NationStates Jolt Archive

We all remember that Freedom Fries nonsense that when on in the US awhile back. Which is all well and nuts in itself, however the other day at McDonald's, in Australia this idiot rocked up to the counter, pushed in and asked for "freedom fries".

The trainee at the counter look bewildered and asked if he meant "French Fries". The man then proceeded to verbally abuse the girl using language that could make a sailor blush and waving his hand in her face.

Me and my friends still worked up over John Howard being elected back into office confronted the man and after a heated arguement the manager asked the man (politely) to leave.

When he was enventually escorted out he turned back and called us all "Suddam ----ing French commies" which promtly earned him a punch in the gut from a nearby Naval Officer.

I have so much more respect for the Navy now.

Go Navy !

WTF is/are "freedom fries?"

WTF is/are "freedom fries?"
The american sector of McDonalds began calling french fries "freedom fries" after various american govt./news corporations began their france bashing in the months prior to the iraq campaign, as france were one of the main groups opposing the war

The american sector of McDonalds began calling french fries "freedom fries" after various american govt./news corporations began their france bashing in the months prior to the iraq campaign, as france were one of the main groups opposing the war

Ahhh, I see.

(And Americans wonder why some people see them as a bit weird?)

WTF is/are "freedom fries?"
A stupid, childish, moronic attempt to remove the word "French" from anything, in retaliation for France opposing the Iraq invasion. They started calling it "Freedom Toast," "Freedom Vanilla," some groups even sponsored get-togethers where they would pour French champagne into gutters.

What it basically was was the childish reaction we are all familiar with...The little kid sticks out his lower lip...and says "Well, if you won't play MY way, then I'll take my ball and go home, booo hooo, waaaahhhh"

Stupid is was Freedom Fries was. The moron deserved more than just a puch in the gut. Maybe a punch in the ass would have launched the guy's brains back where they belong, you know it?

I swear, these people are so stupid. Yeah, they are all for the war...as long as it doesn't cost THEM anything! It isn't THEIR blood, or the blood of people THEY love getting spilled, so who gives a shit, right?

Thank goodness this silliness has stopped in the US, at least here on the East Coast.
While I think it was good to do initially to show our extreme displeasure at the French government's line after 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq, it's time was gone, just as saurkraut hasn't been called "Liberty Cabbage" since 1918...

The French have no sense of humor - and neither did that Micky-D customer/dufus.

Oh, and BTW - Freedome Fries were never offered at Micky D's - it was at another less public venue - get your facts straight.

Did this little incident occur in Australia, or in some other global arena? I too and rather cheesed off at the prospect of Howard ruling Australia with his conservative, backward fist. :headbang:

I don't know about you, but i have no problem with the French government enacting its right as a sovereign nation, by expressing its disagreement with US foreign policy. I think it is more than justified considering an anti-Iraq war stance is the predominant view held by French citizens. Finally, the French have a great sense of humour, the fact that it can be very dark, shows its depth.

The French have no sense of humor - and neither did that Micky-D customer/dufus.

Oh, and BTW - Freedome Fries were never offered at Micky D's - it was at another less public venue - get your facts straight.

That's right. It actually got started at a restaurant called "Cubbie's."

The american sector of McDonalds began calling french fries "freedom fries" after various american govt./news corporations began their france bashing in the months prior to the iraq campaign, as france were one of the main groups opposing the war

Hey, be fair. Only the most vitrolic pro-war, anti-French of us called them "freedom fries". The rest of us just scoffed at the stupidity of it all.

And I believe it started with the Pentagon cafeteria renaming French fries "Freedom fries". Not McDonalds.

Hey, be fair. Only the most vitrolic pro-war, anti-French of us called them "freedom fries". The rest of us just scoffed at the stupidity of it all.

And I believe it started with the Pentagon cafeteria renaming French fries "Freedom fries". Not McDonalds.


DING DING DING DING! We have a winner.

However as you mention 'the rest uf us' I presume you mean the 'humor impaired' in the US. I frankly found it funny and am fairly vitriol-free.

DING DING DING DING! We have a winner.

However as you mention 'the rest uf us' I presume you mean the 'humor impaired' in the US. I frankly found it funny and am fairly vitriol-free.

No, by the rest of us, I mean the people who thought it was ridiculous to be that petty. I found it funny, but I also thought it was absolutely childish and absurd.

No, by the rest of us, I mean the people who thought it was ridiculous to be that petty. I found it funny, but I also thought it was absolutely childish and absurd.
well duh, that's what made it funny. Hell, If SNL ever stops being childish and absurd then we are all in trouble.

You people DO know that nobody actually does this? When I say 'nobody' I mean nobody of actual importance, or a significant percent of the population.
Anyway, we SHOULD be calling them 'Belgian fries'.

