Free Republic

In 1963 President Kennedy recognized Berkeley Plantation as the site of the first official Thanksgiving when the small ship the Margaret landed at Harrison Landing on the James River (upstream from Jamestown) in 1619, carrying 38 men after a perilous journey from England. The small group of carefully chosen craftsmen immediately marked their arrival on Dec. 4, 1619 with an act of Thanksgiving, led by their Captain, John Woodlief. They fell on their knees on the riverbank, and Captain Woodlief ordained that this day should be commemeorated annually as a day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. This was not Captain Woodlief's...

"You owe us you no good cracker! 50 billion dollars ain't enough!"

Black Democrats complained today that their party demands loyalty from them without giving any back when it counts. It was the second spat this week underscoring the frayed nerves, weariness and pent-up resentments that often beset lawmakers in the final week of a 60-day legislative session. This time, the spark was a floor vote - which broke down on racial lines - confirming the ouster of former Broward County Supervisor of Elections Miriam Oliphant. On Monday, it was women objecting to abortion legislation. Both times, a proposal to take a "caucus position" on pending issues caused the rift. "I find...