This year marks the 63 rd anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation. Though live Thanksgiving turkeys have been presented intermittently to presidents since the Lincoln administration, the current ceremony dates to 1947, when the first National Thanksgiving Turkey was presented to President Harry Truman.
So while they say not to talk about religion or politics around the Thanksgiving Day table, here is the Political Warrior cornucopia of political/historical/religious/culture info to impress
your guest this Turkey Day.Starting with the 'Chief Turkey.' At right, President George W. Bush pardoned "Pumpkin & Pecan" the two birds that were saved by the president's signature in 2008.
On Wednesday, November 24, 2010, President Obama will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a ceremony in the Rose Garden. The President will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation, reflect upon the time-honored traditions of Thanksgiving, and wish American families a warm, safe, and healthy holiday. If last year's embeded ceremony doesn't do it for you, you can watch Apple and Cider get their presidential pardons live here:
Live Stream: President Obama Pardons the National Thanksgiving Turkey
Next this short film from the History Channel has much on our Poltical Culture as linked with Thanksgiving -- watch for how FDR wanted to move up Thanksgiving to spur on the economy and the Christmas shopping season. "Franksgiving?"Did you know that the author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" was behind the US making Thanksgiving a national holiday, that Lincoln was the president who initiated this, that there is no proof that turkey was actually eaten on the first Thanksgiving. So many nice tidbits in this video and more of the story here.
And finally, from CBS 2 School the two have their take on the POLs that best play the role of the staples of today's truly American holiday table.
VIDEO: Politics And Thanksgiving
Have a great Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you reading and blogging!
3 comments:
This is an example of exactly what we were talking about in class the other day. Not only do we expect the President to fulfill all his executive duties, the majority of us expect him to do things like pardon the Presidential turkey. I'm not sure if it is a good thing or not that we have this ceremony. The obvious argument against it is that it is a waste of time and Obama could be working instead. But on the other hand, a ceremony like this is something somewhat unifying for the country, and on top of that it is simply good PR for the White House. They don't want to look like stuffy politicians all the time, and a silly thing like this gives people the impression that the President is an average guy that can connect with the public. So while essentially, yes, it is a waste of time, I think it is actually very politically savvy for Presidents to hold ceremonies like this one.
I agree. However, I think this tradition is one of the few that we can enjoy in the holiday season. Unlike Britain, America lacks a class of wealthy aristocrats whom the media can follow to give the public a spectacle. Instead, we look to the President, to his pardon of a turkey and the annual White House decoration, to fulfill the same role, that of showing the splendor of the holiday season. It is a tradition that merely brings the country together and while it may serve no purpose, it does bring the country together for the holidays. It is not a political but rather a cultural expression of unity, solidarity, and peace.
It's important for the President to not only take on the role of a leader but also the role of a chief citizen. And while events like this are more for an image or simple sentimental purpose, they still hold value and are a pivotal part of the President's job. He should definitely promote tradition, and promote a healthy image of the United States. And taking part in ceremonies such as Thanksgiving allows him to do so.
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