleak at this moment. It would seem many of us can't help ourselves though and we keep railing about the state of the world. Not such a bad thing really and I don't think it should be discouraged. I'd say you seem a bit tired of the "French Bashing" based on your response and what better place to discuss it but here. So, if you're so inclined let's hear it.
Other than that I'm curious what it is about Albigensianism that so fascinates you? Other than the fact that had the movement survived it would have rocked the foundations of the Catholic church which I suppose would have had some lasting political repercussions. You think it would have unearthed more information with regards to Gnosticism? I remember you brought this up a long time ago and I always meant to ask about it again. I figured we're talkin' French stuff so what the hell.
So how about cutting me a little slack on the French stuff post. I didn't mean anything by it. I'm as lost and disgusted as the next guy.
Reg
