Yesterday, I pointed out that the BBC incorrectly quoted French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy as calling the Paris rioters “scum:”

But Mattei states that Sarkozy used the words “delinquents” (”delinquents”), “provocateurs” (”agitators”), and “racaille” (”rabble”). More specifically, “racaille” translates as “riffraff” — a “mauvaise personne” (”bad person”).

Well, the Beeb has now edited its wording — but still blames Sarkozy for inflaming the riots:

Ever proud of his willingness to “call a cat a cat”, he refuses to disown his now famous comments that crime-ridden neighbourhoods should be “cleaned with a powerhose” and that the rioters are “racaille” - rabble.

Now famous comments that were improperly translated from French to English. Gee. Us ‘Merikans ain’t that stopid, after all.

Addendum: Now the Beeb is saying “hoodlums.”