The U.S. government’s legislative bodies recently took steps to restrict government involvement in French-related activities and trade.

Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) is leading the effort to discourage American citizens and bar the Pentagon from participating in the Paris Air Show this year. In another anti-France campaign, actions are being aimed at trade policies with France and other European nations.

The cafeteria of the House of Representatives also has renamed french fries and French toast “freedom fries” and “freedom toast.”

Although the anti-France legislation is not receiving widespread support, the fact that members of the U.S. government would propose these measures is preposterous.

If this type of legislation is allowed to pass, it would just reinforce the idea that America is a selfish and power-hungry nation.

The proposals of these restrictions against France and the replacement of “French” with “freedom” is obviously a knee-jerk reaction to France’s opposition to a U.S.-led war with Iraq.

What’s next, giving them back the Statue of Liberty?

If the lawmakers of our fine country feel that introducing this type of legislation and removing the title “french” from our fries will have any effect on their attitude toward the war, they are completely and utterly wrong.

The United States considers itself a proponent of democracy and democratic actions. These types of actions are not a good representation of democracy.

These elected government officials are acting like spoiled 5-year-olds who didn’t get their way. It’s time to stop focusing time and energy on proposing bills that are aimed only at revenge and start focusing on proposing bills that will solve some of our nation’s real problems.