Academic

When Dining and Dancing Insult Democracy

By firstamendmentblogger

Remember back in 2003 when Representatives Bob Ney (R-Ohio) and Walter Jones (R-NC) insisted that cafeterias in certain House office buildings change the name of "french fries" and start selling "freedom fries" instead?  Remember - they were responding to France's plea that weapons inspectors be given more time in Iraq, and that a US-led invasion was premature. 

France.  What do they know?

Anyway, thumbing through the Dothan Eagle as I sometimes do, that is, the March 26, 1948 edition, I  came across this headline: Mississippi Balks Move to Outlaw "Missouri Waltz."  Apparently, lawmakers wanted to make it a felony to play or dance the waltz anywhere in the state.  First offenders would receive a $1,000 fine and a prison sentence of not less than 5 years.  Use a piano and the fine increased to $10,000 and life in prison.  Gheeze.

The background here is that the measure was introduced after President Truman called on Congress to pass comprehensive civil-rights reforms, including "communistic measures" as the Southern Block referred to them, like anti-lynching and anti-poll tax laws.  Truman was from Missouri.

Funny (well, not really) how absurdity spans the ages.  But at least the 1948 proposal to ban the Waltz was ruled out of order by the House Speaker.  "French fries," at least for a time, came off the menu.

Anyone know if "french fries" are back?

-Kathleen A. Bergin

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on May 25, 2008 (boomark / email).