In March of 2003 Rob Ney (R-OH) spearheaded a move to show all countries that were not among the "coalition of willing" the seriousness in which he took their lack of cooperation on the War in Iraq (currently known as the "oops-a-daisy"). In a "small, but symbolic effort to show the strong displeasure of many on Capitol Hill with the actions of our so-called ally, France" he changed the name of cafeteria food. French fries* were to be known as "freedom fries." The tasty treat french toast would therefore be called "Freedom Toast."
The idea originally stemmed from Walter Jones (R-NC) who circulated a letter around Congress. After the deed was done, the Tarheel spoke to a Washington Post reporter in diplomatic tones that have made the war such a success, "This isn't a political or publicity stunt. We feel sincere as to what we've done. This isn't going to change the debate or course of the world. It's a gesture just to say to the French, 'Up yours!'"
Well, after three years the Congress can once again eat french fries and french toast. The name has been switched back by the new chair of the House Administration Committee Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) who proudly stated, "Officially the committee has no comment on the matter. I really don't see how this is a story." Well, OK, not quite the same fanfare but we may be able to keep the Statue of Liberty after all.
With the change came a plethora of quotes. The first a snarky, yet accurate, rebuke from Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) camp, "Now that they've changed the name of the french fries back, maybe they will admit their other foreign policy mistakes were wrong, too." And my favorite which will get it's own paragraph in honor:
"Our relations are definitely much more important than potatoes," Agnes Vondermuhll, French embassy spokeswoman said. "French fries are back in the Capitol, back on the presidential dinner menu and our relations are back on track."
Well, that was easy. We are all friends again. Can I get an amen?
*French Fries are actually a culinary invention of Belgium
Impious since 2006
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