July 12, 2006
Zizou, USA
Thoughts while watching TV in a leafy Paris suburb:
Almost universally admired, elected to the leadership of his championship team, the embodiment of his nation's commitment to tolerance and diversity ... and yet, while the world watches, he squanders that goodwill in response to a vile but essentially harmless insult. The French are baffled, transfixed by the endless replays of his hotheaded response, saddened by the consequences of his action.
I'm talking of course about the Gallic inability to understand a country that could elect George Bush. A country it admires, yet with leader whose actions it cannot fathom or condone.
My guess: the French will dismiss Zidane's head-butt as an "unfortunate blemish" on a brilliant career. Let's hope, post-Bush, that the 'Merkin invasion of Iraq will be viewed with similar forgiveness.
Meantime, we prepare and share a midsummer supper: Cavaillon melon with Parma ham. Leg of lamb. Provençale tomatoes, fresh green beans. Fruit cobbler. French wine, Italian wine. Food conquers all.
