No president has ever been quoted advising the American people to “Scream loudly and swing a big stick at everyone.” The recent methods of protest by many Americans, including Washington-area students, however, make the phrase more than applicable.
The original quote by Theodore Roosevelt is “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” The quote was brought up this week in a course at the Institut des Etudes Politiques in Strasbourg, France. Here, the French students (called “schmucks” by Laurie Mylroie, an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute at American University) seem to abide more by American mottos like this more than certain American University and Georgetown students. The recent anti-war protests across Europe demonstrate the difference.
Two weeks ago, a friend and I were walking through the streets of Strasbourg when we stumbled upon a relatively small demonstration against the potential war in Iraq. Despite implications by American media, it was not against Americans or even America, only against a potential violent war in the Middle East. Moments later, after observing the demonstration, we found ourselves engaged in conversation with French protesters discussing America’s foreign policy and, more generally, the American way of life. Our opinions were welcomed, analyzed and discussed. Despite popular assumptions, they did not hit us with baguettes, unappreciative of American aid during World War II. In fact, the French are fully aware of America’s role in World War II; their response, accurately enough, is that American colonialists depended heavily on the French in the Revolutionary War. That is ridiculously too far into the past, you might say. Well, to that the French rebuke that “who did who what favor” is even more pass?. The modern world of diplomacy is not about doing favors; it is about working together peacefully to resolve international problems. Unfortunately, this distinguished mode of diplomatic engagement between France and the United States does not seem to be mutual.
When many of the Georgetown students in Strasbourg learned of the manner of protest of certain students outside of the French Embassy a few weeks ago, we felt shameful to be representatives of our University and of our country. There are a number of very disturbing aspects of this disgraceful demonstration. While we agree the location seems logical, the mix of protesting in front of an embassy and the words that were spoken is not excusable. An embassy is the ultimate symbol of international diplomacy. It represents alliances and diplomatic engagement, not enemies and name-calling. For a scholar to stand in front of an institution like that and call our allies “schmucks” is truly unnerving.
Additionally, it is irrational to assume that the only way to back the United Nations is to support the war. The United Nations is the embodiment of international cooperation and diplomatic exchange, yet for Republican protesters, it should be the representative of American interests globally. A sweeping majority of the world’s population, the actual constituency of the United Nations, is strongly against war in Iraq. How, then, does supporting the United Nations imply supporting war?
Finally, students of D.C. universities are of a certain caliber. The Washington student should represent the values of diplomacy, intelligence and open-mindedness. The conduct of the protesters at the French Embassy scar this flattering stereotype.
Many of the concerned Georgetown students of Strasbourg accuse those anti-French protesters of being both undiplomatic and undemocratic. First, we accuse you of being undiplomatic in the disturbing and degrading manner in which you have criticized the French people as a whole. While you are free to call childish names at whomever you wish, we suggest not doing it to the nation from which your president is trying to gain political support, especially at its embassy. Second, we accuse you, who claim to be exemplary individuals of liberalism and democracy, of being undemocratic. French public opinion, like most countries of Europe and the world, is astoundingly against war in Iraq. According to your undemocratic logic, however, France and the United Nations are not allowed public opinions contrary to American policy. To this we say “au contraire, nos amis!” As Americans, we should allow, accept and appreciate criticism from our closest allies. And whether you like it or not, that includes our friend, France.
Kevin Rosier is a junior in the School of Foreign Service. He writes on behalf of many concerned GU students in Strasbourg.