What really pisses me off is that they changed 'small' to medium, medium to 'large' and 'large' to Supersize, then upped the prices two dollars. Now you have to pay extra AND half the employees out there dont realize that the menu has changed, thus you can no longer go to McDonalds with a five, get your damn meal and leave, with the confidence that when you open that bag you will not see something one size larger/smaller than you ordered.
Dammit! I JUST WANT MY FRIES! I hate everything else there.

well duh, that's what made it funny. Hell, If SNL ever stops being childish and absurd then we are all in trouble.

Well SNL is trying to be childish and absurd. Those people were dead serious.

We all remember that Freedom Fries nonsense that when on in the US awhile back. Which is all well and nuts in itself, however the other day at McDonald's, in Australia this idiot rocked up to the counter, pushed in and asked for "freedom fries".

The trainee at the counter look bewildered and asked if he meant "French Fries". The man then proceeded to verbally abuse the girl using language that could make a sailor blush and waving his hand in her face.

Me and my friends still worked up over John Howard being elected back into office confronted the man and after a heated arguement the manager asked the man (politely) to leave.

When he was enventually escorted out he turned back and called us all "Suddam ----ing French commies" which promtly earned him a punch in the gut from a nearby Naval Officer.

I have so much more respect for the Navy now.

Good for the Australian Navy to punch the guy in the gut. Stupid extremists.

You people DO know that nobody actually does this? When I say 'nobody' I mean nobody of actual importance, or a significant percent of the population.
Anyway, we SHOULD be calling them 'Belgian fries'.

What really pisses me off is that they changed 'small' to medium, medium to 'large' and 'large' to Supersize, then upped the prices two dollars. Now you have to pay extra AND half the employees out there dont realize that the menu has changed, thus you can no longer go to McDonalds with a five, get your damn meal and leave, with the confidence that when you open that bag you will not see something one size larger/smaller than you ordered.
Dammit! I JUST WANT MY FRIES! I hate everything else there.

I got annoyed when Micky Ds mad the 'Big Extra' to compete with the Whopper. Less than six months later the 'Big Extra' becaome a 'Little Less' when they reduced the size of it to save costs.

Funny story. Was this angry man American?

Well SNL is trying to be childish and absurd. Those people were dead serious.
LOL. If you believe that then I overestimated you.

LOL. If you believe that then I overestimated you.

There were people out there who actually poured champagne down sewer drains, believing that they were showing the French up. I know people who still call french fries and french toast freedom fries and freedom toast, and they aren't joking. These people are out there.

The Pentagon don't make jokes.

And if you look at the original post, you'll see that the poster didn't in fact say that MacDonald's ever served Freedom Fries, just that this particular incident occured at a MacDonald's (which it did). In fact, the story would have made no sense if Maccy D's did serve them.

Besides. McDonald's has been calling them plain ol' "fries" for a very long time now.

Personally, I thought all that freedom fries nonsense had blown over by now.
I think there's a very distinct possibility that the fellow in tha Australian McDonald's was a wacko.

I recognize my own kind, and I think that might be what he was. *nod*

The French have no sense of humor - and neither did that Micky-D customer/dufus.
Ahh yes. What is always funny is to watch a US conservative talk aboutr how "funny" their "freedom fries" are.

While I think it was good to do initially to show our extreme displeasure at the French government's line after 9/11
After 9/11? How about after about October 2002? France supported the invasion of Afghanistan.

I am fairly vitriol-free.
Of course you are, for those that agree with you!

First off, let me apologize to those who are genuinely offended by the term "Freedom Fries" on behalf of the Americans who also saw this as a strange thing indeed but didn't get as much publicity as their name-calling comrades.
However, aren't you guys taking this a bit too seriously? People are saying that this is just plain childish; shouldn't the incident be treated as such? I mean, it's not like we're slaughtering any French in the US. It's just a name! Reflect back to the elementary-school adage: "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

I used to call 'French Fries' 'Freedom Fries' but I did it as a joke. I've taken to calling them 'fries' just to save time (I'm lazy, what can I say? :p). Even in the midst of anti-French sentiment (when the other 'freedom' stuff was being said), I never took to calling the stuff anything but 'french' stuff if that was the name that was already in use. For instance, "french toast."

It was all a silly episode, in particular since "french fries" originated in Belgium. :sniper:

childish americans

childish americans

You say that as if it's a bad thing. :p

some groups even sponsored get-togethers where they would pour French champagne into gutters.


