Kermit: Donerail is now in the house. You asked if a Washington Times article demonstrated something? Pahleeze, give me an effing break! Anyone who reads the Washington Times for anything other than entertainment has to be psychotic. That said, remember that the USA and France are the biggest arms pimps in the world today. I ought to know, I am in the business. The French are more honest about it, however. To them its money and the balance of payments. To us, we b/s people that its about freedom and democracy. I would side with the French on an intellectual basis. From a technical standpoint, we make much better stuff. The F18 Superhornet, F15 Strike Eagle and M1 Abrams Tank etc etc all outperform the French counterparts. We also make our allies buy models that are not quite the most recent models. How trusting of us. Kermit, you must stay more active in these Forums. I have tried to liven them up without success. You did it with two sentences. Donerail