I live in Massachusetts, where Romney annoyed us for one term as governor. Now, frustrated in his inability to convince enough people that he is not a charlatan, he says France squandered its leadership position through wanton immorality. He went on to say much the same about the rest of Europe. He seems to enjoy being offensive so he can pander to ignorant xenophobes who know nothing about history.

National pride can be a very good thing, but mean-spirited jingoism is always dangerous. We are living in a worldwide community. To sanctimoniously promote provincial bigotry is egregiously shameful. Romney represents a poisonous and backward state of mind.

They should be so lucky! The average American does not even know where France is. As for fries, French or otherwise, they are welcome to them. Before the can approach Frenchness, they will have to do something about their obesity problem. Dream on America.