The boycotting of French and perceived-french products by the US is getting silly. "Freedom fries", "Freedom Toast" and the like are laughed at by the international community (mostly because neither french fries nor french toast are french in origin). Those behind these name changes and boycotts come across as immature at best.

If the US *really* wants to make a statement regarding its feelings about France, it should dismantle the Statue of Liberty and send it back to France where it originated. US lawmakers have been doing their best to kill freedom in the US over the past few years anyhow (DMCA, Patriot Acts I and II for starters) so what do you need the statue for anyway?

"Can I have my apple pie with a big scoop of Freedom Vanilla ice-cream?"

"I found the most delightful Freedom Tickler the other day."

"You smell like a Freedom Whore!"

Um, Zaphod?

http://www.sendbackliberty.us/whoarewe.php

--sean

Freedom's Mustard?

That has a certain ring to it.

The odd thing is that things like this are traditionally reserved for belligerents, as in the renaming of German foods during the World Wars, etc.

But where does it end if we start doing this with countries that simply refuse to go along with the war? Shouldn't we pre-emptively eliminate Swedish meatballs?

Edited by author 03-31-2003 08:15 PM
There is a sick part of me that wants them to do it -- "them" being The Octopus, The Syndicate, or whatever term you use for the twelve men in a windowless room who control the U.S. Government. This part of me wants clarity. Undeniable clarity that the other part of me which suspects these things is not crazy.

We need something like an American Holocaust. Completely undeniable, inexcusable evil. Something people will remember for generations, and claim that it can "never happen here" or "never happen again." This Vietnam War shit just isn't cutting it.

Sending back the Statue of Liberty would be a good first step. It's hard to deny the stupidity of losing one national treasure, and then willfully dismantling another in the political aftermath.

I'm of the opinion that Swedish meatballs should just be eliminated anyway. They've already been identified as being a known member of the Axis of Evil Foods.

and here's the most obvious, semicontradictory extrapolation:

freedom cuffs.

Well, if we're getting rid of all things Swedish too, count me in for a Freedom Massage.

--sean

Nationalism is my pet peeve. I hate it. I don't don't usually play at being an activisdt but this is so stupid I sent them an email. Here's the reply. Paraphrased "Nah uh we never said that"
:::

French's appreciates your comments and is always pleased to hear from their customers.

Please take note that French's -- in no way -- meant to be disrespectful or to distance themselves from the French. The press release was only written in response to several media outlets who incorrectly included French's mustard when encouraging their viewers to boycott all things French. This press release was not proactive, but rather, reactive. It is our job to educate and inform the public about French's mustard.

French's is proud of their American roots and is next year celebrated their 100th birthday. I should hope that this sheds some light on were French's is coming from, and hope that you will continue to use their products.

Sincerely,
Ellyn Small
French's Representative

<snip>

-----Original Message-----

<snip>

I won't buy your mustard again. It
isn't that important in the grand scheme of theings... but I'd rather support
someone with a mind of their own and some integrity.

Edited by author 04-01-2003 10:15 AM
The whole notion of renaming products or words because they are french or contain the word 'french' sounds completely mad to me. (The french also have been enforcing the use of french words/songs/product titles etc. over foreign ones by law for decades already)
And this companys actions put even more madness on top of this. As I'm german and nationalism/patriotism is and has been a no-no over here perhaps I cannot grasp all this renaming nonsense.
I prefer the idea of returning the statue of liberty to the french people and replace it with some 'freedom' product of US origin - a tank or something that represents 'America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order' (as mentioned at http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm) by leading members of the US government) better than this french statue perhaps?

Edited by author 04-01-2003 07:07 AM
Come Thanksgiving perhaps "Freedom Fowl" will be more appropriate?
Surely Turkey must be off the menu.

And to think the turkey almost became our national bird. At this rate we'll have to eat eagle on Thanksgiving ...