Visit the projects and acts of solidarity from our Allies who are also helping to spread the cheese.
Ange Taggart-Nouveau visit
Jon Burgerman visit
*****************************************
MARCH 5TH
JOIN THE "BUY IN" BY PURCHASING
A PRODUCT MADE IN FRANCE!*
(* note: fries don't count)
****************************************
Spread
Cheese Not War!
In recent weeks there have been reports of anti-French sentiment breaking
out all over the US. Our Congressmen have called for boycotts of French
wine, cheese and other products. Republican voters are dumping their wine
in the streets and SUVs have been seen smashing photos of President Jaques
Chirac. there is even a restauranteer who has changed the name of french
fries to "freedom" fries. And on the legislative front U.S.
House Speaker Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) has said he'd like to impose
stricter health sanctions on French mineral water and introduce other
economic sanctions to damage the French economy.
Many politicians claim Americans support these sanctions because of the
French government's refusal to go along with U.S. military actions in
Iraq and against Saddam Hussein. These same politicians like to mention
that France would either be a Nazi or Soviet republic if we did not come
to their aid to liberate them from Nazi occupation so many years ago.
Citizens for Spreading the Cheese would like to point out that a couple
of hundred years ago the French were America's first ally, helping the
colonies in the War of Independence against Britain. And we hope this
tradition of mutual aid will continue in the years ahead. It seems clear
to us that the French are merely doing what they are good at: resisting
totalitarian impulses and policies that today are evidenced by the current
Bush administration. This "French resistance" is an old form
of protest that we Americans should investigate more thoroughly. Keep
in mind World War 3 America is not the same America that went to fight
in WW 2. Perhaps the French experience with fascism may allow us to face
our domestic challenges with some élan and instruction.
Citizens for Spreading the Cheese see the French decision to not support
the American case for War as a courageous and democratic act of dissention
and represents worldwide resistance to American hegemony. We applaud the
efforts of our French Allies in a time of great distress and support their
diplomatic efforts at finding a peaceful resolution to the Iraq crisis
instead of using the "War on Terrorism" as an excuse to advance
American foreign policy a la Bush.
We believe as do the French and most of the world that the case for war
in Iraq has not been made. We see the irrational calls for boycotts against
French products proposed by our political leaders as a crass sign of intolerance
and an act of punishing dissent and free speech- an undemocratic position
which all Americans oppose.
To support French efforts for peace and their position for empowering
the inspections and diplomacy to work, Citizens for Spreading the Cheese
are calling for a "Buy in" on French products. By purchasing
products like French goat cheese or French Bordeaux wine we symbolically
support the French position in finding a peaceful solution to the Iraq
crisis. We also encourage this action to register a vote against the current
US position. By using the internet as a global form of protest, we hope
this message of support will reach our French allies as well as citizens
in America who want to support efforts at resolving the crisis without
killing thousands of civilians.
What you can do:
Join the "Buy
In" on March 5th and every day you can. Purchase some French wine
and cheese and have a party with your friends to discuss ways to stop
the Bush administration's march to war.
Take part in actions around the country:
for example in Chicago there is a moratorium action on March 5
http://mar5.chicagohumanist.org/
you can also email the French UN representative and support a Veto of
an American lead UN resolution to attack Iraq
france-presse@un.int
you can also email the
russian :: rf.mission@atnet.at
and Chinese reps :: chinamission_un@fmprc.gov.cn
You should also
spread the word and the cheese to your friends. Let your local news outlet
know that you are buying and not boycotting French products. Have an action
and publicise it. Try making a press release to let the media know that
you are supporting peace with Cheese..
And let's not forget the efforts by the Belgium and German people, too.
Besides buying French wine and goat cheese, buy Belgium ale and cheese,
German beer and other products.
If buying products is not your bag have a creative protest, make and post
fliers and posters to SPread the Cheese on march 5. ooooh lala. VIVE LA
PAIX.
Have a french kissing party. You can rent Jean Luc Godard films like "Weekend"
and host french movie screenings at your home. Video makers can have a
detournement party (bringing video to cut up) and re-edit to make a french
kiss mix. Cut up the saddam hussein and george bush interviews and speeches..
you get the idea...
send us your buy in or other solidarity
ideas and we will mention them on our site and let people know what kind
of support you are giving to the peace movement.
vive la revolucion and merci for your particpation!
- a creative response and resistance from your friends in the US and
Citizens for Spreading the Cheese.