We all know that Russia, France and Germany are rightly opposed to American imperialism in Iraq, even if only to protect their own oil interests. Now, U.S. legislators want to punish France and Germany for disagreeing with the United States. How much more arrogant can our government get?

As far as Germany is concerned, the legislative opposition to moving American troops out to reorganize our European forces could easily disintegrate. That's just playing Risk.

The French situation is much funnier. The Republicans' answer to the French opposition is to hit the French where it really hurts -- their wine. House Speaker Dennis "Wrestling Coach" Hastert wants "bright orange warning labels" on French wine that is "clarified with bovine blood." (Remember Mr. Yuk?)

This warning label system was proposed a while ago due to fear of Mad Cow Disease but was basically ignored. Why? Because the use of bovine blood in wine was banned in France in 1997. Sure, some small wineries that make the French-equivalent of Nightrain have been caught in France using blood to clarify their wine, but that crap isn't being exported. Mr. Hastert's threat is ridiculous. (China lifted their ban on French wine over two years ago.)

So Mr. House Speaker, perhaps you should stop speaking unless you are spoken to. Dumbass.