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Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: Waterton-Glacier Peace Park a reminder of goodwill between nations
In the weeks ahead, you will hear more about the Rotary International Convention coming to Calgary from June 21 to 25. Up to 20,000 Rotarians from around the world will descend on our city. Article content Article content Given the current times, several Rotary members thought it would be appropriate for Calgarians to learn more about a peace initiative with our friends in the United States that was conceived, promoted, and nurtured to this day by Rotarians on both sides of the border. Article content Article content It all began when a group of Rotarians from Cardston invited fellow Rotarians to a goodwill meeting at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park in July 1931. More than 100 Rotarians from Montana, Saskatchewan and Alberta attended. Article content Article content There was a consensus to advocate for the creation of an international peace park that would encompass both Waterton and Glacier national parks. It was resolved, 'that the proper authorities be petitioned to commence negotiations to establish the two parks indicated as a permanent International Peace Park, which will be definitely set aside for this laudable purpose, pledging our loyalty and allegiance to foster all international relationships.' Article content Canadian and American Rotarians reached out to their respective federal governments and, in the days when things could get done expeditiously, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park — the first of its kind — was commemorated on June 18, 1932. Article content Article content It's worth noting the words of leaders of the day. Article content Prime minister R.B. Bennett said, 'It is my earnest hope that this great International Peace Park stretching across our common frontier and in which citizens of both our countries may seek recreation, may forever remain a permanent memorial of all that neighbourly relations should be between adjoining nations.' Article content Said U.S. president Herbert Hoover: 'Dedication of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a full gesture of the goodwill that has so long blessed our relations with our Canadian neighbours, and I am gratified by the hope and the faith that it will forever be an appropriate symbol of permanent peace and friendship.' Article content The peace park combines the 525-square-kilometre Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada with the 4,144-square-km Glacier National Park in the U.S. The arrangement allows both national parks to operate as separate entities under the peace park mantle. Thereafter, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association was created to perpetuate the message of peace and goodwill inspired by this monumental achievement.
Forbes
18-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The A.P. U.S. History Test Could Shift Its Dates And Get Wildly Different Answers
Humbert and Lo in '32. (Photo) Last week in high school across the country, the biggest Advanced Placement test of the year took place. More students take United States history than any other AP test. It is justly a mark of national pride that so many of our striving young sit for this test that gets them into the meaningful details of our great past. I have come to praise the 'APUSH' test, not to bury it, and I call attention to the central question last week: 'Evaluate the extent to which the role of the federal government in the United States economy changed from 1932 to 1980.' Good question. The only issue I raise is, what if we shifted the dates just a bit, say from 1920 to 1964? What if the question were: 'Evaluate the extent to which the role of the federal government in the United States economy changed from 1920 to 1964.' All this would do is shift the first date back twelve years and the last sixteen. The period in either case would be forty-plus mid-century years. I submit that the answers to the questions, on account of the shift, could be radically different. When we see a beginning date of 1932, we think automatically of a flailing President Herbert Hoover doing nothing effective to arrest the ever-worsening spiral of the Great Depression. Although I do wonder if we ever contemplate Hoover's demand that the top rate of the income tax be raised by 150 percent as of January 1st of that year. He got his wish, and given that all jobs come from the investment decisions of the top earners, why exactly is this essentially unknown in our ample memory of the Great Depression? Anyway, 1932-1980 gives one immense opportunity to talk about FDR, whoever that was. And LBJ. (BTW: My shorthand for Lyndon Baines Johnson is LeBron James. And that for Herbert Hoover is Humbert Humbert.) FDR and LeBron greatly increased government's role in the economy, and it worked until the crisis of Keynesianism in the 1970s—there's a five (top score on the one-to-five AP scale), given the relevant detail. But what if the dates were 1920-64? Now we have quite a different narrative. Here goes: 'Having never had an income tax of any size until 1917, the top rate of that tax was 73 percent from 1919-21, as the country endured both a depression and an increase in the price level since 1913 of 120 percent. Warren Harding entered office in 1921 and put all priority on bringing the top tax rate far down. As he and his successor Coolidge brought that rate to 25 percent, one of the greatest expansions in American history took place, that of the Roaring 20s. 'Hoover, becoming president in 1929, called a stop to this top tax rate cutting and decided that tariffs and income tax rates at the top had to rise. As for the latter, he took them up by 150 percent over 1929-32, from 25 to 63 percent. The Depression was an inevitable outcome of such decisions. 'FDR adopted and enhanced Hoover's tax policy, quickly raising the top rate to 79 percent and beyond, as unemployment far past 10 percent stayed normal. FDR ran for president in 1940 not only because of the international crisis, but because the Depression at home was far from solved after his many years in office, and he had to try to get that stain off his back. 'At last in 1948 Congress, having cut federal spending by three-quarters in three years, cut tax rates radically, over Truman's third veto. The economy responded with postwar prosperity vibes. 'Ike liked the top tax rate at 91 percent, and we got three recessions in short succession in the 1950s. 'JFK said cut tax rates, especially at the top, and the greatest of booms shone forth. Prosperity in America became the greatest thing ever. In one illuminating case, the Beatles got scared out of their wits by the Beach Boys (on or about the JFK tax cut). Britain was growing at a snail's pace in the 1960s while the US was reaching incredible heights. 'I wish they all could be JFK tax cuts,' the Boys all but said. The life of that time—it was amazing on the beach—could point to crazy prosperous and good times as broad-based bounty swelled with taking top tax rates well below FDR's. 'Good Good Good vibrations' was the American economy after tax rates got cut in 1964. 'And then it came crashing down. LeBron said spend domestic and foreign like crazy and dis-enact the tax-rate cuts via a surcharge and go off the gold standard. 'Bye, bye, Miss American Pie' became the new anthem, reflecting the conditions.' If we begin in a down period undone by top-tax-rate cuts and end in a period resplendent with top-tax-rate cuts (1920-64), we get quite a different history from government-rescued-capitalism, the boilerplate of the 1932 staring-point narrative. The dirty secret of American economic history in the 20th century is that virtually all growth came when we got serious about cutting top income tax rates. The APUSH, the grand exam, is as alert to this reality as academic fashion permits. How about getting real, academic fashion?
