12:24 pm | 12 March 2003 | suck it, Bob Ney

People, please join me. E-mail this buffoon. It's such a small thing, but seriously, Jesus Christ.

Dear Congressman Ney,

I read about your little "freedom fries" fiasco in the Chicago Tribune (reprinted below), wherein you note "[Calling them 'freedom fries'] is a small but symbolic effort to show the strong displeasure of many on Capitol Hill with the actions of our so-called ally, France." This is retarded, Bob.

I beg of you, don't make Americans seem more ignorant than they already do to the international community. "French" fries are named that way because the manner in which they are cut is called "frenching." The American Heritage� Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, defines it as follows:

french tr.v. frenched, french�ing, french�es.
1. To cut [green beans, for example] into thin strips before cooking.
2. To trim fat or bone from [a chop, for example].

One can only go so far in one's knee-jerk, reactionary quest for "patriotism" before one looks like an idiot. Sir, i suggest you reevaluate your position on that line.

Best wishes,
Claudia

French fries unpalatable in the House Advertisement

Associated Press

March 12, 2003

WASHINGTON -- Show the flag and pass the ketchup was the order of the day in House cafeterias Tuesday. Lawmakers struck a lunchtime blow against the French and put "freedom fries" on the menu.

And for breakfast they'll now have "freedom toast."

The name changes follow similar actions by restaurants around the country protesting French opposition to the administration's Iraq war plans.

"Update. Now Serving in All House Office Buildings, `Freedom Fries,"' read a sign that Republican Reps. Bob Ney of Ohio and Walter Jones of North Carolina placed at the register in the Longworth Office Building food court.

Jones said he was inspired by Cubbie's restaurant in Beaufort, N.C., in his district, one of the first to put "freedom fries" on the menu instead of french fries.

"This action today is a small but symbolic effort to show the strong displeasure of many on Capitol Hill with the actions of our so-called ally, France," said Ney, chairman of the House Administration Committee.

Ney, whose panel oversees House operations, ordered the menu changes.

Officials at the French Embassy in Washington pointed out that french fries originated in Belgium.

"We are at a very serious moment dealing with very serious issues, and we are not focusing on the name you give to potatoes," said Nathalie Loisau, an embassy spokeswoman.

Copyright � 2003, Chicago Tribune