World

The real reason why U.S. Presidents pardon a turkey on Thanksgiving

Published

6 months ago

November 22, 2022

Costa Haritos

Mythmakers believe President Harry Truman began the tradition of ‘pardoning’ a turkey in 1948

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated across the U.S., Canada, and some Caribbean islands.

The day pays thanks for the blessing of the harvest and for the year ahead.

This year, President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys, Chocolate and Chip.

Chocolate and Chip were pardoned at the White House.

“It’s a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition here at the White House.”

“There’s a lot to say about it, but it’s chilly outside, so I’m going to keep this short. Nobody likes it when their turkey gets cold,” he said.

The tradition takes place on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving day, which falls on 25 November this year.

Why do Presidents pardon turkeys?

In 1947, the start of the official turkey presentation from the poultry sector began.

While turkey pardoning was a sporadic event, in December 1948, President Harry Truman said the two turkeys he received would “come in handy”.

Traditional Thanksgiving meals include a turkey on the family dinner table. But some of them are pardoned by the U.S. President, which means they are not killed or eaten.

The University of Illinois estimates 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving.

In addition, 22 million are consumed on Christmas and 19 million during Easter festivities.

While in office, President Donald Trump said “Thanksgiving is a time of great American traditions, and today we continue a very special one, when a lucky turkey gets a presidential pardon. That turkey is so lucky. I have never seen such a beautiful turkey.”

Across the U.S., turkey consumption has increased by 104 per cent since 1970.

“We can’t forget the reason for Thanksgiving in the first place. The pilgrims thought it was pretty important in tough times to come together and thank God, to be grateful for what we have.”
U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

The ceremony has come under fire in the past. In 1989, President George H. W. Bush sought to quell animal rights activists nearby.

“Let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy—he’s granted a Presidential pardon as of right now—and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here,” he said.

World

Ukraine prepares for a summer of violence

Published

20 hours ago

May 31, 2023

ticker NEWS

Is support for the war waning after the conflict has surpassed 1-year and millions of dollars?

After a Russian air assault on Kyiv in which one civilian was killed, residential buildings in wealthy districts of Moscow were hit by multiple drone strikes injuring two people.

The Kremlin is claiming that most of the drone strikes which happened during broad daylight—were intercepted.

A Russian politician said the attack on the capital was the most dangerous since World War II.

Russia says Ukraine launched the attack and has vowed to bolster their air defenses.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is denying direct involvement, having just recently suffered three air attacks within a 24-hour time span.

Last month, leaked Department of Defense documents revealed possible weak links in Ukraine’s military campaign against Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine with tens of thousands of troops more than a year ago and there appears to be no end in sight.

Business

“I think there is a great risk”: will AI steal our jobs?

Published

21 hours ago

May 31, 2023

ticker NEWS

Artificial Intelligence has become an increasingly powerful and pervasive force in our modern world.

Artificial intelligence is not a new concept. However, the growing advancements have the potential to revolutionise industries, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of life.

Along with its promising advancements, artificial intelligence also brings certain risks and challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed.

It has become the focus of lawmakers, who are working towards greater regulation of the sector.

U.S. and European Union officials recently met in Sweden to weigh up the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

“The AI process is creeping up on us,” said Dr Keith Suter, who is a global futurist.

“You’ve got competition between companies.”

It’s almost like some of us can see this raft that’s heading towards the rapids and a disappearance towards the waterfall, and we’re giving a warning but it’s not being heeded because everybody’s in this race to get down to the river,” Dr Suter said.

World

Should there be more resources available to American Veterans?

Published

22 hours ago

May 31, 2023

ticker NEWS

Millions of Americans have served the country, but is there enough support for veterans?

Over the course of the nation’s history, the United States has declared war and fought in conflicts around the world with more than 41-million Americans having fought for freedom.

There are millions of Veterans in the United States who proudly served their country. But, are there enough services to help and support veterans– especially those who suffered atrocities during conflicts?

U.S. Army Veteran Ricoh Danielson joins us to discuss. #uspolitics #Ricoh Danielson #veterans #military #supportveterans #veronicadudo #freedom