Protesters visit consulate, voice support for France

As a wave of anti-France backlash sweeps across the nation, a
small group of UCLA faculty and other protesters showed their
support for France’s dovish position on military action in
Iraq.

They delivered a message Thursday to the French Consulate on
Wilshire Boulevard, showing their support for the French
government’s contention that there is no need to declare war
on Iraq at this time.

Meanwhile, people across the United States have begun to protest
France’s policies.

Protesters in Las Vegas destroyed French flags and French
products Tuesday, while some U.S. store owners in the South have
started to rename their french fries “freedom
fries.”

Similar name changes were made to German foods as a protest
during World War II.

Despite the jokes and anger expressed toward France, those at
the French Consulate Thursday said it is important to support the
strongest international voice against a U.S.-led war which appears
imminent.

“It is deeply painful to see the American president using
(a commitment to freedom and human rights) to camouflage a policy
of “˜might makes right,'” said E. Victor
Wolfenstein, a UCLA political science professor, who was at the
event.

The group of approximately a dozen protesters met with French
Vice-Consul Olivier Plancon to reaffirm their support of the peace
process.

France has the power to veto a resolution authorizing the United
Nations to use force against Iraq, and has promised to do so.
Because of this, many Americans consider France an opponent of the
U.S.-led war on terrorism.

Wolfenstein said the large amount of “France
bashing” made it more important for him to show his
support.

Many Americans have this reaction because they are not fully
informed about the French position, said David Kunzle, a professor
of art history, who also attended.

He added that many U.S. citizens are not fully aware of the
policies of their own government.

“The greatest terrorist country is the United States and
it has been since Vietnam,” Kunzle said.

While no students were present, Wolfenstein said he hopes all
students make their voices known, whether they support or oppose
his position.

With reports from Daily Bruin wire services.

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