CBS News
01-05-2025
- CBS News
Empire State Building lights sparkle for 94th birthday celebration
The Empire State Building lights displayed a colorful sparkling design Wednesday night to celebrate the New York City landmark's 94th birthday. "Sparkling tonight in celebration of my 94th birthday," read a post on its social media page. On May 1, 1931, the iconic skyscraper opened its doors to the public for the first time. On that day, President Herbert Hoover pressed the button in Washington, D.C. to officially open the building and turn on its lights. Back then, it was the world's tallest building, and visitors could pay 10 cents to look through a telescope at the city skyline. Nearly 20 years later, a 222-foot antenna was added, bringing the spire height to 1,472 feet. The Empire State Building was recognized by the National Parks Service in 1986 and became a National Historic Landmark. In recent years, the building has undergone a series of upgrades to become more sustainable, and it added new visitor experiences. To this day, it remains the number one attraction in the world, according to rankings from Tripadvisor. Each night, locals and tourists alike look up to see what colors will be on display atop its spire. Once the birthday celebration is over, it will be lit up in blue and purple in honor of Police Memorial Day on Thursday, followed by its classic white lights on Friday. Later this month, it will appear red, white and blue to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. CLICK HERE to check out the full calendar.
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First Post
01-05-2025
- General
- First Post
History Today: Why Labour Day is celebrated on May 1
On May 1, 1889, May Day was celebrated for the first time as a labour holiday. Since then, Labour Day has grown into a global event, with millions joining marches, rallies, and other activities to honour workers and demand their rights. Also, on this day in 1931, US President Herbert Hoover officially dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City. Standing at 1,250 feet with 102 floors, it was the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time read more A march in New York City on May Day, May 1, 1909. Image: Library of Congress On May 1, 1889, May Day, which had earlier been an event to welcome spring, was celebrated for the first time as a labour holiday. This change was made by the International Socialist Congress. In the United States and Canada, a similar day is held on the first Monday of September and is called Labour Day. Also, on this day in 1931, the Empire State Building was officially opened in New York City. It remained the tallest building in the world for the next forty years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, in 1840, the first adhesive postage stamp in the world, the Penny Black, was used in a public postal system. It showed a side view of Queen Victoria. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. Let's take a look at these events in detail: May Day is founded May Day honours the historic efforts and progress made by workers and the labour movement. It is observed in many countries on May 1. On this day in 1889, an international group of socialist organisations and trade unions chose May 1 as a day to support workers. This was in memory of the Haymarket Riot in Chicago (1886), where a bomb blast killed seven police officers and at least four civilians. Five years later, US President Grover Cleveland, concerned about the socialist link to Workers' Day, passed a law to make Labor Day an official holiday in the United States. However, some states were already observing it on the first Monday of September. Demonstrators hold signs during a rally celebrating May Day in New York, US. Reuters/File Photo Since then, Labour Day has become a worldwide event. Millions join marches, rallies and other activities to recognise workers' roles and call for their rights. In many countries, Labour Day is a national holiday. In India, the first Labour Day event was held in Chennai (then called Madras) in 1923 by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two gatherings took place, one at Triplicane Beach and the other near the Madras High Court. At these meetings, a resolution was passed asking the British government to declare May 1 a Labour Day and a public holiday. Empire State Building is officially opened On May 1, 1931, US President Herbert Hoover officially dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City. The building was completed in just over a year. It came in under budget at $40 million and was finished well ahead of schedule. At certain times during construction, the frame rose at a rate of four-and-a-half storeys each week. John J Raskob and Al Smith were the key figures behind the project. The project gave work to up to 3,400 people a day. Image: X/Library of Congress When it was completed, the Empire State Building had 102 storeys and stood at 1,250 feet tall (1,454 feet including the lightning rod). It was the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time. During the Great Depression, the project gave work to up to 3,400 people a day. Most of them earned good wages, especially considering the hard economic times. The Empire State Building has also been praised for its efforts in energy conservation. In 2020, it finished a renovation that cut energy use, lowered emissions by around 40 per cent, and improved efficiency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1972, the World Trade Center in New York became the new tallest building, though it only held the title for a short time. Today, that honour goes to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which reaches 2,716 feet. World's first postage stamp was issued The Penny Black was the first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was first issued in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840, but could not be used until May 6. Before this, in 1837, postal charges in Britain were high, confusing, and often unfair. To make things easier, Sir Rowland Hill suggested using a stamp to show that postage had been paid in advance. At the time, it was common for the person receiving a letter to pay for it. The cost was based on how many sheets were sent and how far the letter had to travel. Hill chose a simple design that featured the profile of Queen Victoria. Image: Smithsonian National Postal Museum With the Penny Black, people could send letters weighing up to 14g for a fixed cost of one penny, no matter how far they were going. Hill chose a simple design that featured the profile of Queen Victoria. He picked black ink for the stamp, which led to its name, the Penny Black. