Thread: So whats so wrong with being able to speak French?

It is being widely reported in the UK media that the Newt Gingrich is "attacking" Mitt Romney in a video which states:-

Just like John Kerry, he speaks French too’.

Now I have no real opinion about the 2 republicans but I would have thought an understanding of other cultures and language would be a positive thing rather than a negative one.

As it stands it implies to me a stance of isolationism and xenophobia would be the norm amongst US politicians, am I wrong?

Sources:-
BBC News - Mitt Romney lambasted in attack ad for speaking French
Newt Gingrich ad attacks Mitt Romney for speaking French - 'just like John Kerry' | Mail Online
US election 2012: Mitt Romney attacked by Republican rival for speaking French - Telegraph

Its a sad state of affairs over here . In the last few years it seems that intelligence and intellectualism is frowned upon. It seems to me that they are appealing to the lowest common denominator. I like the Idea of having a leader who not only speaks different languages but at lesst makes at the very least an attempt to understand other cultures. People seem to get caught up in issues that have nothing to do with the job at hand as well .But then again I also like someone who can feel strongly about an issue then learn something new on the topic or understand it from a different perspective and adjust there own view based on fact. Thats just me .

There seems to be a strong anti-intellectualism movement in this country now.

France specifically; I believe all the French hate started when they did not support the Iraq invasion. Remember the "Freedom Fries" episode in washington.....?

I heard about that too. But since the primary elections in Texas will not be for a few more months, we have not had any political TV commercials yet. I don't know about the whole context of the ad, but it does sound like it's trying to reach out to an anti-foreign constituency.

it's really very simple: anything about a republican candidate that can be compared to a prominent democrat is going to be a potential weapon in the mudslinging. It has nothing to do with anti-intellectualism, xenophobia, etc

Sounds like something an anti-intellectual would say

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

it's really very simple: anything about a republican candidate that can be compared to a prominent democrat is going to be a potential weapon in the mudslinging. It has nothing to do with anti-intellectualism, xenophobia, etc

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

it's really very simple: anything about a republican candidate that can be compared to a prominent democrat is going to be a potential weapon in the mudslinging. It has nothing to do with anti-intellectualism, xenophobia, etc

One could argue that if intelligence can be attributed to President Obama (I am not judging on leadership qualities), then your reasoning makes 'anti-democratic party'ism cause of anti-intelligence attitude. The anti intelligence -while being a result- is still a reality.

I suspect Newt objects primarily to the idea that it is not every other non-American's duty to learn English and US culture. The concept that Americans can benefit from understanding other cultures is probably what he is railing about.

Originally Posted by Bruno

One could argue that if intelligence can be attributed to President Obama (I am not judging on leadership qualities), then your reasoning makes 'anti-democratic party'ism cause of anti-intelligence attitude. The anti intelligence -while being a result- is still a reality.

You have a point, but it works both ways and so to me doesn't really amount to any true reflection of either party's established platform. In one breath Obama is intellectual so intellectuals are bad, and in another breath Obama is stupid therefore you need to vote for a Republican. It means nothing

Originally Posted by Bruno

I suspect Newt objects primarily to the idea that it is not every other non-American's duty to learn English and US culture. The concept that Americans can benefit from understanding other cultures is probably what he is railing about.

nah. Newt seems to try to project himself as a smart guy as well, he is just looking for mud to throw

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Sounds like something an anti-intellectual would say

damn yank atheist liberal!

Originally Posted by Bruno

One could argue that if intelligence can be attributed to President Obama (I am not judging on leadership qualities), then your reasoning makes 'anti-democratic party'ism cause of anti-intelligence attitude. The anti intelligence -while being a result- is still a reality.

One could argue that, but then one would be using bad logic.

Obama = intelligent
Obama = democrat

democrats = intelligent | is faulty logic

Is that a compliment or insult?

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

damn yank atheist liberal!