| |
|
 |
Obama's first pardon: A turkey named Courage |
| |
Updated at:
2150
PST, Thursday, November 26, 2009 |
| |
WASHINGTON: After 10 months in office, President Barack Obama on Wednesday granted his first pardon — to Courage, a 45-pound turkey spared from the Thanksgiving table.
Accompanied by daughters Sasha and Malia, Obama stood under the North Portico of the White House to honor a holiday tradition that dates to 1947 — receiving a bird from the National Turkey Federation. Later in the day, Obama and his family passed out turkeys and fixings to the needy.
"I'm told Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson actually ate their turkeys," Obama said. "You can't fault them for that; that's a good-looking bird."
President George H.W. Bush was the first to officially pardon a turkey.
Obama joked about wanting to forgo the tradition and eat Courage.
"Thanks to the interventions of Malia and Sasha — because I was planning to eat this sucker — Courage will also be spared this terrible and delicious fate," he said.
In response to Obama's comments that his daughters helped to save the turkey's life, the animal rights group PETA said it is giving Malia and Sasha honorary memberships in PETA Kids.
"We want to thank them for their involvement in pardoning the turkey this Thanksgiving," said PETA spokeswoman Ashley Byrne.
Obama wished all American service members at home and abroad a happy Thanksgiving, saying what a "tremendous honor it is to serve as commander in chief of the finest military in the world."
He also spoke about the first family's plans for the holiday dinner.
"Just like millions of other families across America, we'll take time to give our thanks for many blessings," Obama said. "We'll also remember this is a time when so many members of our American family are hurting."
Obama noted that President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a holiday in the midst of the Civil War, "when the future of our very union was most in doubt."
"This is an era of new perils and new hardships," he added. "So on this quintessentially American holiday, as we give thanks for what we've got, let's also give back to those who are less fortunate."
After his remarks, the turkey was lifted to a table and Obama raised his hand over its head to deliver a mock-serious pardon.
"You are hereby pardoned," he said.
Obama said Courage will spend the rest of his life in "peace and tranquility" at Disneyland.
Byrne said PETA sent Obama a letter requesting that the turkey be sent to a sanctuary instead of the theme park.
Later on Wednesday, Obama and his family passed out frozen birds at Martha's Table, an organization that feeds the hungry and provides other community services. The Obamas stood behind tables and passed out turkeys, stuffing and other Thanksgiving favorites to people passing through in a line.
The president tucked pumpkin pies into people's bags and wished them a happy holiday. Sasha and Malia Obama, the first lady and her mother, Marian Robinson, worked alongside the president, putting canned food, stuffing and fresh vegetables into bags. Those in line also received frozen turkeys.
The National Cathedral School, volunteers and others in the community donated food. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said community service around Thanksgiving time is an Obama family tradition. |
| |
|
|
| |
More Updates |
|
EU critises Iran enrichment move, backs UN action |
Updated at:
2330
PST |
|
Avalanche kills 8 soldiers in Siachen glacier |
Updated at:
2310
PST |
|
At least 23 killed after vehicle overturns in India |
Updated at:
2255
PST |
|
Shiv Sena attacks cinemas screening 'My Name Is Khan' |
Updated at:
2235
PST |
|
PEMRA directs FM network to air Kaira program |
Updated at:
2210
PST |
|
Rashid defied schedule given to administration: Shahbaz |
Updated at:
2130
PST |
|
Sri Lanka president sacks parliament: spokesman |
Updated at:
2100
PST |
|
Attack on Rashid plot against democracy: Taseer |
Updated at:
2055
PST |
|
Defence ministry asked to explain in missing persons’ case |
Updated at:
2045
PST |
|
NICs not being issued to Pakhtuns in Punjab, Sindh: Adeel |
Updated at:
2030
PST |
|
Judiciary working independently: PM |
Updated at:
2005
PST |
|
Intikhab submits report to PCB on Australia tour |
Updated at:
1945
PST |
|
Incessant rains, landslides devastate Muzaffarabad |
Updated at:
1935
PST |
|
Australia crush West Indies by 8 wkts in 2nd ODI |
Updated at:
1930
PST |
|
CCUSA notice to be replied after legal consultations: Bari |
Updated at:
1915
PST |
|
Adnan Sami admits third marriage |
Updated at:
1910
PST |
|
Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel |
Updated at:
1905
PST |
|
I was aware of training accords with US: Sherpao |
Updated at:
1855
PST |
|
ISO stages sit-in at PIDC House |
Updated at:
1835
PST |
|
