Another important reason to elect John Kerry…

[KansDem]

American’s stature in the world has suffered a terrible blow. With the recent revelations of the torture of Iraqi POWs in addition to the war-mongering policies of the Bushistas, it is vital that Kerry win the White House to undo the horrible wrongs committed by the Bushistas.

Although the reasons for a Kerry win are numerous, I think this would be one way to help counteract diminishing world respect: With the released military documents of Kerry, we learned that he speaks fluent French, knows German, and was praised by his superiors for learning Vietnamese. Imagine if you will what the world response would be if Kerry, immediately after his inauguration, traveled to Paris and gave a rousing, inspiration speech (ala Kennedy’s “Ich bin (ein) Berliner” speech) in French! I understand the French, having tolerated the “Ugly American” for so many years, appreciate Americans who (at least attempt to) speak French when traveling in France. Imagine what the response would be if the American President addressed them (and other French-speaking nations) in their own language (even participating in a Q&A session). French is still regarded by many as the “language of diplomacy” and it is spoken in many countries around the world.

Countries where French is a national language:
Belgium
Benin
Burkina-Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Canada
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Democratic Republic of Congo
Djibouti
France
Gabon
Guinea
Haiti
Ivory Coast
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Mali
Monaco
Niger
Republic of Congo
Rwanda
Senegal
Seychelles
Switzerland
Togo
Vanuatu

Other member states of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF):
Albania
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Dominica
Egypt
Equitorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Laos
Lebanon
Macedonia
Morocco
Mauritania
Mauritius
Moldavia
Romania
Saint-Lucia
Sao-Tomé et Principe
Tunisia
Vietnam
Observer states:
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Poland
Slovenia
It is important to note the distinction between institutional francophonie and cultural francophonie. Although French is not an official language in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon, it is widely used in literature and films.
http://www.fll.vt.edu/french/francophonie.html

Then Kerry travels to Berlin, Germany, and gives a similar inspirational, rousing speech in German:

German is either an official language or is spoken by a significant portion of the population in the following countries.
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Germany
Italy
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Namibia
Romania
Switzerland

I think this act alone would do wonders to restore respect and dignity to the White House and vastly improve the image of the United States in the eyes of the global community.

[Christ was Socialist]

1. he's nothing but an intellectual

damn marxist, speaking the language of the enemy, we must somehow use his intelligence against him

-Right wingers when they "learn" this

[GOPBasher]

2. Yeah, they're so elitist.

I hate those liberal intellectuals. They go around with that stupid high IQ and shit. The learn all that Godless science. What the hell? It's nice to be a stupid right winger, huh?

[checks-n-balances]

3. Thanks for the reminder

I think we should have several "Why Kerry" lists going EVERY DAY just to remind ourselves of what we have. I know he's not perfect, but I'm in awe that he had the guts to enlist, fight, then speak the truth about Vietnam. Now he's got the guts to take on the Bushites and other rethugs at such a critical time.

He has lots of qualities that will make him a stable, intelligent, and decent leader. So what if he doesn't entertain us? We need to grow up!!

Ir Carter, Dean, and Gore can get behind him, so should all of us!