"Most of us take it for granted how great our country is. We have the freedom of speech, and the Presidents of our country have never taken control of our personal lives."
– Claire Cassidy, 10, student at St. Philip's in San Francisco
At a time when America is coming under criticism from many quarters, let us not forget how truly unique this country is. If there is any doubt … [Read more...] about The First Word:
The Greatest Country
Issues
The First Word:
President Reagan Remembered
From Ballyporeen to the White House, Niall O'Dowd looks at President Reagan's Irish background, and recalls an interview with the President's brother, Neil. "Today I come back to you as a descendant of people who were buried here in pauper's graves." Thus did President Ronald Wilson Reagan announce himself when he visited the Irish village of Ballyporeen Co. Tipperary. It was … [Read more...] about President Reagan Remembered
Ireland’s Season of ReJoyce
For millions of people, June 16 is always an extraordinary day. On that day in 1904, Leopold Bloom made his epic journey through Dublin as described by James Joyce in Ulysses, one of the world's most highly acclaimed modern novels. "Bloomsday" -- the St. Patrick's Day of literature -- has become a tradition for Joyce enthusiasts all over the world. Nowhere is Bloomsday more … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Season of ReJoyce
Irish Eye on Hollywood
When it comes to film festivals, the biggest news of the year has been Michael's Moore's big win of the Palme d'Or at Cannes for Fahrenheit 9/11, his controversial documentary on President George W. Bush Moore has always worn his Irish-American roots proudly on his sleeve, going so far as to say they played a role in his desire to question authority. A recent New Yorker … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood
Russert Speaks at Fordham University
Tim Russert was presented with an honorary doctorate from Fordham University after speaking at the graduation ceremony in New York on May 22, 2004. Russert has hosted Meet the Press for 12 years and is a political analyst for NBC Nightly News and the Today show. He anchors The Tim Russert Show on CNBC, MSNBC, and is a senior vice president and Washington bureau chief of NBC … [Read more...] about Russert Speaks at Fordham University