WASHINGTON TRIP: POLITICS & PROSE BOOKSTORE & COFFEE HOUSE
Politics & Prose Bookstore
Washington, D.C.
Photo by John White (2011)
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The main purpose of our recent trip to Washington, D.C. was to attend the book tour of Caroline Kennedy held at George Washington University.
Caroline Kennedy Book Display
In the Window of Politics & Prose
Photo by John White (2011)
The event was sponsored by Politics & Prose Bookstore & Coffee House which is located at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW.
We decided to go to the bookstore both to check it out as well as pick up Caroline's book & CDs.
We took the metro & then walked through the beautiful neighborhood to Politics & Prose.
On Our Walk to Politics & Prose
Along Connecticut Avenue
Photo by John White (2011)
We found the bookstore astir with activity, as it usually must be, as a "book talk" was in progress.
The stated purpose of Politics & Prose is to "offer superior service & unusual book choices" as well as to "serve as a gathering place for people interested in reading & discussing books."
The bookstore, which opened in 1984, hosts authors every night & won the "Bookstore of the Year Award" in 1999.
Politics & Prose is open Monday-Saturday 9 am - 10 pm & Sunday 10 am - 8 pm.
Check out their website at www.politics-prose.com
October 2, 1963
McNAMARA & TAYLOR RETURN FROM VIETNAM FACT-FINDING TRIP
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara & Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maxwell Taylor arrived back in Washington today to report to President Kennedy on their fact-finding trip to South Vietnam.
While the details of their report were not released, the White House issued the following statement:
"We will adhere to our policy of (assistance) to South Vietnam (in their battle against the Communists)."*
*It was not reported that McNamara & Taylor advised JFK to find an "exit strategy" for US forces in Southeast Asia.
October 2, 1962
JFK SIGNS UN LOAN BILL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy signed into law today here at the White House the United Nations Loan Bill.
The legislation will help the UN meet a financial crisis which was a result of the failure of some member nations to contribute to the peace-keeping forces in the Middle East & the Congo.
The bill provides up to $100 million in assistance.
United Nations Headquarters
New York City
Photo by Steve Cadman (2005)
October 2, 1951
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY LEAVES FOR EUROPE
New York City (JFK+50) Congressman John F. Kennedy of the 11th District of Massachusetts departed Idlewild Airport here in New York today bound for a tour of Europe, the Near East & the Far East.
The purpose of the trip, which is being funded by the Congressman himself, is to study political, military & economic conditions in these areas.
Traveling with the Congressman is his brother Robert & sister Patricia.
October 2, 1919
PRESIDENT WILSON SUFFERS STROKE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke today while attempting to recover from the collapse he experienced on an 8000 mile tour to promote the Versailles Treaty & League of Nations.
Wilson on Speaking Tour
Mr. Wilson left Washington by train on September 3 & had traveled across the nation speaking at various stops from the rear platform of his railroad car.
Late last month, however, he collapsed from exhaustion in Pueblo, Colorado & was immediately sent back to the White House.
The White House is not providing any additional information on the President's condition at this time.*
*The extent of the President's condition was kept from the public & apparently the cabinet. When he appeared at a meeting 6 months later, cabinet officers were stunned by his condition.
The stroke left him paralyzed on the left side & his vision was impaired.
Edith Wilson, the 1st Lady, "unconstitutionally" acted as President of the United States on her husband's behalf.
October 2, 1835
TEXAN REVOLT BEGINS AT GONZALES
Gonzales, Texas (JFK+50) Texans in revolt against the rule of General Santa Anna of Mexico crossed the Guadalupe River here in Gonzales last night & launched an attack on the Mexican Army this morning.
The Texans pulled along with them a single cannon & carried a homemade flag with a picture of the cannon & the words "Come & Take It".
The Texan rebels forced the Mexican army to retreat back to San Antonio de Bexar.*
*Although not much of a battle, newspapers called it "the Lexington of Texas" & historians refer to it as the beginning of the Texas Revolution.
