The Age of Unseriousness continues. Deepens, in fact, its hold upon our culture. (With thanks to reader B.P.)

I missed the media event called by Rep. Ney, but I have visions of Ney and his ally, Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), using black markers to deface the cafeterias' existing menus. Destruction of public property, anyone?

From the office of Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio):

House Office Buildings to Serve "Freedom Fries"

Reps. Ney and Jones Remove "French" Fries From House Restaurant Menus

March 11, 2003 - WASHINGTON D.C. - In a symbolic effort to show their support for American troops protecting freedom abroad and their displeasure with France's continued refusal to stand with its U.S. allies, U.S. Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, today responded to a letter circulated by U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), and ordered that "French fries" be removed from all restaurant menus in the three House office buildings and be replaced with "freedom fries." Chairman Ney directed this change, as well as the new term, "freedom toast," instead of "French toast," in a letter to the House Chief Administrative Officer who supervises restaurant operations in the House.

Ney and Jones will hold a press availability at [noon] today in the Longworth House Office Building cafeteria to make this name change official by changing the menu signs personally.

"Once again, our brave men and women in the American military are putting their lives on the line to ensure the freedom and security of others, and once again, France is sitting on the sidelines," Ney said today. "Over the years, France has enjoyed all of the benefits of an alliance with the United States, and all our nation has received in return is a trade deficit and a cry for help when their appeasement efforts fail. 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."

"I represent a district with multiple military bases that have deployed thousands of troops. As I've watched these men and women wave goodbye 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," Congressman Jones said today. "Watching France's self-serving politics of passive aggression in this effort has discouraged me more than I can say. I am grateful to Mr. Ney for standing with me today as we publicly declare our support for our nation's troops and our sincere disappointment in our old friends, the French."

And a hearty laugh was had by all.

Welcome again, reader, to the Age of Unseriousness.