1519 – Hernan Cortes arrives in Mexico in search of the Aztec civilization and their wealth. He finds an advanced civilization of peaceful natives and disrupts their quaint customs like slavery and human sacrifice. We did get chocolate out of the deal, though.
1789 – In New York City, the first United States Congress meets, putting the Constitution of the United States into effect. Now when Congress meets, they either look for loopholes or ignore the document completely.
1797 – In the first ever peaceful transfer of power between elected leaders in modern times, John Adams is sworn in as President of the United States, succeeding George Washington. We’ve managed to pull off the same trick for over 200 years. I wonder if we will ever be able to squeeze out another…
1813 – Russian troops fighting the army of Napoleon reach Berlin in Germany and the French garrison evacuate the city without a fight. This is an act the French learn to do well.
1899 – Cyclone Mahina sweeps in north of Cooktown, Queensland, with a 12 m wave that reaches up to 5 km inland – over 300 dead. FEMA slow to respond. Bush widely blamed.
1911 – Victor Berger (Wisconsin) becomes the first socialist congressman in U.S. Now that’s 99% of the dimmocrats and more than a few “republicans”.
1945 – In the United Kingdom, Princess Elizabeth, later to become Queen Elizabeth II, joins the British Army as a driver. Beats the hell out of being a “community organizer”, doesn’t it?
1968 – Martin Luther King Jr announces plans for Poor People’s Campaign. Lyndon B. Johnson says “Ahhhhh! Voters!”
1972 – Libya and the Soviet Union sign a cooperation treaty. The Soviets supply Libya with live targets for the US Navy.
1974 – People magazine is published for the first time. This is what passes for news and literature for much of our electorate.
1980 – Nationalist leader Robert Mugabe wins a sweeping election victory to become Zimbabwe’s first black prime minister. He’s still in charge, bravely protecting his people from the evil white usurpers. (snort!)