They should be hanged! I saw groups destroying wine - that's ok, it was probably crappy wine. But crapy champagne does not exist! even the worst champagne is worth admiration, love! HANG THE ****ERS! :sniper:

They should be hanged! I saw groups destroying wine - that's ok, it was probably crappy wine. But crapy champagne does not exist! even the worst champagne is worth admiration, love! HANG THE ****ERS! :sniper:

Why bother? Let them. It's not like they hurt the French economy by buying French champagne to pour down sewer drains. If they want to dump $50 down the sink, have at it!

childish americans
...of which there are 50 over the age of 18...

Hey, be fair. Only the most vitrolic pro-war, anti-French of us called them "freedom fries". The rest of us just scoffed at the stupidity of it all.

And I believe it started with the Pentagon cafeteria renaming French fries "Freedom fries". Not McDonalds.Then im one of the most Pro-War, i call them Freedom Fries, also, its kinda stuck in someplaces in America.

well duh, that's what made it funny. Hell, If SNL ever stops being childish and absurd then we are all in trouble.

some people actually find funny to burn american flags, there is an irreverence in this that makes it enjoyable... I'm sure you don't like it ;)
Being childish is OK as long as this is not meant to be offensive... Those who do this should not be shocked when they are called names when they go to europe... I never heard that it happened, but it would sure be funny and childish to do so ;). It might happen some day :/

But the WASTE? If they didn't want it, they could have given it to ME! :(

Why bother? Let them. It's not like they hurt the French economy by buying French champagne to pour down sewer drains. If they want to dump $50 down the sink, have at it!

I prefer having champagne not sold than wasted like it!!! It's like going to the cinema just for the pop-corn. Do you think the film-maker likes that? I'm sure he prefers losing money than have this happen! same for champagne!!!

Should they have changed French Creuller (a donut) to "Freedom Creuller?" :D

Then im one of the most Pro-War, i call them Freedom Fries, also, its kinda stuck in someplaces in America.

Then you're an ass; I'm sorry.

The French aren't Communists, you know? They like money just as much as the rest of us...

LOL. If you believe that then I overestimated you.
Trust me. It is serious. I know people who buy into that and call everything 'freedom' and are organizing (still) boycotts of French goods.

They should be hanged! I saw groups destroying wine - that's ok, it was probably crappy wine. But crapy champagne does not exist! even the worst champagne is worth admiration, love! HANG THE ****ERS! :sniper:

Yes there is. There is some very crappy champagne out there.

It's funny how something about Australia turns into a bash the US thread.


I don't think I even heard the expression freeedon fries anywhere for about a year. (Except on this board from non-US residents bringing it up).

*finishes reading thread*

*shakes head*

"First Rule of the Universe: People Are Stupid."

It's funny how something about Australia turns into a bash the US thread.


I don't think I even heard the expression freeedon fries anywhere for about a year. (Except on this board from non-US residents bringing it up).

I'm an American, and I brought it up. So ha!

It's funny how something about Australia turns into a bash the US thread.


I don't think I even heard the expression freeedon fries anywhere for about a year. (Except on this board from non-US residents bringing it up).

Exactly. I don't remember ever having "freedom" fries in Florida or Georgia, but I guess these Europeans know more about America than I do. It's not like I live here or anything.

So you're Rotovia now then.

No ha for you.

I found it incredibly Hilarious when some of the more overzealous masses decided to boycott French's Mustard, wich is an American based company...run by Americans.

I haven't used the word french fries since the whole "freedom fries" craze. But I dont use "freedom fries" either, it's just "fries" to me :)
Go Army, Beat Navy!!!

dont forget to boycott motel 6(its owned by france)

and boycott PARIS HILTON SHE SI FRANCH!!!!!!!1111ONE

Freedom Fries was an arrogant, immature try at removing the word "French" from any product in America containing the word in its name, after they came out opposing the Iraq Campaign, as they felt it prudent. We didn't stop there, calling them lying, scandalous, cowards who didn't know how to fight for no more reason then they disagreed with us. They didn't go to war in Iraq because they knew it would turn out like this, felt that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, (and what do you know? they were right... or maybe the WMD's haven't "materialized" yet) and didn't want to send their troops in to what they felt a pointless war that would become a mess for all involved. But if that's what you want to call them, go ahead. But to march into another country rapping your ass in the American Flag and insulting them is absurd, and so many "Americans" do that, which is the reason why we're such a despised country right now. My friend did the same, ordering & commenting on Freedom Fries in Québec, and I got so fruious at him.

