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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. diplomat resigned from government service on Monday in protest of President Bush's preparations to attack Iraq, the second to do so in less than a month.
John H. Brown, who joined the U.S. diplomatic corps in 1981 and served in London, Prague, Krakow, Kiev, Belgrade and Moscow, said in a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) made available to the media: "I cannot in good conscience support President Bush's war plans against Iraq.
"Throughout the globe the United States is becoming associated with the unjustified use of force. The president's disregard for views in other nations, borne out by his neglect of public diplomacy, is giving birth to an anti-American century," the diplomat added.
Brown has recently been attached to the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University in Washington. Immediately before that, he was cultural attache at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
A senior U.S. diplomat based in Athens, political counselor John Brady Kiesling, 45, resigned in protest at the Bush administration's policy on Iraq last month.
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Whether we agree with it or not, there are severe consequences to what we are doing. This is one of the signs. While I agree SOMETHING has to be done about Saddam, war may be the worst option. But we have committed to an extent to which there is really no turning back because to do so would show a kink in our political armor.
This is why I started the thread some time ago asking if anyone thought the US was using bully tactics in all this. Like I said, I think we are doing the right thing but I DO question how we are going about it.
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Cutting a guy you signed because he stunk is not great GM skills. It's like putting out a fire you started, it doesn't make you a hero, just means at least you're smart enough to put it out. -Russ Smith
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
Tuesday, March 11, 2003 Posted: 3:51 PM EST (2051 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The cafeteria menus in the three House office buildings changed the name of "french fries" to "freedom fries," in a culinary rebuke of France stemming from anger over the country's refusal to support the U.S. 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 displeasure 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 House Administration.
Ney, whose committee has authority over the House cafeterias, directed the change, after colleague Walter Jones, R-North Carolina, circulated a letter suggesting such a move.
"I represent a district with multiple military bases that have deployed thousands of troops," Jones said in a statement. "As I've watched these men and women wave good-bye to their loved ones, I am reminded of the deep love they have for the freedom of this nation and their desire to fight for the freedom of those who are oppressed overseas," Jones said in a statement. "Watching France's self -serving politics of passive aggression in this effort has discouraged me more than I can say."
The name change was criticized by one young man in a House cafeteria.
"That's completely ludicrous to me," he said.
France has pressed the United Nations to give weapons inspectors more time in Iraq, saying the U.S. and British-led move to war is premature.
Its stance has angered some U.S. lawmakers.
Rep. Jim Saxton, R-New Jersey, has introduced legislation in the House that would block any French company from receiving U.S. government aid or financing in any reconstruction of Iraq. Another measure discourages American 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 Congress 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 isolated themselves. They have resigned from any responsibility for the war on terror."
-- CNN Congressional Correspondent Jonathan Karl contributed to this report.
Ok, I'm sure everybody is upset that the French aren't supporting the US's position but these people really need to grow up.
I can hear it now. "France, you better change your mind and vote with us or we're going the change the name of french fries!"
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