The always hilarious Boi From Troy cast a glance askance at Washington D.C.’s upcoming “Paris on the Potomac” celebration this week. Set to occur between Valentine’s and Memorial Day, Paris on the Potomac will feature “over 80 special French-themed programs” and will include performances, tours, lectures and exhibitions.

All of which confuses the Boi, who wonders whether D.C.’s yen for John Kerry maybe got the better of us here in the nation’s capital. We won’t touch his comparing the guillotine with “a midnight walking tour of Southeast” (jeez, we sort of thought BFT might have a taste for the rough trade!) — but we will remind him that D.C. has always had a long-standing French Connection. Does Lafayette Park not sprawl alongside the White House? Were our confusing roundabouts not bequeathed to us by the unflappable Pierre Charles L’Enfant? Boston may have given birth to Au Bon Pain, but did not we DCers make it an institution?

Besides, there’s ample signs that Francophobia is so yesterday, anyway. Even as we write, the United States is working to mend fences with France and the rest of Europe. Leading the overseas charm offensive today in Paris is our very own Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. DCist was sent an old clipping from the September 13, 1970, Denver Post, featuring a lovely tribute from Montgomery Wards to the then 15-year-old Rice, describing her musical prowess and love for ice-dancing.