Pitchfork

Rising gas prices, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Mel Gibson--these are indeed trying times. If you're not with us, you're against us, and no band seems to understand that more right now than Yo La Tengo. Finding time between prepping their fighting skills in support of their upcoming album I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass (due September 12 on Matador), the Hoboken, NJ, trio has launched an online petition urging Congress to finally make ketchup the official condiment of the United States of America.

Yo La Tengo began their quest for national solidarity via sauce solidarity on July 4, and the petition has since garnered the signatures of more than 300 ketchup fans. (And it is ketchup, not catsup--this is America!) The petition explains its mission as follows:

"Appalled by the increasing ubiquity of soy sauce, Branston Pickle, sriracha, chutney and the scourge of undocumented salsas on our tables, we believe enough is enough and ask you to join us in our petition to the United States Congress demanding legislation that would once and for all make ketchup our national condiment. Our leaders must say no to the Mayonnazis and Mustardistas who would make our country weaker by dividing us. Let us speak together as one...for America."

Sounds to us like it's time for some freedom fries.