Freedom Fries was an arrogant, immature try at removing the word "French" from any product in America containing the word in its name, after they came out opposing the Iraq Campaign, as they felt it prudent. We didn't stop there, calling them lying, scandalous, cowards who didn't know how to fight for no more reason then they disagreed with us. They didn't go to war in Iraq because they knew it would turn out like this, felt that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, (and what do you know? they were right... or maybe the WMD's haven't "materialized" yet) and didn't want to send their troops in to what they felt a pointless war that would become a mess for all involved. But if that's what you want to call them, go ahead. But to march into another country rapping your ass in the American Flag and insulting them is absurd, and so many "Americans" do that, which is the reason why we're such a despised country right now. My friend did the same, ordering & commenting on Freedom Fries in Québec, and I got so fruious at him.
Damn man you need to lighten up. Go smoke a blunt or something. ;)

No, by the rest of us, I mean the people who thought it was ridiculous to be that petty. I found it funny, but I also thought it was absolutely childish and absurd.

I thought it was ridiculous, and not funny. Basically it seemed like people wanted to compare any viewpoint opposing Bush's to Nazis. Which is really ironic when you think about it... and sad. :(

Armus Aran:
Damn man you need to lighten up. Go smoke a blunt or something.Wouldn't work. I've just had one and I still agree with him.

Yes there is. There is some very crappy champagne out there.


then it is not french:D :D :D. Not my problem :p

and boycott PARIS HILTON SHE SI FRANCH!!!!!!!1111ONE

this the main operation of the french plan to take over the american culture. The thing is, even if you know it's bad, you'll never manage to stop watching her! HAH AH HAHAH AHAH Ze evil frenhy conspiration strikes again!

OK, just so long as the reason he was booted was because he was a prick to the girl at the register, and the punch was decidedly earned.

And anyways, I've ALWAYS called French Fries "fries" just because one word is easier than two. No anti-French bias, just laziness. If you want to avoid the (clearly quite evil word) French, just say fries! It's easier!

then it is not french:D :D :D. Not my problem :p

No the french do in fact make some very crap champagne. Lanson for one.

Unless you've had a private label, you've never really had champagne anyway. french bastards.

No the french do in fact make some very crap champagne. Lanson for one.

Unless you've had a private label, you've never really had champagne anyway. french bastards.

I was jocking about the french making only good champagne you know ;)
and btw, I had good champagne on many times. Sorry for you :(

They should be hanged! I saw groups destroying wine - that's ok, it was probably crappy wine. But crapy champagne does not exist! even the worst champagne is worth admiration, love! HANG THE ****ERS! :sniper:

all of the above, i'm afraid. a friend was going booze-shopping with her dad, in CT no less (not the south, not the midwest, the mewling liberal northeast) and when they got to the store, the owner and a crowd of people were pouring french alchohol of all descriptions in the gutter.
they asked if they could just HAVE it, since it was all getting thrown out anyway, and were told they had to buy it, regular price.
hooray for american capitalism (i believe they went to a different store, in the end)

now never mind that the guy had already BOUGHT all the french spirits, and had them in stock...
and that therefore destroying them only hurt HIM financially...

but as has been pointed out, normally we reserve this kind of hatred for countries we're actually AT WAR WITH.

and if we wanted to go that route, i think the french woulda been more offended if french alchohol was put on the same shelf section as Dubra, Popov, Bud, Pabst, wine-in-a-box, and other cheap-ass american college student booze, and sold at the same prices.


and for the record, let me state that in 1998, 1999, and 2000, my group of friends made a big joke out of hating france (precisely because there was no reason to) and after we learned about "liberty patties" and "victory cabbage" during various wars with germany, made a big joke out of calling fries "america sticks" french toast "america loaf", crepes "america pancakes" and french bread "america log"

so naturally, come 2002 and "freedom fries" we were all a bit horrified.

but i was always disappointed that they didn't go all the way:
Chapagne = Freedom Hooch
Filet = freedom (i.e. salmon filet= salmon freedom, etc)
Filet Mignon = Freedom Meat
French Kissing = Freedom Kissing
Frottage (the act of undulating against a crowd of people for sexual stimulation) = freedom rubbing
menage a trois = freedom booty
a la mode = with freedom sauce
and finally, once we've associated the word freedom with everything french, then we'd all emigrate and become expats, because clearly they must have more Freedom in france. and their freedom tastes like excellent wine, hot kisses, ice cream, and sex with multiple partners.

Hi

-The policy of the USA is not a case of Good vs. bad. It will never be a "Either you are with us or you are against us" case. The USA has lost so much support in Europe, Asian and middle-east, I would not have thought it possible after the 9/11. The French may act and think anyway they want.

-If Bush and his Goverment or the American people cannot accept the French point of view, then they are absolutly ARROGANT. Do you rearly think it is wrong to disagree with the USA policy. More than 70% of the European population, about 85% of the Arabs and more than 65% of Asian also disagrees with G.W. Bush and his policy.

-I love the USA but the USA is not at WAR and I sometimes dislike the French.

Harry (My native language is not English, Sorry!)