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Because they were the first stamps ever made, the Penny Black and the Twopenny Blue did not show the name of the country. Even today, British stamps do not include the country name. Like the first stamps, they always feature a picture of the current monarch. This Day, That Year 1851: The Great Exhibition began in London inside the Crystal Palace, which was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. 1941: 'Citizen Kane', directed by Orson Welles and widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, had its premiere in New York City. 1960: The Indian state of Maharashtra was formed based on cultural and language differences. 1961: Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize for her well-known novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. 1961: The first major hijacking of a plane in the United States took place when a man forced a flight from Miami to Key West to change course and fly to Cuba. 1963: Jim Whittaker, alongside Sherpa climber Nawang Gombu, became the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest. 2004: The European Union welcomed 10 new member countries - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Int'l Business Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Mitch McConnell Cautions Trump of Previous 'America First' Policy That 'Did Not Work For Us' in Objection to Tariffs: 'Try Something Different'
McConnell announced his decision to not seek re-election in 2026, leaving other GOP lawmakers and public figures scrambling to announce their Senate intentions. Latin Times Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell objected to President Donald Trump's plan to implement tariffs by comparing the new administration's economic goals to previous plans that didn't work. McConnell's views were posted to X (formerly Twitter) by Fox News' Chad Pergram on Thursday. "McConnell on tariffs: For those who pay close attention to it remarkably similar to what happened in the '30s, it's called the Smoot-Hawley tax bill, signed by Herbert Hoover before FDR came into office with his widely thought to help move the depression worldwide," Pergram wrote, sharing McConnell's views. "And the slogan in the '30s was America First. So we've seen this in history unfold in a way that did not work for us or for other countries. And there's some of us who think, 'Mr. President, why don't we try something different,'" he continued. McConnell on tariffs: For those who pay close attention to it remarkably similar to what happened in the '30s, it's called the Smoot-Hawley tax bill, signed by Herbert Hoover before FDR came into office with his widely thought to help move the depression worldwide. And the slogan… — Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 24, 2025 The Smooth-Hawley Act is a protectionist measure that was signed into law by former President Herbert Hoover. However, he was voted out of office soon after, with his successor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, winning by a landslide. Social media users took to the replies of Pergram's post to criticize the Kentucky senator, who has announced his intention to retire in 2026. "Well, McConnell has had over 40 years in one of the most powerful positions over taxing and budget in this country, and so he had a lot of time to 'try something different'. Yet he always stayed with his tried and true plan that lined the pockets of the lobbyists and not the citizenry," wrote one user. Well, McConnell has had over 40 years in one of the most powerful positions over taxing and budget in this country, and so he had a lot of time to 'try something different'. Yet he always stayed with his tried and true plan that lined the pockets of the lobbyists and not the… — attorneybyprofession (@ATTYBYCHOICE) April 25, 2025 "All @SenMcConnell knows how to do is the same garbage that's been destroying the country since he got there. He has ZERO credibility and even LESS influence. He will die a sad, pathetic, lonely man. Which us better than he deserves," wrote another. All @SenMcConnell knows how to do is the same garbage that's been destroying the country since he got there. He has ZERO credibility and even LESS influence. He will die a sad, pathetic, lonely man. Which us better than he deserves. — Law Signal (@LawSignal) April 24, 2025 "Wasn't he in the senate when they passed Smoot Hawley?" said one user. Wasn't he in the senate when they passed Smoot Hawley? 😂😂 — Lakota Patriot (@n8ivpatriot) April 24, 2025 McConnell has been feuding with the Trump administration and members of the Republican leadership that have continued to support Trump for months now. His party was particularly unhappy with him when he opted to vote against the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The senator previously bashed tariffs in an op-ed published to the Courier Journal, a newspaper in his home state, in February, expressing concerns of how they would affect the local economy. Originally published on Latin Times © Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
