HOUSTON -- For Francoise Thomas, the anger against France for its opposition to military action against Saddam Hussein didn't hit home until she read about it on one of her doors.

When Thomas took out her garbage Saturday morning, she saw red letters spray-painted on the garage door of her Houston-area townhouse.

"Scum go back to France," was written on her door. She told the Houston Chronicle that it gave her a shock.

After living in the United States, Thomas still retains a slight French accent. She made her career as a real estate agent here. She recently retired and plans to stay in the Kingwood community.

She said she loves France as well as the United States. She said she's tried to stay out of politics on Iraq.

Neighbors criticized the vandal and said they fear it was someone they know. An unidentified neighbor began repainting the white garage door on Sunday while others brought flowers and chocolates to show their support.