I was jocking about the french making only good champagne you know ;)
and btw, I had good champagne on many times. Sorry for you :(
The french are the ONLY people to make champagne. Otherwise it is sparkling white wine.

After 9/11? How about after about October 2002? France supported the invasion of Afghanistan.


As I said, 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq. If you're going to quote me, please quote the whole sentence. :)

Yes, the French did support the invasion of Afghanistan, but have been weak in their commitment of troops.

http://www.nato.int/issues/afghanistan/040628-factsheet.htm#troop_contributions

Troops in Afghanistan:
US - 11,000 (non-NATO)
Germany - 1909
Canada - 1576
France - 565

France can't do better than that? Neither Germany, Canada, nor France have troops in Iraq. And France's military is much larger than Canada's!

Funny story. Was this angry man American?

Oh yeah, because everybody in Australia is sooo nice, it had to be an American right? Sure go ahead blame everything on us, after all we are the ONLY country that supports this war. Everybody else are happy peaceful protestors.

Oh yeah, because everybody in Australia is sooo nice, it had to be an American right? Sure go ahead blame everything on us, after all we are the ONLY country that supports this war. Everybody else are happy peaceful protestors.
No, but the US was the driving force behind this war. I mean, seriously, can you see the UK ever suggesting it? Exactly

its like when italy joined the allies , and all german resturants serving italian food stopped and stuff like that

As I said, 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq. If you're going to quote me, please quote the whole sentence. :)

Yes, the French did support the invasion of Afghanistan, but have been weak in their commitment of troops.

http://www.nato.int/issues/afghanistan/040628-factsheet.htm#troop_contributions

Troops in Afghanistan:
US - 11,000 (non-NATO)
Germany - 1909
Canada - 1576
France - 565

France can't do better than that? Neither Germany, Canada, nor France have troops in Iraq. And France's military is much larger than Canada's!


This dates back from june 2004 the situation has changed since then as there have been some rotations and the ISAF roster has, since then, moved.
Do you really think the french engaged 565 troop in afghanistan for the whole operation which began in 2001 ?
This only shows the troops deployed under ISAF mandate but we have also deployed several special forces groups which aren't included on this table.
Afganistan is not our only comittment oversea.

I'm still surprised they didn't give back the Statue of Liberty.

I'm still surprised they didn't give back the Statue of Liberty.
And lose all that revenue through tourism? pfft, you obviously don't see the 'take take take' logic of the US :D

The american sector of McDonalds began calling french fries "freedom fries" after various american govt./news corporations began their france bashing in the months prior to the iraq campaign, as france were one of the main groups opposing the war

They did? I haven't seen that anywhere. Not that I eat at them all. Nobody has commented about seeing that also.....

They did? I haven't seen that anywhere. Not that I eat at them all. Nobody has commented about seeing that also.....
It's been discussed. I got my facts wrong. Apparently some places did change it to Freedom Fries, but not McDonalds. The other bit was true though: it was a response to france's standpoint on the war *cough slaughter cough*

It's been discussed. I got my facts wrong. Apparently some places did change it to Freedom Fries, but not McDonalds. The other bit was true though: it was a response to france's standpoint on the war *cough slaughter cough*

I heard about some other restaurants doing that. Just surprised if the McD people did. They usually like to play it safe....

Why is this an issue any more?

Seriously, this is an incredibally old issue, and I know you guys have better things to bash us about than *this*. Most people thought of it as a joke. Some people didn't. Those people are the same sort of people that believe that it says in the Koran to kill all Americans. They're beyond all hope anyawy.

Nothing from with a bit of America hating, but at least do it on something relevant!

I don't think calling it "Freedom Fries" is good enough. They should be called "American Fries." We need to boycot everything not American, not just French products. And how dare that girl working the register to call them "Freedom Fries." It's awfull what this world is coming too. </sarcasm>

"Freedom Fries" is the workings of the House of Representatives having a little bit fun at the expense of the American taxpayer. They officially changed the French fries in the Capitol cafeteria to Freedom Fries. Little did they know that they were named after its inventor Joseph French, from Albany, New York! DAMN THAT TOM DELAY!

so naturally, come 2002 and "freedom fries" we were all a bit horrified.

but i was always disappointed that they didn't go all the way:
Chapagne = Freedom Hooch
Filet = freedom (i.e. salmon filet= salmon freedom, etc)
Filet Mignon = Freedom Meat
French Kissing = Freedom Kissing
Frottage (the act of undulating against a crowd of people for sexual stimulation) = freedom rubbing
menage a trois = freedom booty
a la mode = with freedom sauce
and finally, once we've associated the word freedom with everything french, then we'd all emigrate and become expats, because clearly they must have more Freedom in france. and their freedom tastes like excellent wine, hot kisses, ice cream, and sex with multiple partners.
HELL YEAH!!!! I WOULD MOVE THERE TOO!!!!!!!!