LHC dismisses petition for kite-flying |
Updated at:
1825
PST |
|
Punjab govt was responsible for Rashid security: Malik |
Updated at:
1800
PST |
|
Up to Rs50, 000 being demanded for delivery of vehicles |
Updated at:
1735
PST |
|
Good governance sans delivery of justice not possible: CJ |
Updated at:
1700
PST |
|
Provinces to get water as per needs: Irsa |
Updated at:
1635
PST |
|
India suffer innings defeat from Proteas |
Updated at:
1600
PST |
|
Bali bombing mastermind still alive in Philippines |
Updated at:
1600
PST |
|
Malik sees foreign hands in Karachi massacre |
Updated at:
1600
PST |
|
Malik for in-camera briefing on Black Water, DynCorp |
Updated at:
1545
PST |
|
South Africa in sight of win against India |
Updated at:
1535
PST |
|
Warne slams Strauss for not touring Bangladesh |
Updated at:
1525
PST |
|
Death toll rises to 28 in Afghan avalanche |
Updated at:
1525
PST |
|
NATO remains 'serious' threat to Russia |
Updated at:
1525
PST |
|
Pepco urged to speed up recovery |
Updated at:
1520
PST |
|
Jackson doctor out on bail |
Updated at:
1500
PST |
|
Indian GDP estimated to grow by 7.2 % |
Updated at:
1425
PST |
|
Oil prices drop in Asian trade |
Updated at:
1410
PST |
|
India 233 & 223-6 in first test at tea |
Updated at:
1355
PST |
|
Afghan avalanche kills 15, strands 100s |
Updated at:
1350
PST |
|
Oil rises above $72 on weak dlr, Greek rescue talk |
Updated at:
1310
PST |
|
Israeli minister calls for tough Iran sanctions |
Updated at:
1310
PST |
|
US Marines gear up for major Afghan assault |
Updated at:
1240
PST |
|
Nine dead in rain-related mishaps in NWFP |
Updated at:
1240
PST |
|
Petition filed in SC against delay in judges appointments |
Updated at:
1230
PST |
|
LHC calls govt to account for Qadeer restrictions |
Updated at:
1225
PST |
|
Gold slightly lower as oil falls |
Updated at:
1220
PST |
|
Conflicting reports on Mehsud death |
Updated at:
1210
PST |
|
Oil unable to sustain above $72 |
Updated at:
1200
PST |
|
US cricket council sends notice to Butt |
Updated at:
1200
PST |
|
Hakeemullah dead: Taliban source |
Updated at:
1140
PST |
|
12 feared dead after ship sinks in China |
Updated at:
1135
PST |
|
Rain-spawned house cave-in kills family in Khanpur |
Updated at:
1135
PST |
|
Angelina Jolie visits Haitian quake refugees |
Updated at:
1120
PST |
|
Iran starts higher enrichment under IAEA supervision |
Updated at:
1115
PST |
|
Venezuela declares emergency amid energy crisis |
Updated at:
1100
PST |
|
US court sentences Chinese spy |
Updated at:
1045
PST |
|
Sheikh Rashid attack: heirs of killed persons deny autopsy |
Updated at:
1045
PST |
|
Korea should be nuclear-free, Kim tells China envoy |
Updated at:
1025
PST |
|
Zilzal dike breaches; evacuation underway |
Updated at:
1010
PST |
|
Australia changes its immigration laws |
Updated at:
0950
PST |
|
23 dead as vehicle overturns in India |
Updated at:
0935
PST |
|
Ex-army chief to face Sri Lanka court martial |
Updated at:
0915
PST |
|
Four die in roof collapse in Haripur |
Updated at:
0900
PST |
|
6 dead at fire at Spanish retirement home |
Updated at:
0855
PST |
|
Australia to introduce body scanners after failed US attack |
Updated at:
0855
PST |
|
Two killed, two injured in Thai south attacks |
Updated at:
0840
PST |
|
Euro inches up in Asian trade |
Updated at:
0840
PST |
|
Road mishap leaves 12 hurt in Karachi |
Updated at:
0830
PST |
|
Magnitude 5.7 quake rattles southern Mexico |
Updated at:
0830
PST |
|
Global warming an Olympic worry, says Rogge |
Updated at:
0825
PST |
|
Lahore continues to receive rain on Monday |
Updated at:
0820
PST |
|
World's tallest tower closed a month after opening |
Updated at:
0810
PST |
|
Two police die in motorway accident |
Updated at:
0800
PST |
|
Haiti aid effort hit by fake coupon scam |
Updated at:
0730
PST |
|
Iran tests stealth drone: report |
Updated at:
0700
PST |
|
Provinces’ differences soar over water distribution |
Updated at:
0630
PST |
|
Jackson doctor charged with manslaughter |
Updated at:
0600
PST |
|
Jackson doctor denies manslaughter charge |
Updated at:
0530
PST |
|
British PM stands firm as Afghan toll matches Falklands |
Updated at:
0500
PST |
|
Australian sword swallower sets Guinness world record |
Updated at:
0430
PST |
|
Police record statement of Sheikh Rasheed |
Updated at:
0400
PST |
|
PM Gilani rings Nawaz, Asfandyar |
Updated at:
0330
PST |
|
US, France join hands for new sanctions against Iran |
Updated at:
0300
PST |
|
Attack was plot of murder; Allah helped me: Sheikh |
Updated at:
0220
PST |
|
Speedy dispensation of justice tops govt. agenda: Zardari |
Updated at:
0200
PST |
|
FIR of attack on Sheikh Rasheed lodged |
Updated at:
0130
PST |
|
Iran can produce enough fuel for research reactor: experts |
Updated at:
0100
PST |
|
Qaeda offshoot urges more attacks on US targets |
Updated at:
30
PST |
ISSN 1563-9479 
