The lead story at FOXNews.com right now is about the return home of the USS Abraham Lincoln. It's a very touching story, and conveys a very supportive attitude towards our troops and our President. It really hammers home the fact that our soldiers, and their families, willingly made sacrifices to protect us, and that they believe in the President and the mission he sent them on.
Here's a sample:
Sailors carried flowers and presents for their families as they walked down the ship's ramp through an arch of red, white and blue balloons, and then stepped into the crowd.
...
"It's been 10 months -- 10 long months -- but we know that he's been in God's hands," said another mom. "All this has been for a purpose. God bless the USA and God bless the president for taking a stand against Saddam and against all evilness."
...
Hundreds if not thousands greeted the aircraft carrier at the water's edge, waving signs and flags in support of the troops.Still giddy from Thursday's visit by President Bush, the sailors landed with a spring in their step after the commander in chief told them they had served their country well.
...
About 2,500 sailors on the deck of the 1,092-foot-long Nimitz-class carrier cheered wildly as Bush told them they were "homeward bound."Many said they were surprised by how down-to-earth Bush seemed.
...
Many of the 5,000 sailors said they will never forget their last day away from port and several praised Bush for making it special."It's like when you thought everybody forgot about you," said Djossou. "He came out here and made everything better because he didn't forget."
The lead story at CNN? Scott Peterson hired Winona Ryder's old lawyer.
ABC News features a story about Elizabeth Smart.
Last Friday, we were informed that exempt employees at our site would begin a mandatory 72 hour work week "until further notice". We have some budget shortfalls and delayed projects, and it's claimed that we have to use extreme measures like this to close the budget gap for this quarter.
Today we are having a plant-wide meeting "to discuss the issues and requirements for drastic measures (EXTENDED WORK HOURS) to close the gap".
This is May 1, known as "May Day" throughout much of the world - pretty much like Labor Day is in the US. Here's some interesting information about how May Day got started.
The timing of this meeting is so ironic that I almost believe it's intentional.
This is from http://ilalocal273.com/April_99.htm#origins
I have bolded some parts for emphasis.
The Origins of May Day - International Workers' Day
In most countries around the world, May 1st or May Day is officially recognized as International Workers' Day. Ironically, it is only in North America -- where May Day got it's start-- that recognition has been given to another day (Labour Day).
May Day has it's origins in the movement for an eight-hour day that swept the United States and Canada during the mid-1880's. In 1886, and association of unions and other supporters of the eight-hour day began making preparations for mass demonstrations for May 1st in most major North American cities. At this time, most people worked between 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
As the workers made their plans, the other side prepared as well. Everywhere, police and military were readied for emergency actions, and leading business men created anti-labour committees which began arming and training volunteers for the expected confrontation.
When May 1st came, impressive demonstrations occurred in dozens of cities across the United States and Canada, including Toronto and Montreal. At the same time, workers and many plants decided to strike in support of their demands - over 30,000 in Chicago alone walked off the job.
Mrs. du Toit has discovered that Dennis Kucinich (a Democratic presidential hopeful) wants to establish a "Department of Peace" which will be "charged with preventing both domestic and foreign violence through enlightened social policies. "
I think this is a good idea. Here are two "enlightened social policies" that would go a long way: constitutional representative democracies, and free market capitalism.
I'm just speculating, but I bet this wasn't what Kucinich had in mind.
The 33 year old Iraqi lawyer who helped US forces locate Pfc Jessica Lynch has been granted asylum and is now living in the USA.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced Tuesday that Mohammed Odeh Al Rehaief, 33, who helped U.S. special operations teams track down Pfc. Jessica Lynch, is now living in the United States with his wife and 5-year-old child.
Al Rehaief was granted asylum (search) Monday in Arlington, Virginia, which allows him to work in this country. He can stay in the U.S. indefinitely and can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
...
The Al Rehaief family arrived in the United States earlier this month after the Department of Homeland Security granted them "humanitarian parole." On Monday, the family was granted asylum by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Mr. Al Rehaief, America is a better place for your presence here. We are honored to have you, and grateful for your assistance to Pfc Lynch. You went well above and beyond the call of duty. Welcome to the USA!