I'm still surprised they didn't give back the Statue of Liberty.
It would have been very hard to do so.

And lose all that revenue through tourism? pfft, you obviously don't see the 'take take take' logic of the US
Then why did they waste thousands to pour a stupid drink down the drain.

French Kissing = Freedom Kissing
It's been done.

They did have it in Atlantic City last November, on a outdoor kiosk thingy. Unfotunately, one person can not push over a whole kiosk in the freezing cold...

Oh yeah, because everybody in Australia is sooo nice, it had to be an American right? Sure go ahead blame everything on us, after all we are the ONLY country that supports this war. Everybody else are happy peaceful protestors.

Well, as far as I know no-one but Americans call french fries "freedom fries", so what was wrong with him assuming that the guy was American?

now never mind that the guy had already BOUGHT all the french spirits, and had them in stock...
and that therefore destroying them only hurt HIM financially...
And the wonder of capitalism is that such idiots will go out of business.

Oh yeah, because everybody in Australia is sooo nice, it had to be an American right? Sure go ahead blame everything on us, after all we are the ONLY country that supports this war. Everybody else are happy peaceful protestors.
I wasn't trying to demonise Americans. I have just absolutely never heard of any non-Americans saying "freedom fries" without it being part of a joke.

WTF....almost no Americans ever went along with the whole freedome fries thing. We saw it as a joke that we should go up to school counters and demand freedom fries, but we forgot to do it.

Anyway, it was a really stupid idea. And umm...yeah, stupid.

There were people out there who actually poured champagne down sewer drains, believing that they were showing the French up. I know people who still call french fries and french toast freedom fries and freedom toast, and they aren't joking. These people are out there.
You are mistakenly assigning credit where it is not due - over-generalizing. You may as well also say that all college students are drug abusers because some are.

This dates back from june 2004 the situation has changed since then as there have been some rotations and the ISAF roster has, since then, moved.
Do you really think the french engaged 565 troop in afghanistan for the whole operation which began in 2001 ?
This only shows the troops deployed under ISAF mandate but we have also deployed several special forces groups which aren't included on this table.
Afganistan is not our only comittment oversea.

If you can get better numbers than the Nato website, please post them!

If you're talking about troop rotation, that's hardly the point. The 11,000 Americans which have been there aren't all originals, either.

No, nor it it America's. But 565 is still a paltry number for a nation which styles itself as a world power. Even the FRENCH EMBASSY website only had this to say:

http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2004/defense_budget070804.asp

- in Afghanistan 1,500 (9% of ISAF) including the contributions to the training of the new Afghan army, and those to Enduring Freedom on the ground (special forces), at sea (3 frigates, 1 tanker and 1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft) or in the air (2 transport aircraft)

That's 1500, which they don't differentiate from the 565 Nato troops (I assume they are included), and "some ships in the region" (which means nothing, as Afghanistan is landlocked).

My point simply is that the French contributions in Afghanistan, while welcome, are not up to the standards of a Great Power. They should be even with (or ahead of!) Germany and Canada.

Little did they know that they were named after its inventor Joseph French, from Albany, New York! DAMN THAT TOM DELAY!

Umm.... According to these sites, you are incorrect, there.

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpotatochip.htm
The original name for french fries was "potatoes, fried in the French manner" that is how Thomas Jefferson first described the dish. Jefferson introduced french fries to the colonies in the late 1700s.

http://www.stim.com/Stim-x/9.2/fries/fries-sidebar-09.2.html
The Dutch, however, cannot take responsibility for inventing the fry. Neither can the French. That honor goes to the Belgians, where fries are cherished even more than they are in Holland. The fry culture in Belgium is similar to that of Holland—fries are everywhere

http://www.stim.com/Stim-x/9.2/fries/fries-09.2.html

It was not until an adventurous farmer and admitted Francophile—Thomas Jefferson—began to cultivate them that Americans developed a taste for the tuber, although some were still insisting that they were poisonous.

It was not long after this widespread embracing of the potato that some genius decided to drop slices of it into a pot of boiling fat. The identity of this individual is unknown; the French claim it was one of their countrymen, while the Belgians fiercely hold that it was one of their own who first frenched a fry. Expert opinion on this matter is divided as well. Whatever the case, by the 1830's deep fried potatoes had become a popular taste sensation in both France and Belgium. It took another hundred years for them to become a fast-food staple in the United States.

Just so you know.....

If you can get better numbers than the Nato website, please post them!

If you're talking about troop rotation, that's hardly the point. The 11,000 Americans which have been there aren't all originals, either.

