Pardon my French

I love french fries, but I despise the French.\nI crave french toast, but can't stand the French.\nI hanker for french dressing, but again spurn the French.\nSo how can I demonstrate my true feelings for a country without abandoning my favorite French- name products?\nWell, maybe I can't do anything but root for a man who, every year, scorns the French until they weep. Worst of all -- he does it right in front of their eyes. \nWhile Lance Armstrong was once quoted saying the Little 500 was the coolest event he's ever attended, I'm sure nothing compares to winning the Tour de France five consecutive times. And what can top watching the French cuss and kick like little -- well, Frenchman, as he crosses the finish line first every single time?\nFor the last five years, Lance Armstrong has participated in France's most grand event and brought the trophy back to the last place they want to see it go.\nThe States. \nHe goes to their house with nothing but his own bike, rides their streets, listens to their fans cry steroids and steals their show. \nIt'd be like a Boilermaker winning our Little 500. \nBut he just doesn't do it once every while, instead he's won the event five consecutive years and is predicted to win the sixth.\nAnd oh yeah, while doing so, he overcame testicular cancer. \nIn 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had also spread to his lungs and abdomen. He underwent successful surgery to remove the malignant testicle and began nine weeks of chemotherapy.\nArmstrong was hoping to one day comeback while the doctors were hoping he would survive. \nLance knew he would beat the disease, but could he ever imagine beginning his mind-numbing Tour de France streak just three years after being diagnosed?\nOf course Lance knew.\nThis is a man who has accomplished more as an individual athlete than anyone ever known. He's not the Tiger Woods or the Muhammad Ali of cycling. No, they're the Lance Armstrong of their sport. \nHe's the most underrated and unappreciated athlete by his own people and the most hated by the French.\nIn fact, on the official 2004 Tour de France Web site, Armstrong isn't mentioned until the last sentenced of the main story and is only refereed to as "He."\nHe's the Purim character of Hamen to the French. \nOK, not Jewish? \nThen Lance to the French is the Judas to Jesus. \nWhile Armstrong is seeking his sixth-straight tour win, his long-time sponsor, the United States Postal Service, thought after eight years it's the best time to cut off the sponsorship after this year. \nI agree; in eight years of sponsoring Armstrong, he overcame testicular cancer, and then won five Tour de France races. \nYeah, you don't want to be associated with a quitter and loser like that. \nIt's possible and more sensible for a European company to pick up his sponsorship. But Armstrong, even though he was once again disrespected and shown our lack of care, says he believes his team will still be based out of America and recognized as American. \nIt's a shame the French don't like him and the Americans don't give a damn, but that's never stopped Armstrong from winning. \nNothing ever has.