US Congress opts for
"freedom fries" (BBC NEWS, March 12, 2003)
French fries in the House of Representatives' cafeterias will now be
known as "freedom fries" as part of a Republican protest at France's
opposition to a war on Iraq.
Republican
representative Bob Ney, whose committee is in charge of the eateries, said the
action was "a small but symbolic effort to show the strong displeasure of
many on Capitol Hill with the actions of our so-called ally, France".
French
toast from now on will be known as "freedom toast".
The
move - following the lead of a North Carolina restaurant - reflects the
anti-French sentiment among some lawmakers who feel President Jacques Chirac is
betraying the US by opposing its policy on disarming Iraq.
France
has said it will use its veto to block a second UN resolution to allow war to
commence with Iraq.
Should
we ban French wine, Belgian waffles or Russian dressing? If Mexico votes no,
should Mexican restaurants also be banned?
Jose Serrano
Some legislators disagree
with the menu changes.
A
Democrat from New York, Jose Serrano, described the orders as "petty
grandstanding" and urged legislators to concentrate on the US' pressing
domestic needs.
"Should
we ban French wine, Belgian waffles or Russian dressing? If Mexico votes no,
should Mexican restaurants also be banned?" he asked.
Republican
Jim Saxton from New Jersey has introduced legislation that would prevent any
French company from receiving US funding or financing in the reconstruction of
Iraq.
But
House Majority leader Tom DeLay, from Texas, said he did not think Congress
needed to take any formal steps to show its disapproval of France.
French
isolation
"I
don't think we have to retaliate against France. They have isolated themselves.
They have resigned from any responsibility for the war on terror."
In
February, a fast food restaurant called Cubbie's in Beaufort, North Carolina
renamed its French fries "freedom fries" also in protest at France's
anti-war stance.
The
owner, Neal Rowland, said he got the idea from similar protest action against
Germany during World War I, when sauerkraut was renamed liberty cabbage and
frankfurters became hot dogs.
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