No, nor it it America's. But 565 is still a paltry number for a nation which styles itself as a world power. Even the FRENCH EMBASSY website only had this to say:

http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2004/defense_budget070804.asp

Markreich you make good points about France's lacklustre commitment to Afghanistan. I suppose their troops are busy terrorising/guarding the Ivory Coast.

Maybe if the US government had not demonised France, they would be more enthusiastic about helping America out in Afghanistan?

Markreich you make good points about France's lacklustre commitment to Afghanistan. I suppose their troops are busy terrorising/guarding the Ivory Coast.

Maybe if the US government had not demonised France, they would be more enthusiastic about helping America out in Afghanistan?

Thanks.

But they've also had 3 years before the IC got hot... and it's not like they have troops in Iraq or Korea or and darn few in Haiti...

The entire freedom fries idea is something best swept under the rug. It is nothing more than a yellow stain on the mattress of life. Why do people have to keep brining it up? Can’t we all just move along?

The american sector of McDonalds began calling french fries "freedom fries" after various american govt./news corporations began their france bashing in the months prior to the iraq campaign, as france were one of the main groups opposing the war

Not true. They have always been french fries in McDonalds -- it was only on the White House and Congress menus that the name was changed, and yes, most Americans think that it's idiotic too.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. Maybe it should be torn down been French!

Boycotting French owned companies would more than likely impact on the American economy as just because they are owned by French company doesn’t mean they are made in France as a result American workers could lose there jobs.

I found the whole thing completely silly.

Am I the only one whose stomach hurts after reading this thread?
Funniest thread E V E R!
Really, I'm wiping tears from my f*cking eyes right now.
Thanks guys, I needed that.

We all remember that Freedom Fries nonsense that when on in the US awhile back. Which is all well and nuts in itself, however the other day at McDonald's, in Australia this idiot rocked up to the counter, pushed in and asked for "freedom fries".

The trainee at the counter look bewildered and asked if he meant "French Fries". The man then proceeded to verbally abuse the girl using language that could make a sailor blush and waving his hand in her face.

Me and my friends still worked up over John Howard being elected back into office confronted the man and after a heated arguement the manager asked the man (politely) to leave.

When he was enventually escorted out he turned back and called us all "Suddam ----ing French commies" which promtly earned him a punch in the gut from a nearby Naval Officer.

I have so much more respect for the Navy now.

I just hope you don't, like many on this site have, stereotype Americans by what this guy did. (From what I got out of your post, you're Australian...sorry if I'm wrong...)

I'm an American (since 1991) and a conservative as well. I chuckle at "freedom fries" and told a few french jokes when they were funny, but I wouldn't act like a dumbass in a foreign nation's McDonalds.

Ahhh, I see.

(And Americans wonder why some people see them as a bit weird?)
Hey don’t look at us lol they didn’t do that shit in Minnesota lol

Not true. They have always been french fries in McDonalds -- it was only on the White House and Congress menus that the name was changed, and yes, most Americans think that it's idiotic too.
Agreed … I saw nothing of it in mn or when I went traveling

The mc Donald’s I ate in around that time

Wisconsin

Tennessee

Florida

Boston

Alabama

Texas

Lol that was over about a year span after the fact with at least three of them within the following month

Has any flag-waving idiots complained about French Kissing?

Ahhh, I see.

(And Americans wonder why some people see them as a bit weird?)

Yeah, I know how you feel. I'm all for making fun of France (don't ask why, but I harbor an extreme hatred for that country), but can't we come up with better ways to insult them?

Yeah, I know how you feel. I'm all for making fun of France (don't ask why, but I harbor an extreme hatred for that country), but can't we come up with better ways to insult them?
Why should I not ask why?

Trust me. It is serious. I know people who buy into that and call everything 'freedom' and are organizing (still) boycotts of French goods.

Well, if they're still getting organized after all this time, I don't think the French have much to fear from the people you know. How many French goods do the people you know make use of, anyway? I can't imagine there are very many of them.

Is that why it's taking them so long - are they having trouble brainstorming which consumer products they should boycott?


-DT.

The whole idea was to put it mildly, rather silly from the outgo.
It's just a bloody name for a product. The potato still gets grown in Idaho, an American company cut it up, prepare it, package it. Its shipped to an American fast food restarant or sent frozen to an American store. Cooked by an American for some one paying in US dollars.
Call it hot oil treatment for a root if you want, its still a bloody fry :headbang:

Thank goodness this silliness has stopped in the US, at least here on the East Coast.
While I think it was good to do initially to show our extreme displeasure at the French government's line after 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq, it's time was gone, just as saurkraut hasn't been called "Liberty Cabbage" since 1918...

