Today in History: The Pope’s Doves Attacked and many more

2014 – The Pope’s Doves Attacked

Two white “Peace” doves released by Pope Francis were attacked by a seagull and crow shortly after being set free. Thousands of people witnessed the attacks as they had been observing the Pope’s Angelus prayer.

2011 – Toyota Recalls 1,700,000 Cars

Nearly two million cars are recalled by the Japanese carmaker Toyota. The recall was initiated after reports that cracks may develop on fuel pipes leading to fuel leaks. Toyota recalled nearly twelve million cars in less than two years, tarnishing its reputation, especially in the United States.

2009 – Iceland Banking System Collapses

All three of Iceland’s major banks collapse ( Glitnir bank, Landsbankinn and Kaupthing ) following their difficulties in refinancing their short-term debt and a run on deposits in the United Kingdom. The first signs of problems came in 2008 when Icesave the online arm of the Reykjavik-based Landsbankian that attracted deposits from thousands of British and Dutch consumers collapsed. The Collapse forces the Prime Minister to Resign and the new Prime Minister Johanna Siguroardottir is appointed on February 1st.

1998 – Clinton / Lewinsky

President Bill Clinton appears on American Television and denies having “sexual relations” with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

1972 – Vietnam War

A recap was printed in a U.S. newspaper which revealed a summary of Nixon’s Eight-Point plan to end the Vietnam War. One of the actions revealed in this recount of Nixon’s plan was that of an action proposed eight months prior to this time.
The plan presented eight months prior was a plea for the release of all prisoners of war in exchange for U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam. In addition to U.S. withdrawal, this plan also included an agreement that South Vietnam’s Nguyen would step down come time for a new election.
It was also recorded in print on this day that Nixon had dispatched Henry Kissinger, his security advisor, to Paris at least a dozen times since August 4th, 1969. The reason for these attempted contacts was to make negotiations with North Vietnam.
In one news source, a quote by Nixon revealed what Nixon has said was the original withdrawal date from Vietnam-May 31, 1971. This plan was rejected by North Vietnam at the next private meeting which had taken plan on June 26th, only less than a month later.
Instead, North Vietnam made a counter nine-point offer that insisted that the U.S. overthrow the government of North Vietnam. If North Vietnam had accepted the United State’s original eight-point plan presented by Nixon, the U.S. troops would have withdrawn within six months and Indo-China cease-fire would have taken place.

Content source: The People History