www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/03/11/sprj.irq.fries -> www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/03/11/sprj.irq.fries/
Iraq Banner House cafeterias change names for 'french' fries and 'french' toast Move reflects anger over France's stance on Iraq By Sean Loughlin CNN Washington Bureau Reps. Walter Jones, left, and Bob Ney announce the name changes on House menus at a Tuesday news conference. Walter Jones, left, and Bob Ney announce the name changes on House menus at a Tuesday news conference.
Restaurant serves 'freedom fries' WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The cafeteria menus in the three House office buildin gs changed the name of "french fries" to "freedom fries," in a culinary rebuke of France stemming from anger over the country's refusal to suppo rt the US position on Iraq. Ditto for "french toast," which will be known as "freedom toast." The name changes were spearheaded by two Republican lawmakers who held a news conference Tuesday to make the name changes official on the menus. Across the country, some private restaurants have done the same. "This action today is a small, but symbolic effort to show the strong dis pleasure of many on Capitol Hill with the actions of our so-called ally, France," said Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, the chairman of the Committee on Ho use Administration.
Special Report Ney, whose committee has authority over the House cafeterias, directed th e change, after colleague Walter Jones, R-North Carolina, circulated a l etter suggesting such a move. Jones said he was following the example of a local restaurant owner in his North Carolina district. "I represent a district with multiple military bases that have deployed t housands of troops," Jones said in a statement. "As I've watched these m en and women wave good-bye to their loved ones, I am reminded of the dee p love they have for the freedom of this nation and their desire to figh t for the freedom of those who are oppressed overseas. Watching France's self -serving politics of passive aggression in this effort has discour aged me more than I can say." The name change was criticized by one young man in a House cafeteria. France has pressed the United Nations to give weapons inspectors more tim e in Iraq, saying the US and British-led move to war is premature. Jim Saxton, R-New Jersey, has introduced legislation in the House th at would block any French company from receiving US government aid or financing in any reconstruction of Iraq. Another measure discourages Ame rican tourists, businesses and the government from participating in the 2003 Paris Air show. But House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, said he didn't think Congre ss needed to take any formal steps to signal its disapproval of France. "I don't think we have to retaliate against France," he said. They have resigned from any responsibility for the war on terror." Asked why he was focusing on France when other nations, including Germany and Russia, oppose the US position on Iraq, Jones said it was because France had taken the lead in challenging the United States. Officials with the French Embassy in Washington could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
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