Aren't they named French Fries after their inventor 'Adam French' anyway and have just been associated with France for no good reason?

You people DO know that nobody actually does this? When I say 'nobody' I mean nobody of actual importance, or a significant percent of the population.
Anyway, we SHOULD be calling them 'Belgian fries'.

What really pisses me off is that they changed 'small' to medium, medium to 'large' and 'large' to Supersize, then upped the prices two dollars. Now you have to pay extra AND half the employees out there dont realize that the menu has changed, thus you can no longer go to McDonalds with a five, get your damn meal and leave, with the confidence that when you open that bag you will not see something one size larger/smaller than you ordered.
Dammit! I JUST WANT MY FRIES! I hate everything else there.

The french fries have more chemicals int hem than anything else on the menu. If you've seen the "smoking fry" on the super size me dvd you would probably stab yourself in the eye before eating another one of those things again. And it's not like the rest of the stuff isn't chalkful of chemicals either. If you go more than a couple weeks without eating that garbage than eat it again you will most definitely feel like sh**.

The entire freedom fries idea is something best swept under the rug. It is nothing more than a yellow stain on the mattress of life. Why do people have to keep brining it up? Can’t we all just move along?

Well :p we keep bringing it up, because its just so wonderfully hilarious :D
I mean, hey, thats like one of those jokes which gets better everytime it's being told :)

Am I the only one whose stomach hurts after reading this thread?
Funniest thread E V E R!
Really, I'm wiping tears from my f*cking eyes right now.
Thanks guys, I needed that.

hehe, ditto.

Aren't they named French Fries after their inventor 'Adam French' anyway and have just been associated with France for no good reason?
No - read the links I posted earlier in the thread :headbang:

No - read the links I posted earlier in the thread :headbang:

Oh ok sorry.

I don't know about you, but i have no problem with the French government enacting its right as a sovereign nation, by expressing its disagreement with US foreign policy.

I agree with that, just as I agree that the U.S. tried to get a corrupt U.N. to assist them, then tired of the foot dragging and went with with a group of individual countries without the U.N.'s blessing. :mp5:

So what are people going to call "French Kissing" in the US? :p

So what are people going to call "French Kissing" in the US? :p
Ehhh who needs the special designation ... it really at least with my friends was only called "french kissing" when we were in like jr high because it was something way "farther" then a lot of people got (special designation so people could say "I got kissed" even when it was only a peck)

But after highschool it is just standard :) not so special anymore

And I am curious why it was called french kissing anyways ... I mean it had to be around a lot longer then there has been a france lol

So what are people going to call "French Kissing" in the US? :p
I've said this before many times, but I guess I'll have to repeat myself again. From now on it's supposed to be called "Liberty Licking."

i'll take some freedom toast.


McDonalds is absolutely insane, everyone should know that by now. Anybody seen Supersize Me? Jeepers. At least you guys don't work there :( Don't get your hand stuck in the drive-thru window. Hurts like a bitch.

I've said this before many times, but I guess I'll have to repeat myself again. From now on it's supposed to be called "Liberty Licking."

Nah, I don't want to the Copper poisoned from licking the statue of Liberty. :)

Nah, I don't want to the Copper poisoned from licking the statue of Liberty. :)
Why not … she is HOT!

i'll take some freedom toast.


McDonalds is absolutely insane, everyone should know that by now. Anybody seen Supersize Me? Jeepers. At least you guys don't work there :( Don't get your hand stuck in the drive-thru window. Hurts like a bitch.

I don't really understand how people can be shocked at what Supersize Me revealed.

Hands up all the people who DIDN'T realise that eating nothing but fast food, three times a day, would be unhealthy? Anyone?

I know the change in his health was drastic... but that's what you'd expect.

Or what I'd expect anyway.

I don't really understand how people can be shocked at what Supersize Me revealed.

Hands up all the people who DIDN'T realise that eating nothing but fast food, three times a day, would be unhealthy? Anyone?

I know the change in his health was drastic... but that's what you'd expect.

Or what I'd expect anyway.
yup ... and I was sad to see he never ate any of their salids eather :( lol I have a feeling it wouldent have been as bad if he had

sorry just trying to point out that it wasent compleatly the place ... rather the choice of food had a part in it too

Nah, I don't want to the Copper poisoned from licking the statue of Liberty. :)But she is French!

A stupid, childish, moronic attempt to remove the word "French" from anything, in retaliation for France opposing the Iraq invasion. They started calling it "Freedom Toast," "Freedom Vanilla," some groups even sponsored get-togethers where they would pour French champagne into gutters.

I don't like the idea of Freedom Kissing...

I have an easy solution: order just plain old fries. No puzzled waiters/waitresses and you can still spite the arrogant losers from France.